Retail Space for Lease in Downtown Waynesville, NC

Welcome to 452 Wall – The Rouser Studio, a mid-century modern building in the heart of Waynesville, NC. Originally built in 1963 as the photography studio of Ray Rouser, one of Haywood County’s most prolific photographers, this property has been thoughtfully updated while preserving its historic character. Today, it offers a flexible and inspiring setting for retail, wellness, beauty, or professional services.

Location Highlights

  • Prime Wall Street location in downtown Waynesville

  • Across from Grebelknud, a local favorite

  • Walkable to shops, dining, and Main Street attractions

  • Strong traffic counts and excellent visibility for businesses

Property Details

  • 1700 sq ft, split across two levels

  • Street level: Soaring ceilings, open box layout, and large storefront windows—perfect for drawing in customers

  • Lower level: concrete floors, sink, toilet, hot water heater, and a walk-up stairscase

  • Interior staircase connecting levels for seamless use

  • Flexible layout—ideal for retail, beauty, salon, wellness, design, studio space, or small offices

Recent Upgrades

  • New roof, fascia, gutters, and downspouts

  • New electrical panel, wiring, and lighting

  • New energy-efficient mini-split system

Key Features

  • Freestanding building with no shared walls

  • Tenant pays utilities - electric, water, trash provided by Town of Waynesville in one bill

  • Open layout—ready for your brand vision

  • Distinctive mid-century modern character

  • Building is iconic with rich local history

  • Storefront windows offer excellent visibility and natural lighting

Why The Rouser Studio?

From the outside, this historic gem looks modest—but step inside and you’ll find tall ceilings, natural light, and a surprisingly spacious layout. With strong traffic counts, large windows for eye-catching displays, and deep ties to Waynesville’s creative history, The Rouser Studio offers a rare opportunity to lease retail or creative space that’s both functional and full of character.

I love this building!