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.
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