Honoring the Past, Building a Future
Rocky Mount NC: Preservation of Historic Commercial and Residential Architecture
I have remembered the Yellow Brick Road song from the Wizard of Oz since I was a child. I used to sing it to my grandchildren when heading out in the car for an adventure. "We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz." I never dreamed I would find it applicable, transpose and … Continue reading Rocky Mount Is Being Lead Down The Yellow Brick Road Over Parking and Low-Income Housing
#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
Many years ago Princeton University's basketball team came to Chicago to play the DePaul Blue Demons, coached by Ray Meyer. My husband (a Princeton graduate) and I went off to see the game. Princeton's slow and deliberate offense was in sharp contrast to the fast break basketball the University of Kentucky plays. It was at … Continue reading Reasons Why This Housing Development Game Should be Cancelled – A Team of Ineligible Players – Part 2
It's been a great weekend for shotgun houses after publishing on Saturday morning my belief that they are a preferable alternative to government-owned housing. Social Media got busy commenting on what I'd written and added additional ideas and wonderful support for the need to save and preserve this vernacular architecture. There were many 'shares' spreading the word … Continue reading Hold Up A Minute -This Downtown Housing Plan on Tarborro St. Is Not a ‘Zion’ Slam Dunk – Part 1
Many of you have asked, "How can I help?" Here is your chance by simply signing an online petition to show community support for a Facade Grant Program that is being considered by City Council. Our Downtown Rocky Mount friend, Ben Braddock, Commercial Real Estate Broker, General Contractor and owner of Station … Continue reading Looking for a Way to Help Save Main Street? Sign This Online Letter of Support
Believe me, this is an important step when talking about saving Main Street. Programs across the country, regardless of what they are called, that have focused on the restoration and renovation of the facades of their commercial Main Street buildings, have been successful in attracting business and downtown life. After spending some time talking with our new … Continue reading A Downtown Facade Grant Program Being Considered by Rocky Mount City Council
