About Us :
Phoenix Row is a large historic three story brick building located on High Street in downtown Belfast. Construction on the building began in November, 1823 on a portion of land burned over by one of the many fires that had plagued Belfast's long history. This impressive structure, adorned with its federal style of architecture, was completed in the fall of 1824 and was home to many early downtown businesses. Ravaged by fire in 1873, 1885 and again in 1887, the building "rose from the ashes" like the mythological Phoenix, from which it took it's name. The Phoenix was completed in the following months, and on January 18, 1887 the Knights of Pythias Silver Cross Lodge held a dedication ceremony for their new hall on the third floor. It is recorded that civil war soldiers practiced marching there before being sent off to the battlefields.
Alaskan artist and Phoenix Row proprietor Archie Barnes moved to Belfast in 1996 with his wife Michael and began one of the largest art projects he had ever undertaken. Thoughts of trading his familiar brush and canvas for a hammer and saw were filled with uncertainty as restoration of the 177 year old building began. However....
Today, the three-story 23,000 sq. foot brick structure houses three large storefronts, a spacious, well-lit art exhibition space and a labyrinth of connecting beautifully furnished suites, some with fireplaces and original tin ceilings. The large formal ballroom on the third floor provides the perfect setting for varied artists receptions, lectures and classes
