Tag: Preservation Rocky Mount, NC

A Medical Emergency on South Church Street

The Patient's Name Is Summerlin House Emergency Intake Report Patient: Summerlin House Address: 430 South Church Street Age: Approximately 125 years Diagnosis: Progressive deterioration caused by years of deferred maintenance. Condition: Serious, but still treatable. Finding No. 1 The first symptom is easy to see. The paint is failing. Most of us think of paint as something cosmetic. Historic houses … Continue reading A Medical Emergency on South Church Street →

The People Who Decide if a Building is Savable – #2

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 →

The People Who Decide If a Building is Savable – #1

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 →

Learning The Language of Main Street Architecture

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 →

What Do Developers See The First Time They Encounter Downtown Rocky Mount?

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? →