Architectural - Planning

Built in 1913, Katherine Hall was dedicated as the “People’s Amusement Hall” and has played an important role for decades in the lives of the citizens of Ware Shoals. Over its history, the building housed everything from a bowling alley to the county nurse's office. With concerns regarding the building’s ability to continue to serve its citizens into the 21st century, the Town of Ware Shoals commissioned Design South to design a renovation that would ensure its compliance with building code, public safety and accessibility standards.

The renovation project encompasses five separate levels on three floors and approximately 19,000 square feet with a new major entrance, ramps, stairwells, and elevator. New functions include a senior citizens’ center, youth activity center, scout meetings, craft and dance classes, town administrative offices, and a new town council chamber, which doubles as a 120-seat community theater. Also incorporated into the project is a local history museum with a large reception area and spacious exhibit rooms. These improvements were planned to preserve as much as possible of the historic building’s exterior, while rejuvenating its interior to retain its role in the lives of the citizens of Ware Shoals.