Maurer Architecture designs retail spaces that invite people to linger, explore, and return. We collaborate with local businesses to turn underused structures into dynamic destinations—bottle shops, bars, and boutiques that reflect the personality of their owners and the communities they serve.

From downtown Raleigh to Goldsboro, our projects balance preservation with new purpose—honoring historic details while introducing flexibility, natural light, and thoughtful flow. Whether it’s a polished bottle shop, a bustling brew supply store, or a mid-century warehouse reimagined, we design spaces that support both retail experience and neighborhood connection.

House of Many Porches Market

Located within Dorothea Dix Park, the House of Many Porches Market is designed as a gathering place that celebrates the park’s landscape and history. Surrounded by mature trees, native plantings, and an herb garden, the project creates a space where visitors can enjoy a meal, sip a beer on the porch, or relax on the lawn with a picnic.

This historic home was originally the home for senior staff of the former mental health hospital. The goal was to thoughtfully transform the interior into a lively community destination. This space is a reflection of our continued commitment to breathing new life into existing buildings in ways that invite connection, comfort, and joy.

The Raleigh Wine Shop

Raleigh, NC, 2022

Princess Street

Wilmington, NC, 2021

Goldsboro Brew Works

Goldsboro, NC, 2016

This project was awarded the NC Main Street Award of Merit - Economic Vitality: Best Endangered Properties Rescue Effort. Historic tax credits were utilized in the restoration of this two story, three-bay building, which was gutted by a previous owner. The original tin ceilings and wood floor were intact throughout parts of the building. The storefronts and existing historic double-hung windows were refurbished. Upstairs there are five apartments. Downstairs is a bar and homebrew supply shop.

State of Beer at The Bend

Raleigh, NC 2024

The downtown trio of houses affectionately known as ‘The Bend’ have been reimagined as home to the new State of Beer and The Bend Bar. Originally constructed as single-family residences in the early 1900’s, these buildings pack a lot into their small footprints!

State of Beer, located in the center of the three buildings, sells food, beverages, and bottles to go, while also offering indoor dining and seats at the bar. The space is warm and inviting, and the bar opens up to the outdoors with the ability to serve customers from multiple points. The addition of a large deck and roof canopy significantly increases the under-roof seating area for year-round enjoyment, and also connects to The Bend Bar next door.