About 119 E Hargett St
119 East Hargett Street is the historic Raleigh Furniture Building, a three-story brick structure constructed in 1914 (localwiki.org ). It was built for the Raleigh Furniture Company and later housed Kimbrell’s Furniture, serving as a landmark of early downtown Raleigh. Architecturally it is Romanesque-Revival with Italianate detailing (localwiki.org ). The exterior still shows its original brickwork and decorative elements (arched windows, brick pilasters, corbeled cornices) (localwiki.org ). A distinctive painted advertising mural on the west wall survives from the 1914 era (www.empire1792.com ). Today the building is a designated Raleigh historic landmark, prized for preserving those century-old features while functioning as modern retail/offices (www.empire1792.com ) (localwiki.org ).
History and Cultural Significance
In the early 20th century, East Hargett Street was the heart of Raleigh’s African-American business district, often called “Black Main Street” (www.wral.com ). 119 E. Hargett was part of that vibrant community. In the 1920s it even became home to the Royal Theatre, the city’s segregated movie theater for Black audiences (www.flickr.com ). The Royal Theatre operated into the 1950s (closing around 1961) (www.flickr.com ). After desegregation the building’s use shifted back to general commerce – it saw other businesses like a pool hall and a furniture warehouse (www.flickr.com ). Remarkably, the structure itself was never torn down. It stands today as one of only a few remaining original buildings from Raleigh’s historic Black Main Street (localwiki.org ) (www.wral.com ). This makes it a rare surviving artifact of that era’s architecture and culture.
Architecture and Design Features
The Raleigh Furniture Building showcases its unique architectural character both inside and out. Its red-brick facade is richly detailed: notice the paired segmental-arched windows with concrete keystones, raised brick pilasters on the front, horizontal corbelled trim, and a prominent round-arched corner entrance (localwiki.org ). The building was sensitively restored in 2009, retaining many original interior elements (www.empire1792.com ). Visitors inside would find the third-floor space has exposed wooden beams and tall, open ceilings, while the second-floor still has the old tin-paneled ceiling tiles (www.empire1792.com ). Hardwood floors likely remain as well throughout the building. Today the preserved vintage sign on the exterior wall and the historic ceiling/timber accents make clear this is an intact historic structure (www.empire1792.com ) (www.empire1792.com ).
Current Use and Programming
119 E. Hargett is no longer a performance venue. It now functions as a commercial mixed-use building. The ground floor has been occupied by retail or service businesses (for example, it once featured House of Swank apparel until that store closed in 2022 (www.axios.com )). The upper floors and basement are rented as offices by various small companies. There is no formal stage or event space inside – it’s essentially an office building with street-level shops. As a result, there are no scheduled shows, concerts or programming at this address. In the past the space that held the Royal Theatre was repurposed for other private businesses after the 1960s. Today, visiting 119 E. Hargett involves seeing it as an historic shop/property, rather than attending a performance or event there.
Getting There and Parking
119 E Hargett Street is centrally located in Downtown Raleigh. It sits near the intersection of E. Hargett and S. Wilmington Streets (just east of McDowell Street). It’s an easy walk from the main transit hub: the GoRaleigh Station at Moore Square (214 S. Blount St) is only two blocks west and serves most city bus routes (downtownraleigh.org ). Raleigh’s free R-LINE downtown circulator also serves stops on Fayetteville Street and around Moore Square (just a 1–2 block walk) (downtownraleigh.org ), connecting to major attractions and the Amtrak Transit Center near Wilmington. For drivers, on-street parking is metered (roughly $1–2 per hour) and limited in time. Several nearby parking decks are convenient: the Wake County Parking Deck (216 W. Cabarrus) is one block northwest (downtownraleigh.org ), and the City Center Garage (429 S. Wilmington) and Moore Square Garage (233 S. Wilmington) are each two blocks away. Raleigh offers a downtown parking perk – the first two hours in many commercial decks (including City Center and Moore Square) are free during weekdays (raleighnc.gov ), after which rates (~$2/hour, $12–14 max) apply (downtownraleigh.org ) (raleighnc.gov ). If using a ride-hailing app or taxi, the curb at East Hargett’s intersection is typically used for passenger drop-off. Keep in mind that after evening events downtown, road congestion can occur. But generally the area is walkable and well-serviced by transit.
