Honoring the Past, Building a Future
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……
She sat on the porch and watched the moon rise. Soon its amber fluid drenched the earth and quenched the thirst of the day. Zora Neale Hurston (edited SFH) Throughout the South you find front porches tucked beneath deep overhangs. These open-air rooms continue to beckon family and friends where they gather to enjoy a cool … Continue reading Villa Place Tales – The Kids that Grew Up in Villa Place
Main Street Rocky Mount 