in a class of its own

Built in 1930, this twelve-story Frank B. Simpson designed steel-framed structure was constructed by The Capital Club, a prominent Raleigh men's social organization, in the tradition of the Chicago skyscrapers of its era. Pairing classical form with Art Deco accents, the building visually expresses the propriety and high hopes of the 1920's. It underwent a thorough restoration in 1992 and has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since December 5, 1985. The Grand Ballroom situated on the top floor was renovated in 2005. It now showcases its original hardwood floors and art deco moldings as it was in its original state.

The Capital Club was chartered in 1885 for "literary and social purposes." In 1898, it purchased the corner of Martin and Salisbury Streets for $4,500 and built a three-story house. By 1928, the building was razed to begin the twelve-story Capital Club Building. Frank B. Simpson was the architect. When the building opened in 1930, 80 percent of its 40,000 square feet of office space was occupied.

After two years and a cost of $280,000, the Capital Club Building opened on November 14, 1930. The top three floors were used for the Capital Club: billiards room, four card rooms, gymnasium, locker rooms, and showers on the 10th; reading room, club lounge, men's and women's rest rooms on the 11th; and a combination dining and ballroom, service kitchen, and the tiled and trellised roof garden on the 12th.

The 1930's

A Raleigh gentleman visits the basement barber shop of the Capital Club Building for his morning shave, a trim, and the latest local scoop from his barber. He stops by his eighth floor office for messages, and then he's off for a final fitting with his tailor on the third floor and a late morning appointment with his broker on the sixth floor.

Promptly at noon, he meets his wife for luncheon at the Capital Club Dining Room on the twelfth floor. It's a spring day, so they decide to dine outside on the trellised roof garden. Before strolling to the Capitol for an afternoon committee meeting, he stops in the Club's reading lounge for his paper and a panatela.

When completed in 1930, the Capital Club Building represented an era of elegance-in style, in comfort, and in convenience. At the same time, it offered its gentlemen members and guests the luxury of its splendid features and facilities: solid oak doors, with gleaming gold gilt windows, leading into spacious suites of offices; the warmth of oak in the trim and the moldings; high ceilings and tall windows providing abundant natural light; specialty shops in the lobby serving both tenants and the public. All of this was located conveniently at the hub of Raleigh's political, financial, and social life.

The Historic Capital Club Building was completely restored in 1985. After 45 years, this distinct historic structure was restored to its original glory and was put on the National Register of Historic Places.

We invite you to have your event in the 'The Grand Ballroom'

Let The Grand Ballroom serve as the iconic location for your important event. Situated in the heart of downtown Raleigh on the twelfth floor of the Historic Capital Club Building, The Grand Ballroom is the perfect location for meetings, presentations, corporate events, holiday parties, weddings, receptions, fundraisers, anniversary parties and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.

The Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 150 guests. Tables and chairs are available for rent upon request. Facility rates vary based on the time of year, day of the week and the number of hours the facility is needed.

 

Corporate Events/Meetings

Let The Grand Ballroom serve as the unique location for your company's next event. Situated in the heart of downtown Raleigh on the twelfth floor of the Historic Capital Club Building, The Grand Ballroom is well positioned as a corporate space for meetings and presentations, as well as holiday parties and other corporate social events. The main room offers panoramic views of downtown Raleigh and tremendous flexibility of use. The Grand Ballroom has open space, two conference/board rooms and flex space that can be utilized for events ranging from intimate retreats, staff, and board meetings to larger meeting space with breakout rooms.

Social Events

The Grand Ballroom is suitable for nearly any kind of special event, from holiday to birthday and anniversary parties to fundraisers. With its historical elegance, the open floor plan and neutral décor afford event hosts a wide range of layout and decoration options. Events can be customized further with use of entertainers and other vendors of choice.

Weddings

The Grand Ballroom is situated atop the Historic Capital Club Building in one of the few venues that offers panoramic views of downtown Raleigh. Let us provide the location for you and your guests to enjoy the elegance of a bygone era. The Grand Ballroom can be the venue for your wedding, wedding reception, bridal luncheon, and bridal shower, as well as your bridal photo shoot before your special day. Rental of The Grand Ballroom includes full use of the ballroom and entire 12th floor, as well as a special bride/bridesmaid suite on the 11th floor.

Catering

Please contact us for a list of approved caterers.

Entertainment

Coming Soon

Other Services

Valet Parking

Elevator Attendant

Security

Florists

Photographers

Wedding Planners

Florists

16 West Martin Street, Raleigh NC 27601