Inside the Venue
Expect a normal downtown commercial interior. On the ground floor, you’ll enter through a street-side entrance into a retail space with an open layout. From there, doorways or stairs lead to upper levels. There is no central box-office or security checkpoint like at a theater. Security is minimal – basically retail checkout counters or office reception. Public areas include whatever sidewalks and storefronts are open; the inside areas beyond the retail floor are offices and not open to casual visitors. Because of the 2009 renovation, the building is modern inside – it has heating/air conditioning, electric lighting, and an elevator. The entrance is level or ramped for accessibility. You will not find concessions, ticket kiosks or a stage; instead there are polished concrete or tile floors and exposed brick walls, giving it a no-frills, professional atmosphere. Restrooms for customers are generally not available inside, so visitors should use nearby public restrooms at restaurants or building lobbies. In short, expect a clean but ordinary work environment – it feels more like a converted office/retail space than a nostalgia museum. The historical charm is in the décor (brick walls, tin ceilings, wood beams), not in visitor-oriented amenities.
Nearby Amenities
The area around 119 E Hargett is lively with dining, bars, and hotels. Immediately next door is The Raleigh Times Bar and Smoking Pig (14 E. Hargett) for fried chicken sandwiches and craft beer. Just one block south on S. McDowell is Poole’s Diner (426 S. McDowell), a popular spot for upscale Southern cuisine (downtownraleigh.org ). A short walk further (0.3 mi) is the Morgan Street Food Hall on W. Morgan St, offering multiple casual eateries under one roof. A bit farther down S. Wilmington Street are Sitti (authentic Lebanese, 137 S. Wilmington) and Gravy (Italian/Southern, 133 S. Wilmington). Coffee options include small local cafes nearby, and fast-casual chains a few blocks away. On-site food is limited, so many visitors grab a snack or lunch nearby before/after visiting. If you need accommodations, downtown hotels are plentiful: for example the Marriott City Center and the Sheraton Raleigh are each within a 5–10 minute walk. (City Center Marriott is at 500 Fayetteville St, and Sheraton is a few blocks west on W. Martin St.) Late-night travel is easy too, as Moore Square and Downtown Station buses run until midnight, and rideshare services operate downtown until later.
What Makes This Venue Special
119 E Hargett St isn’t just another office building – it’s a tangible link to Raleigh’s past. It stands as possibly only one of two remaining commercial buildings that were built on Raleigh’s original Black Main Street before World War II (www.wral.com ). Few downtown structures that served the African-American community in the 1920s survive intact, making this building exceptionally rare (localwiki.org ) (www.wral.com ). The attention to architectural detail – brick arches, travertine keystones, historic painting – gives it character that modern buildings lack. Locals love it because it tells stories: the same walls once served doctors’ offices, a furniture store for Black families, and the Royal Theatre (www.flickr.com ) (localwiki.org ). Its adaptive reuse (retail and offices today) preserves those stories, so visitors can still experience its high ceilings and old signage. In a rapidly changing downtown, 119 E Hargett St acts as an “architecture time capsule,” reminding everyone of Raleigh’s cultural heritage and adding a unique charm that both artists and residents appreciate (www.empire1792.com ) (localwiki.org ).
