Category: Rocky Mount Building Preservation

Finding Yalem’s Garden in Rocky Mount, NC

At 5:30 in the early evening, most of the 'garden' is in shade; Yalem Kiros's garden. A blue heron lifted off the island and elegantly floated past me. Swallows dipped and played. In the quiet I could hear the flow of the water. For the moment I'd been given the gift of this bit of … Continue reading Finding Yalem’s Garden in Rocky Mount, NC →

The Old Neighborhood – 700 Block Arlington Street

By now, the morning sun was just over the horizon and it came at me like a sidearm pitch between the houses of my old neighborhood. I shielded my eyes. This being early October, there were already piles of leaves pushed against the curb—more leaves than I remembered from my autumns here—and less open space … Continue reading The Old Neighborhood – 700 Block Arlington Street →

When The Stars Align – Whit and Robert Barnes Appear – Sons of Rocky Mount

It suits my romantic inclinations to write this Sorsby's Tale after spending time with Whit Barnes. This tale is my favorite kind of Main Street news.I love generational novels that cover family history. In this case we have the family that founded Bullocks Furniture in 1901 unto the 5th generation that rests in a tall, … Continue reading When The Stars Align – Whit and Robert Barnes Appear – Sons of Rocky Mount →

Exciting News: Twenty Two Lofts on Main Street – Buildings Saved By Troy Davis

The first time I explored the alley behind Davis Furniture Company I was intrigued and excited to see some renovation had already taken place. It was quite a shock, however, to see the back of two buildings two doors down from the Davis business. Here is the picture I took that day that I have … Continue reading Exciting News: Twenty Two Lofts on Main Street – Buildings Saved By Troy Davis →

Positive Change In City Leadership Will Guarantee Main Street’s Successful Outcome – ‘Urban Infill’ For Instance

There are subtle design details that have a powerful ability to make a building look or feel “right” in a certain area. Context tells us whether a design fits in and guides our decisions. We want a city’s buildings to share some regional characteristics that make a place a place. -Joe Bucher, AIA Urban infill is … Continue reading Positive Change In City Leadership Will Guarantee Main Street’s Successful Outcome – ‘Urban Infill’ For Instance →

Saying NO to Tarboro Street Housing For At Least 3 Reasons

#I - THE WRONG ANSWER FOR MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Affordable housing in historic districts and Wards should be looked at as a sustainable method of housing development. Buildings are durable commodities that can be used for decades. The addition of historic districts, which Rocky Mount has seven, into the housing equation is a win-win for … Continue reading Saying NO to Tarboro Street Housing For At Least 3 Reasons →