Modernist Home of the Month: Hidden in Plain Sight, a Downtown Raleigh Office Gem
We’re switching things up for our November Modernist Home of the Month! When we came across this hidden modernist gem—in plain sight—in Downtown Raleigh, we knew it had to make our roundup of all things mod on the market. This month’s spotlight is a little different—it’s not a home but an office building!
Listed for $2,650,000 with Jason Queen and Leah Spear of Monarch Realty Co., this space at 850 W Morgan Street is a true standout. We’d love to connect you to an experienced commercial real estate buyer’s agent to represent your interests if this property has snagged your attention. Contact us today at 919-443-5143 to make an introduction. Even if you’re just window-shopping, it’s definitely a cool spot to drive by while exploring downtown!
The Details: Equinox II
Discover Equinox II, a remarkable 4,017-square-foot, two-story office building with an attic, located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh. Built in 1983, this all-masonry structure showcases a forward-thinking, passive solar design, blending sustainability with timeless innovation. True to its name, Equinox II embodies a harmonious balance of seasonal aesthetics and energy efficiency, making it a standout in modern architectural design.
The Layout
The centerpiece of Equinox II is its expansive central atrium, a multifunctional space that serves as both a vibrant gathering area and a key component of the building’s innovative solar design. Featuring sloped glazing, the atrium is crafted to maximize solar gain while naturally providing shade. Offices surrounding the atrium benefit from abundant natural light and indirect heat gain throughout the day, creating a bright and energy-efficient workspace.
Equinox II’s commitment to advanced energy performance remains true to its original 1983 design. The building’s original storefront and windows have been meticulously preserved, while modern upgrades—such as high-efficiency electric heat pumps and LED lighting—enhance its energy efficiency. Impressively, the building boasts an Energy Unit Intensity (EUI) of just 20.4 kBtu/SF/yr over the last decade, significantly outperforming the regional average of 77.8 kBtu/SF/yr.
By prioritizing passive design strategies, Equinox II provides lasting comfort without relying on complex automation or sensors. This enduring structure exemplifies the power of sustainable architecture, proving that thoughtful, forward-thinking design can lead to remarkable energy savings and a truly comfortable environment.
The Legacy of Efficiency
“Over the past four decades, Equinox has saved more than 9,000 MBTUs compared to a typical office building in the Southeast, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 240 single-family homes. Remarkably, it operates at 60% less energy consumption than a modern high-tech office building, proving that excellent design never goes out of style.
Equipped with integrated solar heating and cooling systems, Equinox II achieves an impressive 80% contribution to heating and a 30% reduction in cooling needs. The building’s high-mass envelope features 8” concrete block with 4” of exterior rigid insulation, clad in durable cement-based stucco. This unique construction not only serves as a robust shell but also functions as thermal storage. The building’s southern exposure, complemented by earth berms on the north, east, and west sides, enhances its energy conservation.”
The Location
Equinox II is zoned NX-4, a designation for Neighborhood Mixed-Use, making it an excellent fit for small businesses or developments that blend seamlessly with residential communities. Located in one of Downtown Raleigh’s most sought-after areas, this property is surrounded by dynamic growth and vibrant developments, adding to its appeal and potential.
The zoning provides flexibility for various development opportunities, including expanding the existing structure or transitioning to moderate-density residential (MR) zoning. MR zoning accommodates a diverse mix of housing types, such as single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, and duplexes, offering a range of possibilities for future use.
Additionally, there’s potential for the current tenant to remain in place, creating an attractive option for investors seeking a property with built-in tenancy. Whether you envision an expanded commercial space, residential development, or a hybrid project, Equinox II offers endless possibilities in an unbeatable location.
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