Briggs Hardware Building

Briggs Hardware Building is a four-story red brick structure on Fayetteville Street with light-colored accents and medieval-inspired window hoods. The interior relies on a central skylight for natural light since the street-facing walls have no side windows.

The building was constructed in 1874 and remained the tallest structure in Raleigh for over three decades. The original Briggs Hardware store continued to operate there until 1995.

The upper floors once housed the city's first YMCA and served as a rehearsal space for the Oak City Guard. This made the building a gathering place for social and community activities in downtown Raleigh.

This downtown building is easy to reach on foot along Fayetteville Street and viewing the exterior can be done from the sidewalk. The architectural details are most visible and appreciated from street level, making it a straightforward stop during a walk through the area.

Owner Thomas Briggs reportedly financed the construction using gold and silver coins he had buried during the Civil War. He had hidden these valuables to protect them from possible seizure by Union forces.

Location: Raleigh

GPS coordinates: 35.77738,-78.63980

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:41