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RICH HISTORY: Quite the active intersection, this 1928 sanborn map illustrates the cultural center of Auburn's African-American community prior to integration. The structure at 274 Bragg houses a 'pool room' and three separate stores ('S') while an all-black public school, dance hall, and movie theater are adjacent to the building. Sadly, 274 Bragg is the only structure that remains.
RICH HISTORY: Quite the active intersection, this 1928 sanborn map illustrates the cultural center of Auburn's African-American community prior to integration. The structure at 274 Bragg houses a 'pool room' and three separate stores ('S') while an all-black public school, dance hall, and movie theater are adjacent to the building. Sadly, 274 Bragg is the only structure that remains.
POOL HALL SCALE: New living area replicates the volume and scale of the historic billiard parlor. [photo by Jean Allsopp]
POOL HALL SCALE: New living area replicates the volume and scale of the historic billiard parlor.
[photo by Jean Allsopp]
bragg avenue [BEFORE]
bragg avenue [BEFORE]
rich palette of existing textures
rich palette of existing textures
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MATERIAL HARVEST + REUSE: Existing concrete paving was carefully extracted and reused as permeable paving, walkways, and edging.
MATERIAL HARVEST + REUSE: Existing concrete paving was carefully extracted and reused as permeable paving, walkways, and edging.
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living area [BEFORE]
living area [BEFORE]
living area [AFTER] photo by Tim Patton
living area [AFTER]
photo by Tim Patton
kitchen [BEFORE]
kitchen [BEFORE]
kitchen [AFTER] photo by Tim Patton
kitchen [AFTER]
photo by Tim Patton
The original metal stamped ceiling tiles were carefully removed, restored, and rehung. Plaster replicas were formed to replace missing corner pieces.
The original metal stamped ceiling tiles were carefully removed, restored, and rehung. Plaster replicas were formed to replace missing corner pieces.
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Southern Delite Cafe occupied the building from 1961 to 1971. [photo by Time Patton]
Southern Delite Cafe occupied the building from 1961 to 1971.
[photo by Time Patton]
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laundry
laundry
photo by Tim Patton
photo by Tim Patton
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The former barber shop above [BEFORE] was reworked into the study hall.
The former barber shop above [BEFORE] was reworked into the study hall.
study hall [AFTER]
study hall [AFTER]
photo by Jean Allsopp
photo by Jean Allsopp
bedroom 2 [BEFORE]
bedroom 2 [BEFORE]
bedroom 2 [AFTER]
bedroom 2 [AFTER]
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Auburn, Alabama
Building Renovation + Site Design
2010 - 2012
 

274 bragg avenue

2013 Award of Merit
ASLA Alabama Chapter 
2013 Kitchen Grand Award 
Winner Watermark 
2012 Award of Merit 
AIA Alabama Chapter 
2012 Historic Preservation Award 
HBA of Alabama 
2011 Award of Merit 
AIA Montgomery Chapter 

Located within a stone’s throw of Auburn University and the quaint downtown of Auburn, Alabama, this structure was transformed from a cabinet shop and warehouse into a charming, yet industrial home. After work began, research revealed that the “Bragg House,” as it’s been affectionately christened, proved to have a more interesting past than expected. The brick structure was built in 1920 and records as early as 1928 reveal that the building was used as a local pool hall. Over the years, the structure has been adapted to accommodate a night club, grocery store, clothing store, cab company, recycling center, restaurant, and even a church. To explore the expanded historic timeline, click here.

Following in the rich lineage of building adaptation, this renovation revealed the historic patina of the structure while adapting the space to the needs of a young, growing family. Work began in 2010. To observe the construction process, click here.