The Beauty of Brick In The Restoration of Rocky Mount – Main Street and Beyond

“Architecture has its own realm. It has a special physical relationship with life... a sensitive container for the rhythm of footsteps on the floor, for the concentration of work, for the silence of sleep.” Peter Zumthor, Thinking Architecture I think of the rustic charm of exposed brickwork in buildings as art. The colors and textures … Continue reading The Beauty of Brick In The Restoration of Rocky Mount – Main Street and Beyond →

Main Street Exhibit – Remembrance of Things Past

“Look at the places where no one looks, so you can see the things no one sees!” Mehmet Murat ildan Those who follow Main Street know the words to its theme song about preservation, restoration, and repurposing the commercial buildings in historic downtown. One of the verses is about finding a heartbeat and pulse in … Continue reading Main Street Exhibit – Remembrance of Things Past →

Stepheny Sings A Joe Cocker Song to Troy White – A New Face on Howard Street

I often sing a few lines from a Joe Cocker song when I think of those I am grateful for, love, and admire. I haven't met Mr. White, so it is unusual to connect a song with a stranger. There are exceptions. Mr. White is another 'angel unaware' that has come to Main Street. You … Continue reading Stepheny Sings A Joe Cocker Song to Troy White – A New Face on Howard Street →

Checking On Main Street – It’s a New Dawn, It’s a New Day, A New Life For Us

“A city is not an accident but the result of coherent visions and aims.” Leon Krier, The Architecture of Community Like you, I have been at home practicing patience. I haven't checked on things downtown for awhile. Since a grocery run was in order, while I was out, I drove downtown around 4:30. There was … Continue reading Checking On Main Street – It’s a New Dawn, It’s a New Day, A New Life For Us →

The Emerging Scene On Main Street -Dedicated to David Joyner – A Speaker at the Main Street Conference

“Architecture is the thoughtful making of space.” ― Louis Khan At the Main Street Conference in New Bern, I signed up for one of the tours in order to see 3 properties, one in it's gutted stage, and two 'living above the store' homes. Bill Hand wrote an article a while back about New Bern … Continue reading The Emerging Scene On Main Street -Dedicated to David Joyner – A Speaker at the Main Street Conference →

Do You SEE What I See? – For Sale – The Gas Station On The Corner of Thomas and Franklin Streets

Every time I pass by, I slow down and look at a corner Shell gas station that is for sale on Thomas and Franklin streets. My imagination takes over and a successful restaurant materializes. The reuse of old stations started to grow in 2002, when Congress authorized the EPA to use its brownfield funding … Continue reading Do You SEE What I See? – For Sale – The Gas Station On The Corner of Thomas and Franklin Streets →