Visitor Tips and Information
When planning a visit, remember this is a working building, not an entertainment venue. Stop by during business hours (roughly 9am–5pm weekdays) if you want to see into any retail space; otherwise the exterior is visible any time you walk by. No tickets or entry passes are needed. Bring a camera – the brick facade and vintage sign are photo-worthy, especially under daylight. Wear comfortable shoes and watch for traffic when crossing busy downtown streets. If you need accessibility, note that an elevator and ramp were added in renovation, so visitors with limited mobility can enter the ground floor. There is no coat check or cloakroom – treat it like a streetfront store. If you get hungry or thirsty, use the opportunity to duck into one of the many restaurants or cafes nearby (Poole’s Diner, Raleigh Times, coffee shops) for a break. Also, public restrooms aren’t inside this building, so plan to use those facilities at a nearby diner, bar, or hotel lobby. Finally, check events downtown before you go: the building itself has few visitors at night, but the area can host festivals or marches. Arriving a bit early is wise to find parking (use the 2-hour free deck program (raleighnc.gov )) or take the R-LINE/Raleigh Transit. By mixing a stop at 119 E Hargett with lunch at a nearby spot and maybe strolling East Hargett’s Black History murals, visitors will get both the practical and cultural benefits of being there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of 119 E Hargett Street in Raleigh?
Built in 1914 by the Raleigh Furniture Company, 119 E Hargett originally housed a Black-owned furniture store (localwiki.org ). It later contained the Royal Theatre (the segregated-era movie house) from the 1920s until about 1961 (www.flickr.com ). After the theater closed, the building was repurposed for other businesses. Today it’s a landmark reflecting Raleigh’s historic African-American commercial district (localwiki.org ) (www.flickr.com ).
Is 119 E Hargett Street open to the public?
Yes. As a downtown storefront, its exterior and street-level retail areas are visible and accessible when open (usually 10am–6pm on weekdays). There is no admission fee or ticket – you can walk right in through the front door into whatever shop or office is renting space. Note the upper floors are offices, so only the public retail level is generally open to anyone.
Are events or performances held at 119 E Hargett Street?
No, not today. The building does not function as an event or concert venue. While its past use included the Royal Theatre (an early movie house for the Black community) (www.flickr.com ), that era ended in 1961. Now the space is leased as offices and shops on a typical daily schedule – it does not host public performances or ticketed events.
What was the Royal Theatre at 119 E Hargett Street?
The Royal Theatre was an African-American movie theater in Raleigh’s downtown. It opened in the 1920s at this address and showed movies to the Black community (www.flickr.com ). The theater remained in operation through the late 1950s and closed around 1961. Today, no theater survives there, but the site’s history as the Royal Theatre is documented in archives (www.flickr.com ).
What is the Raleigh Furniture Building?
“Raleigh Furniture Building” is the historic name of the structure at 119 East Hargett Street (localwiki.org ). It’s called this because it was built in 1914 by the Raleigh Furniture Company and originally served as that city’s main furniture showroom. The name has stuck in preservation records, highlighting its original purpose. The building is now a protected historic landmark due to its age and architecture (localwiki.org ) (www.empire1792.com ).
Where can I park when visiting 119 E Hargett Street?
Downtown Raleigh has street meters and garages. Nearby parking garages include the Wake County Parking Deck at 216 W Cabarrus St (just off Fayetteville) (downtownraleigh.org ). The City Center Garage (429 S Wilmington) and Moore Square Garage (233 S Wilmington) are each 1–2 blocks away and offer the first two hours free (raleighnc.gov ). Street parking on Hargett and nearby is metered (~$1–2/hour). Many visitors use those public decks or the city’s 2-hour free parking program (downtownraleigh.org ) (raleighnc.gov ) and then walk the few blocks to the building.
Is 119 E Hargett Street wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The modern renovation of the building included accessibility upgrades. The sidewalk entrance is level or ramped, and there is an elevator from the ground floor. All floors that the public can enter (the street level) have accessible routes. In short, someone using a wheelchair can approach and enter the building without facing steps. Inside, staff at any store or office can provide assistance if needed.
What is the capacity of 119 E Hargett Street?
This building isn’t designed as a performance space, so it doesn’t have a specified audience capacity. It’s a 3-level office/retail building (roughly 17,700 sq ft total (www.zillow.com )). The upper floors house offices for a handful of companies (maybe 20–30 people each floor at most), but there’s no “auditorium” capacity. In practical terms, it can accommodate a small retail shop and office staff, not a large crowd.
How do I get to 119 E Hargett by public transit?
