Honoring the Past, Building a Future
I went in the door of the old Belk building the other morning and met three workman continuing to clear out the cavernous space. It is in need of a buyer. I somehow refrained from hugging the guys after they took time to chat and confirmed some research I have been doing on the block. … Continue reading What Do Developers See The First Time They Encounter Downtown Rocky Mount?
“Cities are remembered not only for what they build new, but for what they choose to keep.” SFH These buildings matter. They are a presence in the story of Rocky Mount; not burdens but possibilities. They still possess beauty, dignity, and purpose. These photographs show us that restoration does not begin with money or construction. … Continue reading Three Downtown Buildings: Restored to Their Original Beauty
I'm in love again with another beautiful building under restoration. This time it’s 234 SW Main Street. The first thing that caught my eye was the color palette. The soft gray façade, the white trim, and the darker accents create an elegance that feels both modern and respectful of the building’s history. Whoever is guiding this restoration … Continue reading A Jewel Being Polished: 234 SW Main Street
Take time today while snowed in to read this new blog post published on a snow bound day at 6:30 AM A birthday worth celebrating. There is a silence in the air with the snow decorating the garden and the street with no tire tracks interrupting the beauty of it all. It's Sunday and people … Continue reading A Sunday Snow Day and a 100-Year Story on Main Street
When I look up at the Rocky Mount National Bank, I don’t just see architecture. I see a standard that still asks something of us, about stewardship, pride, and whether we believe our Main Street is worth the same care today. This Beaux Arts building was designed to do something specific. It was meant to … Continue reading An Invitation to See Main Street With Fresh Eyes
The New Year has a way of pressing a question upon us, whether we ask for it or not. After the holidays pass and the decorations come down, there is a pause, a moment when we ask, What’s next? Sitting on my bench, looking down Main Street, I ask a version of that same question: … Continue reading Happy New Year !!! The Quiet Work of What’s Next
Main Street Rocky Mount 