More than a century after its heyday, Art Deco is cool again.

The influential style was introduced in 1925 at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, and it quickly spread around the world — including Winston-Salem.

The signature style includes bold geometric shapes, luxurious materials with an aesthetic design. After all, we are the City of Arts and Innovation. Here are some of our favorite Art Deco style in the Twin City.

RJ Reynolds Building, 51 E 4th St.

If you notice similarities between this iconic building and the Empire State Building in NYC, you're not making things up. Architects Shreve and Lamb created this design in Winston-Salem in 1929 before replicating it in the Big Apple. The Reynolds Building won the 1984 Art Deco Society of New York award for best restoration.

Nissen Building, 310 W 4th St.

Built in 1927, this building was first home to Nissen Wagon Works — a booming company in Winston-Salem before the rise of the tobacco industry. The Neo-Classical design features decorative elements similar to classical temples. Its proportionally rectangular shape balances both modern and Art Deco style.

The Pepper Building, 101-104 W 4th St.

The six-story Pepper Building was built in 1928 and designed by architectural firm Northup and O’Brien. Its facade features terra cotta decorations like lions’ heads and pilasters, with a flat, parapeted roof. Originally home to a department store, the Pepper Building is home to Hotel Indigo and the Sir Winston Wine Loft + Restaurant. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014 and designated a local landmark in 2016.

The Chatham Building in downtown Winston-Salem could be the county's next historic landmark. | Photo by WStoday

The Chatham Building, 301-311 W 4th St.

Completed in 1931, the Chatham Building blends Art Deco with Stripped Classicism and was one of the last buildings designed by local architect Harold Macklin before the Great Depression. It previously hosted several retailers. In August 2026, it was recommended that the building — home to Washington Perk and a/perture — become a local historic landmark.

Brookstown Inn, 200 Brookstown Ave.

This historic boutique hotel was once a flour mill and one of the first southern factories to use electric lighting. Manufacturer and businessman Francis Fries built the space which later served as a storage warehouse. Today, its vibrant and decorative interior showcases Art Deco style while maintaining its historic charm.

Wstoday: People chatting at the Historic Brookstown Inn's patio under the florescent lights. — The industrial design at the Brookstown Inn gives a retro appearance to the building. | Photo Courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem

Do you know if any other building in Winston-Salem that exudes the Art Deco style? Let us know.