CHARLESTON -- A high-end luxury retailer that leased a prominent, long-vacant peninsula landmark last year is starting to show its hand.
An exterior lighting plan for a new "Gallery" outlet being proposed by RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, is on the Board of Architectural Review's meeting agenda scheduled for this week.
The renderings filed with city show the California company's logo over a corner entrance for the Wegener Building at East Bay and Queen streets. They also depict a new, undefined rooftop structure surrounded by palm trees.
RH declined to comment Aug. 11.
The plans identify what would be the retailer's first South Carolina outlet as "Gallery on East Bay Street."
A Chicago-based design consultant is seeking approval to to install dimmable exterior accent lighting fixtures at 161 East Bay "that will enhance the historic detailing of this landmark" and "complement the architectural character of the building," according to the renderings.
The BAR is scheduled to consider the request Aug. 13.
RH signed an initial 15-year lease last fall for the three-story brick structure and a nearby parking lot but did not respond at the time to questions about its plans.
The retailer would revive a high-profile 1880s-era building a few blocks south of the City Market that's sat empty for more than seven years. Most recently, it was home to Lagunitas Brewing Co., a craft-beer pioneer that abandoned its short-lived Holy City taproom after it discovered serious and costly structural issues in early 2018.
The 16,300-square-foot property has since been shored up.
Last year, London-based Soho House & Co. Inc. reversed course without explanation and canceled plans to open one of its private social clubs in the Wagener Building.
RH is a publicly traded, self-described "curator" of pricey home furnishings and interior design services that has been investing heavily in the experiential luxury shopping trend. Its other Gallery-branded retail locations typically include restaurants, wine bars and other amenities.
"We believe there is an opportunity to address new markets locally by opening design offices in neighborhoods, towns, and small cities where the wealthy and affluent live, visit and vacation," CEO Gary Friedman told investors during an earnings call in September.
The Corte Madera, Calif.,-based chain's top executive has been avoided routine commercial spaces to focus on renovated landmarks or lavish new buildings.
"We believe great architecture amplifies and renders our product and brand more valuable," Friedman said in a November statement announcing the completion of RH Raleigh, also known as The Gallery at North Hills.