Honoring the Past, Building a Future
Rocky Mount NC: Preservation of Historic Commercial and Residential Architecture
“This is the place of places and it is here.” Gertrude Stein Once upon a time in Louisville, Ky. seven historic buildings referred to as the Whiskey Row Stabilization, located at 105-119 West Main Street were stabilized as part of a fascinating project. These buildings were built in the mid to late nineteenth century and are … Continue reading ‘Main Street Belongs to All of Us – Saving Facades -Part 2
It has been said that Rocky Mount has the best collection of historically significant architecture in the entire state. We'll take that compliment. We have beautiful examples of what successful preservation looks like thanks to Peter Varney whose watch included the Train & Bus Station, The Imperial Center, the Douglas Block, and StreetScape. You have to … Continue reading ‘Main Street’ Belongs to All of Us – Part 1
Bob Houghtlin, my late husband, spent all but a few years of his working career at the same company - Leo Burnett Advertising in Chicago, IL. He wore a suit and tie every day. Usually, he rode the Northwestern Train into Chicago from Winnetka, IL. and walked across the Loop to the same building. I'm … Continue reading Rocky Mount – “This Is Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile” – Any More
At some point, while growing up, I wanted to be an architect. Faced with the fact that I'm terrible at math, it wasn't a realistic dream. Writing was a better fit. Today there are career paths I think of as my unlived lives. With a Historic Preservation Degree, the lead character in my new novel could … Continue reading Main Street Lego Architecture – Way Cool!
What is deemed historic, and worth saving, often depends on whose eyes you are looking through. I like the definition "old and worth the trouble," when applied to structures that are under consideration: should they be preserved or torn down? With each individual decision, we need to ask ourselves what part the structure has played in Rocky … Continue reading “Historic and Worth the Trouble” – Tap @ 1918 – A Preservation Success Story
We’ve lost our minds, you do know that, right? For instance, I feel strongly about the removal of monuments.... the editing of our history....but I've mostly banged my head on the floor like a child getting a lot of mileage from a temper tantrum. I’m trying a new strategy when it comes to the preservation … Continue reading Saving The Shotgun Houses of Rocky Mount – Part 1
Main Street Rocky Mount 