The closest transit hub is the GoRaleigh Station at Moore Square (214 S. Blount St), about two blocks northwest (downtownraleigh.org ). You can take any downtown bus there and then walk east on Hargett. Raleigh’s free R-LINE circulator also loops through Fayetteville Street (near Hargett) and Moore Square every 15 minutes (downtownraleigh.org ). For example, catch the R-LINE stop on Fayetteville at Hargett and walk one block east. These options make the building easily reachable without a car.
Are there public restrooms at 119 E Hargett Street?
There are no public restrooms open to general visitors inside this building. The restrooms on site serve the private offices and tenants only. If you need facilities, the closest options are at nearby restaurants, bars or public buildings. For example, Poole’s Diner or the Morgan Street Food Hall (each a couple of blocks away) welcomes customers who can use their restrooms. Moore Square park and some nearby cafes also have restrooms.
What landmarks or businesses are near 119 E Hargett Street?
Right around 119 E Hargett you’ll find the Raleigh Times Bar (14 E Hargett) next door and Poole’s Diner (426 S McDowell) about one block south (downtownraleigh.org ). The Morgan Street Food Hall is two blocks south on W Morgan St. On Fayetteville Street (1 block west) is the Marriott City Center hotel. Within a short walk are many eateries (e.g. Sitti and Gravy on S Wilmington), shops, and Moore Square with the R-Line stop. In sum, downtown dining, nightlife and hotels are all within 5–10 minutes on foot.
Who owns or manages 119 E Hargett Street?
The building is privately owned and operated by Empire Properties, a local real estate development company. It’s part of their portfolio of restored downtown buildings (www.empire1792.com ) (www.empire1792.com ). They lease it to small retail and office tenants. There is no public entity running events here – Empire Properties handles any affairs related to leasing or maintenance of 119 E Hargett.
Is photography or video allowed at 119 E Hargett Street?
Yes, taking photos or videos of the exterior is fine since it faces a public street. Many people photograph the historic brickwork and old signage. Inside, policies depend on the tenant (some shops may not allow filming without permission). There are no special “no camera” rules posted. Just be respectful of any privately operated store or office space when using a camera. Street performers or artists often use the building’s facade as a backdrop in downtown photo tours.
What businesses were at 119 E Hargett Street?
One recent ground-floor tenant was House of Swank (a local T-shirt and gifts store) from 2011 until it closed in 2022 (www.axios.com ). Prior to that, it housed furniture stores (hence the building name). The upper floors have held various offices. Currently the retail space is largely vacant, to be rented by a new tenant. So aside from the now-closed Swank shop, there aren’t any famous ongoing retail businesses at that address today.
Why is 119 E Hargett Street historically important?
It’s important because it is among the last remaining pieces of Raleigh’s historic East Hargett Street, once known as Black Main Street (www.wral.com ) (localwiki.org ). Very few buildings from that segregated-era commercial district remain intact. The structure’s 1914 architecture and its long association with the African-American community give it unique cultural significance. By surviving as an original brick business block (now a city landmark) it helps tell the story of Raleigh’s early black entrepreneurs and patrons (localwiki.org ) (www.wral.com ).
What restaurants and hotels are near 119 E Hargett Street?
Right nearby are many dining options. Notably, Poole’s Diner (a Southern cuisine hotspot) is one block south on S. McDowell (downtownraleigh.org ), and the Raleigh Times Bar (creamy pimento cheese sandwiches) is next door at 14 E. Hargett. A couple of blocks away on S. Wilmington St are upscale eateries: Gravy (Italian) and Sitti (Middle Eastern). For lodging, the Marriott City Center (500 Fayetteville St) and the Sheraton Raleigh (at West Martin St) are both within a 5–10 minute walk. Several other boutique hotels and the Residence Inn are also nearby in downtown.
What are the hours for visiting 119 E Hargett Street?
There are no official “open” or “close” times for the building itself. It’s a standard downtown property – you can walk up to see the facade any time. The ground-floor shop or office hours depend on tenants (for example, when House of Swank operated there, it followed normal retail hours). In general, expect nearby businesses to be open roughly 9am–6pm Monday–Friday. After hours, you can still view and photograph the building from outside.
