Optimist Hall

Originally constructed as a textile mill in 1892, Optimist Hall is a 60,000-square-foot food hall and retail destination that has become one of Charlotte’s most beloved gathering places. Thoughtfully restored by Perkins+Will, the building preserves its soaring ceilings, expansive factory windows, and iconic smokestack while giving new life to one of the city’s defining industrial landmarks. While at Square Feet Studio, Holden led the design of the hall’s interior public spaces and courtyard while providing overall design direction for the project. Rather than competing with the historic architecture, the design sought to celebrate it, creating warm, inviting spaces that encourage people to gather, linger, and return. Inspired by the spinning and weaving processes once housed within the mill, the custom furnishings reinterpret the building’s industrial heritage through heart pine, raw steel, and carefully crafted details that feel as though they belong to the building itself. In 2021, Emily joined Holden to help expand the exterior seating and gathering spaces, strengthening the relationship between the hall and the adjacent greenway and creating new opportunities for dining, conversation, and community life outdoors.