PART 1 – Costly RM Downtown Plans Are Unnecessary-Ask Stepheny At No Charge

Project by project, Rocky Mount is building anew, and preserving, restoring, and repurposing its historical commercial architecture. The by-line on this blog is honoring the past, building a future. It is amazing that wonderful things are happening in spite of how often we shoot ourselves in the foot. It is no secret that I can be found, disgruntled, with members of the City Council who make decisions for personal gain. Nonetheless, I am a believer, a cheer leader and celebrate any progress. This series of posts is my approach to downtown development. The posts are dedicated to the new Downtown Development Manager, Tanika Bryant, and her staff.

This is the Stepheny Plan for free.

I started with an inventory. I took photographs of one block, both sides of the railroad tracks on a crisp, December day. In my imagination, I brushed past a grandmother shopping with grandchild in hand. I glimpsed the shop owners that have left their stories within our Commercial Architecture. There were men wearing hats and clothes of the era. I heard bits of conversations from yesteryear as people stopped and wished each other Merry Christmas. Yet in the reflection of the glass I see me, camera in hand, with todays Main Street reflected behind me. I count this as cause for rejoicing. You understand, there is no room for negativity when you walk Main Street with me!

I counted 14 commercial buildings on the Nash Side of the railroad tracks and 12 buildings on the Edgecombe side. (Don’t take me out back and shoot me if I miscounted; a reference to Kentucky basketball players when they miss free-throws.) The historical facades are wonderful examples of the period. With a count, we must have the story of each building. Not only to market the property to prospective buyers, and capture the nostalgia of the space, but to involve the buyer emotionally when restoring and repurposing a building. These stories are Rocky Mount’s history to save.

As an example of how important each story is, let us start with The Kress building, location of Virginia’s dress shop, at 164 SW Main Street. Research into the Kress story is significant to Rocky Mount’s Main Street; a great marketing tool for the downtown. The research is fascinating. We have a Kress building that is a fact to build a dream on. Here is a short video clip that has my imagination in gear.

                               Click on:   https://youtu.be/f-LkpaH-l8M?si=hjbia1V93BO_0ACs

In its heyday, the retail empire of S.H. Kress & Company had establishments in more than 200 communities across the United States. Established in 1896 by pioneering businessman Samuel Henry Kress, the company operated a chain of five-and-dime stores that attracted shoppers by the score. But the Main Streets of bygone days welcomed Kress not only for their quality goods. Each building was designed with beauty and longevity in mind The Kress stores were renowned for their outstanding architectural styles.

Montgomery, AL. Kress Building – Greek Inspired

Greensboro, NC Kress Building

Our Kress Building holds memories for Rocky Mount. I was told about the fudge, Spanish nuts, and popcorn smells when entering. Today, there is metal signage covering up windows above the front door that would no longer be allowed and would be removed in restoration. ·Below is the original facade. The Kress Building is a Contributing Building to Rocky Mount Central City Historic District – National Register of Historic Places. NRIS #80002826. It was built c. 1913.

The attitude of the Downtown Development Office will be, “How can we help you with your dream for this building?” Trying to control who is welcomed and who is not, purposeful and unnecessary obstacles have sent prospective buyers away. My plan says to the buyer, “We want you to become a Rocky Mount “Restorer of the Breach.” (Explanation in due time.)

We will continue with Part 2 of Stepheny’s Free Plan tomorrow Wednesday, December 20, 2023