Eye Integrated Communications, an advertising, marketing, and design firm, has purchased the Cobb house at South Pitt Street in downtown Greenville and plans to relocate the business by late Spring of 2009. The Cobb house is a large three-story historic home that dates back to the 1930s. Owned by the Cobb family since it was originally built, it is a part of the Skinnerville-Greenville Heights Historic District.

This decision to relocate came because Eye Integrated has grown substantially in the past few years. With new employees, larger clients, and more projects, a bigger space was needed. Eye Integrated chose a historic home for its new location to incorporate the company into the Greenville community. “Downtown Greenville has such a rich history and culture and we wanted to help beautify this home while becoming a part of its story,” said Stanton Blakeslee founder and creative director of Eye Integrated Communications.

Because the Cobb house is a part of Greenville Heights Historic District, Eye Integrated enlisted the help of WAJ Construction to help fix the house while keeping its historical integrity. Reid Thomas, the restoration specialist from the NC Historic Preservation office, is also assisting in this process. Mr. Thomas is advising Eye Integrated and WAJ Construction on architectural research, planning, and advice on application procedures and requirements for securing tax credits. Mr. Thomas will also monitor all rehabilitation work that is done at the Cobb house.

Mrs. Cobb was apprehensive about selling her historic home, but says she decided to sell because “Eye Integrated expressed their commitment to restore the home and keep its history alive.” Currently, Eye Integrated is located on Dickinson Avenue in downtown Greenville, NC.