IHFC Begins Expansion, Renovation of InterHall for Fall Market

Furniture World Magazine

IHFC has begun construction that will nearly double the size of InterHall as well as extensively renovate this popular exhibition area just beyond the new Commerce Wing lobby in time for the fall High Point Market. Responding to intense demand for space in the well-traveled aisles of InterHall, which opened as part of the Hamilton Wing in 1990, IHFC has begun leasing an additional 21 spaces. The expanded and renovated InterHall will feature six aisles -- up from three -- with 60 exhibitors of medium-high to high-end products covering the full range of product categories. Spaces will range from 350 to 1,400 square feet. "This exciting project is a continuation of our progress in remaking IHFC," said Tom Lindh, president. "It makes sense to put our best foot forward in InterHall, and that's what we're going to do. The new InterHall reinforces High Point's role as the industry's introduction market." The project follows -- and extends -- last year's massive renovation of the Commerce lobby that transformed IHFC's main entrance into a modern, upscale environment. While the new design preserves InterHall's open, engaging appeal, spaces will have permanent walls for the first time. Aisles will feature scored, stained concrete, and the ambience will be enhanced with halogen track lighting. Many of the design details are still under review. InterHall will also feature a limited number of "showcase rooms," a new concept at the market, according to Gaye Outlaw, who is managing the project. Selected IHFC exhibitors will spotlight vignettes of major new collections in these spaces scattered throughout InterHall, directing visitors to their showrooms. Opening in 1921, IHFC was the original showroom building in High Point and after 85 years of expansion remains the centerpiece of the world’s largest home-furnishings trade show that attracts more than 90,000 participants twice a year to 2,600 showrooms covering 11.5 million square feet. As “Market Central,” IHFC alone is home to 650 of the leading home-furnishings manufacturers, including 13 of the top 20 companies, and covers 3.5 million square feet.