Preservation and Possibility: What ‘Before and After’ Homes Teach Us #2

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 awayโ€”to believe its time has passed. But then … Continue reading Preservation and Possibility: What ‘Before and After’ Homes Teach Us #2

From Neglect to Action: Preserving Rocky Mount’s Architectural Heritage – #2

The 1976 movie Network gave us an unforgettable speech by Howard Beale, played by Peter Finch, who defied the teleprompter on live TV to deliver this rallying cry: I'm damn mad....He goes on to say,"I want you to get MAD! I donโ€™t want you to protest. I donโ€™t want you to riot โ€“ I donโ€™t … Continue reading From Neglect to Action: Preserving Rocky Mount’s Architectural Heritage – #2

Art and Architecture: A Love Letter From Main Street Rocky Mount

If only....I could sketch and use watercolors to bring your attention to Main Street Rocky Mount architecture. I am addicted to these little paintings that capture the imagination of possibilities. I have several wonderful books in this vain, favorites in my library. I fancy myself downtown on a little stool sketching the historical commercial architectural … Continue reading Art and Architecture: A Love Letter From Main Street Rocky Mount

Larema Coffee House: A Beacon of Preservation in Downtown Rocky Mount

This beautiful photograph from Larema Coffee Houseโ€™s social media has quickly become my new favorite image capturing the art of preservation. Morning light streams softly into this thoughtfully repurposed bank, bringing the past and present into a shared glow. When I visit Larema, I imagine the whispers of the buildingโ€™s historyโ€”customers cashing checks, parents setting … Continue reading Larema Coffee House: A Beacon of Preservation in Downtown Rocky Mount

The Role of Main Street Facades in Rocky Mountโ€™s Future

If you are a garden writer the challenge becomes, how many ways can you describe the color green? If you are writing the blog, Mainstreetrockymount.com, how many ways can I feature Rocky Mountโ€™s Main Street commercial historic facades that will make the reader focus on the powerful connection between the preservation of these buildings and … Continue reading The Role of Main Street Facades in Rocky Mountโ€™s Future