Focus Design Builders had the opportunity to breathe new life into an iconic building on Hillsborough Street in downtown Raleigh NC, transforming the former IHOP into a vibrant new location for Alpaca Peruvian Chicken.
Originally slated for demolition to make way for new housing, the historic structure was preserved when Alpaca purchased the property, ensuring the site’s legacy as a community food destination lived on. This project is a great example of adaptive reuse—taking a building whose original use was no longer viable and giving it a fresh future.
The project came with unique challenges. The existing building wasn’t designed to support modern restaurant equipment on the roof, but our team found innovative ways to enhance the structure without compromising the original aesthetic—or the budget. It was a true collaborative effort between Focus, the team at CD Architecture (special thanks to Craig Dean and Josh Putnam!), our trusted trade partners, and the owner.
This project highlights our commitment to solving complex construction challenges through collaboration, creativity, and craftsmanship. We are proud to be a part of preserving history while building for the future.