Hall of Fame Finds New Home

March 28, 2019  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, High Point, Industry, Market   

“We have been discussing the move towards a permanent home for some time, but this is a tangible step which brings us closer to reality.  It is an incredibly poignant moment for the Hall of Fame and one to be celebrated by the entire industry,” said David Gebhart, president of the Foundation board of directors, and founder and CEO of Global Views.  “We are thrilled to take this landmark move to secure a showplace that is worthy of this industry and our Hall of Fame.”

“Our new home will enable us to honor our inductees and celebrate their achievements as well as to feature world-class displays, to expand our library, and to tell our story to the industry and to consumers,” said Larry Rogers, building committee chair and retired president and CEO of Sealy Inc.  “We have been diligent in our search for a worthy home within walking distance of the center of the Showroom District in order to make it easily accessible during Market.  At the same time, we will establish a place for visitors to experience the inspiring world of home furnishings in the Home Furnishings Capital of the World.” 

Built in 1996, the beautiful two-story structure features 14 ft. ceilings, an impressive two-story atrium with natural stone and a grand double staircase in the entryway. It will house the Foundation’s memorabilia, library and the Hall of Fame Foundation offices.  In addition, other industry organizations have expressed an interest in locating their offices in the building, with shared meeting space to support synergy among the various industry associations. It also will be available to rent for outside events, both for the industry as well as the community.

Last year, the Foundation hired its first curator and historian as an important step in fulfilling the part of its mission to preserve the history of the home furnishings industry and to tell our story.  The Hall of Fame has been instrumental in preserving the organization’s current memorabilia and extensively researching and visiting other museums to lay the groundwork for our new home furnishings exhibits.  The new space will allow the Foundation to expand its collections and to preserve materials for future generations.

“We are an organization that embraces the entire industry and we look forward to sharing our new home with all segments of home furnishings in the heart of market,” said Gebhart.  “You will soon hear more from us about upcoming support and plans for our new home.”