Honoring the Past, Building a Future
Rocky Mount NC: Preservation of Historic Commercial and Residential Architecture
Then & Now: A Celebration of Main Street’s Revival I recently rediscovered a collection of photographs - images that capture the stillness before the revival, the patience of brick and mortar before progress took root. These photographs are mostly from 2012 of historic architecture in our area posted by Lance Taylor: PRO POstUs. In 2012, … Continue reading From Vacant to Vibrant: A Decade of Progress on Main Street
Downtown LaGrange in Lenoir County, NC - Watson Brown Look at this painting. Do you see what I see? This is more than just a row of storefronts—it’s a memory, a legacy, and most importantly, a future. It speaks to a time when Main Street was the heartbeat of the community, where families shopped, friends … Continue reading Support Local: The Revival of Rocky Mount’s Historic Main Street
In creating the Main Street blog, I have written about the value of historic shotgun houses, highlighting their cultural significance, architectural charm, and place in our city’s history. Now, it is time to turn words into action. Rocky Mount’s inventory of shotgun houses is dwindling, and without immediate intervention, we risk losing an essential part … Continue reading Preserving Rocky Mount’s Shotgun Houses: A Call to Action
Walking along Main Street in Rocky Mount is like stepping into a living history book, where each storefront tells a story. The entrances of these historic commercial buildings, many dating back to the early 1900s, are not just doorways but invitations—welcoming customers into spaces that have served generations of residents. Add to your 'Talking Main … Continue reading The Architectural Charm of Main Street Entrances – Rocky Mount,NC
The tin roof, rusted and worn, once echoed with the sound of summer rain. Its wooden sides, now faded, held warmth long ago, sheltering a family whose voices filled these rooms. An awning that should come down. The front door, boarded shut, was once flung open to welcome neighbors, laughter, and the everyday rhythm of … Continue reading A House Waiting For Its Future: Rocky Mount, NC
A house, like a life, holds its story in its heart. Some stand weary but strong, their timbers whispering of laughter once shared, storms endured, and years that slipped quietly past. When we see a house on the verge of collapse, we might be tempted to look away—to believe its time has passed. But then … Continue reading Preservation and Possibility: What ‘Before and After’ Homes Teach Us #2
Main Street Rocky Mount 