HGTV Proves We Can Save Our Vital Rocky Mount Housing, But Rigging The System Has To Stop

I love the HGTV shows that are about saving, restoring, and preserving houses. Two programs, in particular, bring hope and inspiration when thinking about our Rocky Mount neighborhoods near downtown. Good Bones concentrates on old neighborhoods in Indianapolis that are coming back because of their proximity to downtown. The second show is called Home Town … Continue reading HGTV Proves We Can Save Our Vital Rocky Mount Housing, But Rigging The System Has To Stop →

A ‘House of Cards’ – Tarboro Street Housing – Mr. Blackwell’s Rebuttal Has It All Wrong

"House of cards" is an expression that dates back to 1645 meaning a structure or argument built on a shaky foundation or one that will collapse if a necessary (but possibly overlooked or unappreciated) element is removed. It is all the more apparent after last night City Council meeting and Mr. Blackwell's rebuttal … Continue reading A ‘House of Cards’ – Tarboro Street Housing – Mr. Blackwell’s Rebuttal Has It All Wrong →

Another Star in Rocky Mount’s Architectural Crown – Paying Tribute to Architect George Matsumoto – A West Haven Gem

If you have been following my Main Street posts, you know that I have recently been pushing for an updated, honest architectural inventory. Here is one of Rocky Mount's treasures that is a Mid-Century modern home built originally for Thomas and Marian Hicks at 718 Evergreen Road, Rocky Mount NC. I've done some research for … Continue reading Another Star in Rocky Mount’s Architectural Crown – Paying Tribute to Architect George Matsumoto – A West Haven Gem →

Beal Street Square…that ‘wonderful thing’ has happened!

Beal Street Square is FABULOUS! Over 60% occupied, it's a tremendous source of pride not only for Rocky Mount, but for the people who championed the neighborhood, provided untiring leadership, and who came together in partnership to share a dream that has come to fruition, the largest affordable housing project to date. Two men, … Continue reading Beal Street Square…that ‘wonderful thing’ has happened! →

Setting the Scene to Explain The Concept of Walkable Neighborhoods – Part 1

People Enjoy The Streetscape in Greenville, SC We're on the fast train, as the English call them, called The Learning Curve. Admit it, we're feeling quite grown up bantering words about like, Anchor Projects, (The Train Station, Imperial Center, The Douglas Block) - Incubators (entrepreneurs co-work space) - The Third Place, (The Smokehouse, Koi Pond … Continue reading Setting the Scene to Explain The Concept of Walkable Neighborhoods – Part 1 →

It’s Not Too Late! Plant a Fall Vegetable Garden At The Happy Hill Community Garden – Part 2

1208 Gay Street There is great interest across the country in community gardening. They can be found in public parks, religious centers, schools, backyards, and even on rooftops. Individuals come together to grow food, build relationships, and celebrate their communities. Rocky Mount has a place that is perfect for its community garden. They are as … Continue reading It’s Not Too Late! Plant a Fall Vegetable Garden At The Happy Hill Community Garden – Part 2 →