Design Notes
Whoever said you can’t mix business with pleasure clearly never partnered with Greenbrook Design. When the owners of the historic Campbell Building—also home to Greenbrook Design—envisioned transforming part of the space into a modern event venue, Uptown Indigo, along with a stylish loft apartment, our team embraced the challenge. We quickly developed a thoughtful plan to seamlessly integrate residential comfort with commercial functionality, demonstrating how great design can serve both work and lifestyle needs in one beautifully cohesive space.
The Challenges
Renovating the historic Campbell Building was far from a typical remodel. With nearly a century of stories behind its walls, this landmark in Uptown Shelby had served many purposes over the years—from a bustling department store offering everything imaginable to a home furnishings retailer. After a period of dormancy lasting twelve years, the building was ready to embark on a new chapter.
In 2014, the Shelby family became the second owners of the Campbell Building. With a vision of creating a versatile event venue capable of hosting everything from weddings to corporate gatherings, they began the journey to bring Uptown Indigo to life. That dream took nearly three years to realize—but the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
Given the historical significance of the building, preserving its character was a top priority. Salvaged wood from the original structure was repurposed into key design features, including the distinctive bar in the Steeples Lounge, adding warmth and authenticity to the space. With ample square footage available, the owners also opted to create a private residential retreat within the building. This presented a unique design challenge: to craft a personal space that felt private and serene while maintaining visual harmony with the adjacent event areas.
Our vision for the transformation began with Walker Woodworking, combining thoughtful craftsmanship with modern function, all while honoring the building’s storied past.
The Start Of An Adventure
The design of this project was heavily influenced by its unique location in the heart of Uptown Shelby. Positioned next to the historic First Baptist Church, the setting served as the inspiration for one of the venue’s most distinctive features—Steeples Lounge. This thoughtfully designed space offers guests a place to relax while enjoying panoramic views of Shelby’s iconic church steeples, which reach toward the sky.
The abundance of windows throughout the building allows natural light to flood the venue, creating an inviting and uplifting atmosphere throughout the day. As the sun sets, the space transforms into a warm, glowing environment—ideal for evening events and celebrations.
To maintain both beauty and practicality, a hidden door was seamlessly integrated near the bar, providing discreet access to additional storage space without compromising the venue’s clean, sophisticated aesthetic. These subtle yet impactful details help make Uptown Indigo a genuinely memorable and functional event destination.
Preserving History
Reclaimed wood from the original structure was thoughtfully repurposed as a striking feature in the fourth-floor bar, creating both a conversation starter and a meaningful tribute to the building’s past. This design choice adds a warm, rustic character to Steeples Lounge, giving the space a bold, masculine aesthetic that complements its elevated views and relaxed atmosphere.
Upon reaching the fourth floor, guests are immediately drawn to the full kitchen—an impressive and functional element that serves dual purposes. Not only is it available for use during private events, but it also functions as a personal kitchen for the building’s owners. Smart design decisions, such as the inclusion of the versatile Galley Sink, make the space both efficient and elegant.
While the private apartment loft is filled with thoughtful details, one of the most talked-about features is the bold green hue used in the Jack-and-Jill bathroom. Its unexpected color choice immediately draws attention, prompting questions and admiration. The result is a space that feels fresh, distinctive, and deeply personal.
Another standout in the residential space is the serene master bathroom. Designed to be a calming retreat, the room is anchored by a dramatic light fixture that serves as both a focal point and a source of soft, ambient light. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day, offering an ideal blend of luxury and comfort.
See more pictures and read more details about this fantastic project.
Worth The Wait
After more than a year of careful planning and dedicated effort, the owners’ vision has come to life in a space perfectly suited to both their lifestyle and business needs. Their cozy loft retreat offers a comfortable sanctuary, complete with a personal wet bar for relaxing evenings. The final outcome not only met their expectations but also exceeded them, delivering a space that is both functional and inviting.
The team at Greenbrook Design played an invaluable role throughout the process. As the owners reflected, “Greenbrook is truly exceptional. There were moments when I reconsidered choices after leaving the showroom, and the team embraced my evolving ideas with open arms. They provided essential guidance based on their expertise, striking a balance between aesthetics and practical needs—such as the cleverly integrated secret door to our storage room. Their thoughtful suggestions ensured every cabinet design throughout the building was perfectly tailored to our requirements.”
While the journey was not without its challenges, every obstacle was a worthwhile part of the process. The historic Campbell Building, a landmark in Uptown Shelby for nearly a century, continues to leave a lasting impression on all who experience it. Thanks to this thoughtful renovation, its legacy will endure—preserved for generations to come.
This Is Just The Beginning
Greenbrook Design is proud to occupy the first and second floors of the historic Campbell Building, and being so close to one of our own projects is truly rewarding. Every time we ascend to the third and fourth floors and see our work come to life, it’s a reminder of the meaningful impact thoughtful design can have.
We are delighted with how the Uptown Indigo project turned out and feel honored to have been part of this historic journey alongside the building’s owners. We wish them continued success as they create lasting memories in this remarkable space.
The Campbell Building remains a cherished landmark, poised to enrich our community for generations to come.
Greenbrook Design While cabinet hardware is essential for functionality, it’s also a key element in the overall look and feel of your space. When selecting hardware, there’s more to consider than just appearance. How do you want your cabinets to open? Do you prefer knobs, pulls, or a combination of both? Should you go with cup pulls for a traditional touch or sleek bar pulls for a modern edge?
These decisions may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on both the usability and aesthetic of your cabinetry. Hardware serves as the finishing touch—bringing together the design while also making everyday tasks more comfortable and intuitive.
Walker Woodworking You are ready to begin your renovation, but you are unsure whether you want to go with custom or semi-custom cabinets. While custom cabinets will provide you with the exact fit you need for your space, they are at the higher end of the price range. Semi-custom cabinets tend to be a more budget-friendly alternative while still giving you the style and function needed for your space. Many homeowners are discovering the benefits of choosing semi-custom cabinets and are learning that they can still get the look they want while staying within their budget. Let’s talk more about what semi-custom cabinets are, the benefits they bring to your project, and some of the options we offer here at Greenbrook Design.
We use it every day but hardly pay any attention to it, yet it can impact the overall design of the home. We are, of course, referring to your flooring, and its importance should not be overlooked or underestimated. It is the largest design element in the home, which means it tends to serve as the foundation of the look and feel in the room. It has the ability to make or break your space and is subconsciously the first thing we notice in a room. Since it is used consistently, it must be durable and functional for the particular area, whether slip-resistant or waterproof. Flooring should also complement the overall design style you choose and be carefully considered before finalizing your choice. Here are some aspects to remember when making your selection.
The kitchen backsplash tends to be overlooked during the planning session for a renovation, but it has a big impact on the overall look of the design, and it should not be underestimated. To many, it may seem like such a small element, but it has the power to bring style, class, and protection to the heart of the home. When walking through a model home or flipping pages in an interior design magazine, the kitchen always has a backsplash that often draws our eye. Coming in multiple sizes, styles, and shades, the kitchen backsplash has come a long way from being a simple surface to creating a glamorous highlight that immediately draws the eye.
Walker WoodworkingThis deficiency has led to a readjustment of space, a call to renovate the home, and to provide a more functional design for everyone. There are also other reasons motivating homeowners to reevaluate their current living situation, such as greater flexibility at home, an open concept, personal space, and plenty of storage. While kitchens and bathrooms are still among the most renovated areas in the home, new emphasis is being placed on four additional sections in the home, which we want to highlight today.
Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design