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HENDERSONVILLE, NC—
Stretching from eastern Canada into Georgia, the Appalachian Mountain range is well-known for its geographic beauty and important place in America's history. This lush area became both inspiration and home to the new Prosource Plumbing Supply showroom in Hendersonville, NC.
Tonya Martin, who co-owns the firm with her husband Grover, designed the 4,500-sq.-ft. showroom and oversaw its construction. To capture the Appalachian mountain location, the showroom offers a rustic style with a mix of contemporary sensibilities. This style is well received by the clients who arrive in the showroom, Martin says.
"The response from many of the builders and designers is that it has a very warm, inviting feel, incorporating unique products," she notes.
STARTING OVER
Once occupied by a metal welding company, the building witnessed massive renovations before the grand opening. To offer an open and updated appearance, the lower floor's drop ceiling was removed and new heating and cooling elements were incorporated. Bathrooms and offices were completely gutted and replaced as part of the renovation. The lower level flooring was stripped to the concrete slab and was replaced with a customized painted floor. Wood flooring replaced the old commercial laminate flooring in many areas, as well. A metal wrought iron staircase, which leads clients upstairs, adds to the overall style.
The new space displays 15 separate vignettes and additional freestanding pieces. Two drop-in bathtubs feature both whirlpool and air-jet technology, while upstairs, a full, pre-cut functional sauna adds an upscale touch. There is also a custom shower with slate tile that demonstrates an array of shower heads and body sprays, as well as steam.
The public restroom showcases custom countertops and sinks from Stone Forest, a lighted medicine cabinet from Robern and a TOTO washlet. In the kitchen area, a copper sink serves as both a display element and refreshment unit for clients. There is also hot coffee brewed every morning and fresh popcorn popped every afternoon to entice clients.
The showroom offers tubs from Bain Ultra, Lasco Bathware and PSC, among others, while Cifial, Jado, THG and Newport Brass are several of the faucet lines represented. Linkasink, J. Aaron, Stone Forest and Gravity Glas are a few of the vessel sink brands spotlighted, while kitchen sinks on display include those from Elkay, Julien, Bates and Bates, Stone Forest and Elite Bath.
Hardware lines carried include Colonial Bronze, LB Brass and Top Knobs, and the showroom features a variety of accessories and furniture pieces, as well.
Taking into account the growing demand for eco-friendly products, the showroom offers such green product choices as TOTO's new 1.285 gpf toilets, recycled glass sinks by Bear Creek Glass and tankless water heaters from Takagi.
Mirroring the mountain location, the showroom features a combination of natural materials such as wood and granite. Since a lot of mountain-style homes are built in the area, product lines such as Stone Forest also fit in very well, Martin says.
She notes that furniture pieces for the powder room are also a growing trend, since many clients want an impressive effect to play off the power and majesty of the neighboring mountains.
Additionally, Prosource offers vignettes with Universal Design features to address the community's growing retiree population.
PERFECT HARMONY
Prosource Plumbing Supply is open to both the trade and consumers, and Martin explains, "We pride ourselves in our ability to assist in the design aspect, as well as aid in the selection of products. This would include commercial and residential projects, in both remodel and new construction."
To allow for better client visualization, the company deals mostly in integrated designs. "This was one of the many purposes of the new showroom," adds Martin.
To introduce the new showroom, Prosource held an all-day gala. One of the many events during the gala was a catered breakfast and lunch presented by a locally honored chef. The day also saw live music, two live radio broadcasts and many lottery-style prize drawings for the builders, designers and homeowners in attendance.
According to Martin, the firm plans to hold vendor seminars and monthly luncheons to help build traffic and positive word of mouth. Prosource also offers a Web site for clients to view the showroom's various product lines, and uses E-mail to update customers on new products and any upcoming showroom events.
author: By Amanda O'Mahony