Honoring the Past, Building a Future
You would have loved being with me the other day for a special brunch with the new innkeepers of Bellemonte House. It was a behind the scenes view of a major production just before the curtain rises. There were skilled workmen scurrying around taking care of last-minute details, an electrician with a few more chandeliers to hang. I … Continue reading A Preservation Success – Bellemonte House – Restoration Sublime
Let's not think of New Year's Eve as merely a passing occasion we celebrate on December 31st, but as a boundary that we cross that leads to new thinking. In these early January days, let us reflect on what revitalization means when we refer to the revitalization of Rocky Mount. Let me explain Winston Churchill's presence. Since I began writing the … Continue reading Winston Churchill Comes to Rocky Mount, NC – Happy New Year 2018
Wishing all of you that meet me on Main Street a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with your heart's desires. I look forward to seeing you in January when together there is so much to remember, a future to help build. As one of the Christmas trains slows down while passing … Continue reading Celebrating a Merry Christmas on Main Street Rocky Mount
"In my opinion, cities have got to be committed to downtown if they are going to save it. If they aren't committed, they can't expect other people to be." -Lynell Bynum … Continue reading Station Square – Lynell Bynum: Are You Committed to Downtown? – Part 2
Why would Mr. Lynell Bynum, (1924-2002) decide in the early 1970’s to buy up an entire block of buildings in downtown Rocky Mount NC? How is this connected to real estate investor and general contractor, Ben Braddock, and his business partner, who have purchased from Chambliss and Rabil Commercial Reality, Station Square, a 65,000 square … Continue reading Telling The Station Square Story – Mr. Lynell Bynum -Part 1
“Architecture has its own realm...a sensitive container for the rhythm of footsteps on the floor, for the concentration of work, for the silence of sleep.” Peter Zumthor, Thinking Architecture I'm feeling a bit nervous like when I was first taken home to meet the parents of the boy I was in love with. Would they … Continue reading Historic Villa Place District Has Its Own Realm……
Main Street Rocky Mount 