Paul Wilson fell in love with the 12-foot tin ceiling inside the building that resides at 136 S. Cochran Avenue in downtown Charlotte. The ceiling and its historical appeal is a big reason he purchased the building this past year, planning to establish deeper roots for his business, Captain’s Cabinetry, in the Charlotte community.
For the past four months, Wilson and his team have taken great care in restoring the building to its former glory in time for an October opening.
“We put in all new electrical, an all new heating system, an air exchange system in the basement, new tile floors, new front and back doors,” Wilson said. “We wanted people to come in and feel the history in this place. We wanted them to feel that they were in the right place, to look around and see the attention to details, and know that we do a nice level of work.”
Wilson said his plans include a new front and rear façade in 2018. For now, he and store manager Judy Wonch are busy getting the showroom floor finished. Several displays still have to be put in, and much work is to be done before the store is completed on the inside.
“It’s a work in progress,” Wilson said. “It took a lot of time to preserve that ceiling, but it was worth it.”
Captain’s Cabinetry had just celebrated 10 years of business in 2016 when Wilson realized it was time to find a permanent home. Having leased its space since forming in 2006, Wilson knew it was time to own. The only question remaining was where.
Knowing that a bulk of his business came from outside the Charlotte community, he and Wonch contemplated moving to neighboring communities. In the end, Captain’s Cabinetry’s ties to Charlotte proved to be too strong.
“The decision was made, we don’t ever want to leave Charlotte,” Wilson said. “We want to be a positive part of the community’s future.”
Wilson and Wonch have always been strong supporters of the Charlotte business community, often advising customers from outside of the community as to places to shop and eat in town. They collaborate regularly with Custom Home Interiors on projects and often send customers down to Fay’s Evelyn Bay to grab a coffee or baked goods with a small gift card.
“We bring a lot of people into this community,” Wonch said of customers visiting from outside of Charlotte. “We are often asked, ‘where’s a good place to eat?’ or ‘where’s a good place to shop?’”
Wilson said the new location will add to the many positives taking place in Charlotte.
“We had to decide if Charlotte was worth the risk,” Wilson said. “We decided that it’s the way to go. This town has a lot of positives. We just have to stay out of the way and let the momentum keep going.”
Captain’s Cabinetry offers cabinets, countertops, lighting, sinks, faucets, toilets, tubs and showers. Items range in price from affordable to custom work. Countertops are available in granite, quartz, solid surface or laminate.
Wonch said the showroom provides a relaxed atmosphere for customers to browse selections and envision what their new kitchen or bath could look like.
Captain’s Cabinetry, located at 136 S. Cochran in downtown Charlotte, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Evening and weekend hours are available by appointment. Call (517) 543-0363 for more information.
