C.J. Kern Building, Greensboro

The C.J. Kern Building, constructed in 1918, is a striking example of Neoclassical architecture nestled in the heart of Greensboro’s vibrant South Elm Street district. Distinguished by its stately Ionic columns and prominent triangular pediment, the building's façade pays tribute to early 20th-century design ideals that emphasized symmetry, grandeur, and permanence-fitting for a structure originally built as a downtown bank.

Located in a bustling pedestrian-friendly area, the C.J. Kern Building is surrounded by some of Greensboro’s most popular dining, nightlife, and boutique shopping destinations. Just steps from the Community Theatre and adjacent to trendy restaurants like Mellow Mushroom, the building is part of a lively urban corridor where historic charm meets contemporary culture.

Inside, the building still showcases elegant original details from its banking past, including soaring plaster ceilings, decorative skylights, vintage transom doors, and even two old vaults-one on the ground floor and another in the basement. These elements offer a glimpse into the building’s storied past while adding character to its current use.

Today, the C.J. Kern Building functions as a mixed-use space, housing offices and an art gallery. The second floor serves as the headquarters for Morgan Surveying, operated by the building’s current owner. With five private parking spaces tucked behind the structure and easy pedestrian access, the building continues to serve as a vital hub in the ongoing revitalization of South Elm Street.

Both architecturally significant and economically active, the C.J. Kern Building stands as a well-preserved icon of Greensboro’s past and a symbol of its dynamic downtown future.