Upland Architects proudly partnered with Rutherford County in the bold transformation of a former 40,690 square foot Bi-Lo Shopping Center into a dynamic new hub for public services. Centrally located at 145 College Avenue in Rutherfordton, the completed facility now houses the County’s Library, Revenue Department, Veterans Services, and Elections Department, all under one roof with abundant on-site parking.

 

This adaptive reuse project not only brought together essential community services in a highly accessible location but also demonstrated the County’s fiscal responsibility by saving millions through repurposing an existing structure rather than building new. Upland Architects embraced the exciting challenge of converting the former retail exterior into an iconic civic presence that reflects the County’s identity and commitment to service.

 

In addition to leading the architectural design, Upland Architects worked in close collaboration with Rutherford County and their Project Manager to oversee construction, ensuring that every phase was thoughtfully executed and aligned with the County’s vision. Our team also led the comprehensive interior fit-out of the entire facility, including programming and furniture procurement across all departments.

 

We approach furniture procurement as an extension of the architectural process, one that directly supports functionality, enhances user experience, and reinforces design intent. For this project, we partnered with Carolina Furnishing + Design, a trusted North Carolina–based firm, to furnish a wide range of environments, including office suites, a Community Room with a test kitchen, and a state-of-the-art public library with dedicated zones for children, teens, and adults. Each space required a tailored furnishing strategy, with careful attention to accessibility, safety, and long-term durability. We worked closely with department leadership to develop layouts, materials palettes, and performance-based product options, ensuring each area met the operational needs and identity of its users.

 

Through strategic design and close collaboration, the project transformed a vacant commercial space into a vibrant civic hub that reflects the values and needs of the community it now serves. This forward-thinking, adaptive reuse approach offers a compelling alternative to traditional municipal development by demonstrating how growing communities can repurpose readily available vacant spaces in place of costly ground-up construction. By embracing this model, Rutherford County has set an example for cost-effective, efficient civic investment while creating a lasting source of pride and long-term value for its residents.

 

The project was completed with the support of a talented team of consultants and builders, including NY Engineers (MEP and Life Safety Engineering), Solid Rock Structural, PLLC (Structural Engineering), BEAM Construction Company, Inc. (General Contractor), and Carolina Furnishing + Design. Together, this team brought new life to a former retail site, turning it into a lasting civic resource for the people of Rutherford County.