Honoring the Past, Building a Future
Seeing Possibility Where Others See Decay In Part One, we looked at how professionals examine an old building, foundation, walls, beams, rooflines, and materials, to determine whether life still remains in the structure. But knowing a building can be saved is only the beginning. The next question is who helps make that happen. This is where professionals … Continue reading The People Who Decide if a Building is Savable – #2
Can This Building Be Saved? Every historic building faces a moment when its future hangs in the balance. Before restoration begins, before new life can go forward for an old storefront, someone must answer a simple question. Can this building be saved? That question led me into a fascinating world of engineers, architects, and restoration … Continue reading The People Who Decide If a Building is Savable – #1
There is something deeply encouraging about watching another Main Street building come back to life. Today this recently restored building stands with an elegance that immediately catches your eye. Its rich dark façade, crisp white trim, and restored storefront remind us that good architecture never truly disappears. It only waits for someone to see its … Continue reading Learning The Language of Main Street Architecture
I went in the door of the old Belk building the other morning and met three workman continuing to clear out the cavernous space. It is in need of a buyer. I somehow refrained from hugging the guys after they took time to chat and confirmed some research I have been doing on the block. … Continue reading What Do Developers See The First Time They Encounter Downtown Rocky Mount?
We all know that things in Rocky Mount are precarious. We know because past negligence has finally caught up with us and pinned its “tail on the donkey,” which now is affecting both our reputation and our future. We see it in the empty buildings downtown, the projects that fail to move forward, and the … Continue reading Sorting Out Rocky Mount’s Priorities: Main Street and Beyond
My first instinct, standing on the sidewalk, camera in hand, is not generous. It is the Queen of Hearts rising up in me: “Off with their heads!” as Lewis Carroll once wrote. How does this happen? Looking at the glass on this beautiful brick sidewalk, I ask, how does someone own a building on Main Street, part … Continue reading When Local Ownership Fails Main Street: Part 3 203 SE Main Street
Main Street Rocky Mount 