Troy Street Common is the product of a proactive design charrette undertaken by Upland Architects to explore the adaptive reuse potential of a notable commercial property in Fall River, Massachusetts. Located just outside the City’s historic downtown, the 7,500-square-foot warehouse-style building was formerly home to American Wallpaper & Design Center, a family-run business that closed its brick-and-mortar store in 2021 after nearly a century of operation.

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Recognizing the architectural character and strategic visibility of the property, Upland initiated a speculative design study to envision how the site might be reimagined to serve modern commercial needs. The building is one of the few mercantile structures in its neighborhood with dedicated parking and high street visibility—making it a compelling candidate for revitalization.

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Upland’s design concept reimagined the existing industrial shell as a multi-tenant mercantile and business center. The proposed layout carved the structure into four flexible, white-box commercial spaces: two at 1,500 square feet, one at 2,000 square feet, and one at 2,500 square feet. The design emphasized a low-investment, high-impact approach that preserved the building’s industrial character while improving its functionality and marketability.

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Exterior improvements included black garage-style storefronts for each unit, distinct tenant sign bands, ambient building lighting, a fresh coat of paint, and a branded property sign. A newly paved and landscaped parking lot softened the hard urban edges and improved curb appeal. Interior modifications involved complete demolition of the former store’s interior, new tenant demising walls, separated utilities, individual restrooms, and dedicated service entrances for each unit.

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Troy Street Common showcases Upland Architects’ commitment to urban revitalization through self-directed design—spotlighting opportunities in overlooked spaces and offering forward-thinking solutions without waiting for a formal commission.