Disliked by many Raleigh residents, the long-vacant 1960's era Audio Buys Building always seemed a bit odd in the Five Points neighborhood context. Detractors now get their wish as it appears the building has been renovated by Rick and Carol Marcotte, the new owners who   have brought new people and commerce back into the Modernist-style building.

Carol Marcotte, owner of Form & Function interior design and home decor retail store that was previously on Bernard Street, purchased the odd, two-story building at the corner point at Glenwood Avenue, Whitaker Mill Road and Fairview Road in December, and has just  re-opened Form and Function retail store on its second floor of the building.

The bottom floor has been leased out to For Your Convenience (FYC, moved from Bickett Blvd in Raleigh). FYC will share that space with Progeny Shoppe and Rider Hall Interiors.

The third level of the building will be turned into a rooftop garden that will be rented out for events.

The building wasn't even for sale but the Marcotte's made an offer to the owner because they were interested in Modernist architecture. The redesign and renovation of the 1700 Glenwood building was a winner of an AIA Triangle Merit Design award at the awards ceremony on April 14th. Tonic Design & Construction of Raleigh was the architect and construction firm that worked on the project.

With Form and Function, Progeny, Rider Hall Interiors and For Your Convenience occupying the entire building, there's a lot of eye candy to drool over! Shop for gorgeous clothing and decor for the kids, goods for the mamas out there too, including super fresh home decor, funky jewelry, and luxurious cashmere for winter, as well as great interiors and accessories.

Form and Function, For Your Convenience, Progeny Shoppe, Rider Hall Interiors
1700 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, 27608. Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat. 10am-5pm.