The Architect, John Rice with JERA, Inc., Architecture/Planning assisted the owners in developing the new facility and siting the structure to augment the usability of this addition. Landscape Architect, Engineer, Architect, and the Ogles worked together with the Town of Cary, as well as various State agencies, to develop this project within the confines of numerous jurisdictional standards and requirements.

The space needed to be multi-functional and was designed to accommodate corporate, wedding, and private functions. The greatest challenge the design and building team faced was creating a structure that would mirror the Greek Revival Style of the original Matthews House.

The completed structure now functions as an integral part of the Matthews House. Located to the rear of the site, the Ballroom and Conference Center is connected to the main house by an open colonnade that reflects the main entrance located on Chatham Street. The covered breezeway connecting the two structures enables guests to flow from the House to the Annex without exposure to the elements, and provides a processional through the colonnade into the Ballroom and Conference Center. The exterior of the Ballroom invites the guests to enter with a window wall of French doors that allow a vista of the inside.

Upon entering the Ballroom, the tenfoot high walls cathedral to an 18-foot high ceiling adorned with two north facing dormers for natural light. The 40- x 70-foot Ballroom is graced with three Italian glass chandeliers. Similar crystal sconces are located around the perimeter walls that are painted a white tint to increase the feeling of openness. Adding a subtle elegance, imported Malaysian bamboo flooring in a light tan-gray finish was installed, with marble finish ceramic tile used in the bathrooms.

Because the Ballroom and Conference Center is located in a dense residential area, the reduction of noise was a primary concern. The exterior walls were constructed with 2 x 6 wood studs with 6-inch insulation and lapped cement board siding on the exterior, except for the rear wall, which incorporated 4-inch concrete masonry veneer (painted white), to increase the noise abatement qualities.

Although the project was not built within budget based upon unanticipated restrictions and guidelines from the Town of Cary, the owners are delighted with the result.