Preservation North Carolina

Renovations cost mansion its historic status in Mecklenburg

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Let it ring true that renovations to an historic property can be tricky and should be carefully and cautiously executed.� In this case, it has resulted in over $85,000 of taxes, fees, and interest. Changes, which were determined as substantial, have cost the Major Alexander L. James House its historic status as a Charlotte-Mecklenburg landmark. . .

Read full story. . . �

Charlotte Observer (10/12/09)�

Richard Moe Announces Retirement as President of the National Trust

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

"Richard Moe, the longest serving president in the 60 year history of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, announced today that he will retire from the post in the spring of 2010. Moe, 72, who has been at the helm of the nation's leading preservation organization for 17 years, said he has told the board that he will stay until a successor has been named, probably next spring.

"It has been an enormous privilege to be associated with the National Trust over these years," Moe said in a statement. "It has been the most fulfilling professional experience I have ever had. Both the people and the places I've encountered have been fabulous, and I will never forget them. . .'"

Read full story or full letter . . .

Preservation Nation (11/03/09)

Deal Made to Save Land along Blue Ridge Parkway

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

In Little Switzerland, an agreement has been established to save 1,488 acres along the Blue Ridge Parkway in McDowell County for the sake of conserving the land, views, jobs, and of course the history.� The deal was finalized by the Conservation Trust for North Carolina on Monday for an alleged $3.67 million:

"The tract near Little Switzerland is the third-largest piece of land the conservation group has protected along the parkway. In total, the group has protected more than 30,000 acres in more than 40 locations along the 469-mile national park. . ."

Citizen-Times (10/27/09)�

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Chain Store in downtown Asheville sparks debate

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

When you think of downtown Asheville, you see the independently owned, mom-and-pop establishments that collectively work to create an eclectic feeling in the city. Asheville has certainly acquired its own image over the years. With that being said, it may be hard to imagine the opening of a trendy chain store, ironically enough---an Urban Outfitters, in downtown Asheville. This has caused an eruptive debate that is worth acknowledging. What do you think about this hot-button issue?

Below are Stories Regarding the Issue:

As of the 14th of October, the construction of a new Urban Outfitters pushes on as they hope to open by the holiday shopping season. While most likely still battling protestors, the store has made some changes to appease the local commission, such as change their [side of building] sign that "complies with all city ordinances." This process is certainly a fascinating topic that stirs debate and invites feedback from readers.

Read full story. . .

Mountain XPress (10/14/09)

The whole concept emerged back in 2007 with an editorial that questions the integration of chain stores. Soon after a pro-chain store editorial was posted for the sake of progress and the revitalization of downtown. These posts stirred some debate and consequently received various comments.

In July of this year, the announcement was made regarding a new store moving in. Urban Outfitters, ironically enough known for his eclectic, downtown vibe, was projected to open this fall.

Read full story. . .

Only five days later, Mountain XPress came out with a story entitled, "Urban Outfitters' downtown plan gets mixed reception."

Preservation North Carolina will keep a close eye on the progress of the store's construction, opening, and the subsequent feedback (positive or negative) that it receives.

What do you think? Let us know on our Facebook Page .

Mountain XPress (07/10/09)

Mountain XPress (07/15/09)

Mountain XPress (10/10/07)

Mountain XPress (09/19/07)

Efforts recognized for Durham's Snow Building

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Durham's Art Deco Snow Building has gone through a lot since its creation in 1933, including a seventh-floor fire that caused many problems. Recent renovations have made it a functional office building with a new conference room, an efficent HVAC, and freshened up historic details. A special team effort is to thank for an excellent act of preservation. . .

The Herald Sun (10/25/09)

Read full story. . .

Endangered Durham Compares & Contrasts

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Get insight into changes over time as you get a glimpse of Durham's Broad Street, for example the Esso Station at 1132 Broad Street in 1920, the 1950s, and as recent as July 2009.

It is always fascinating to compare and contrast---to seewhat dramatic changes have taken place and what aspects have remarkably stayed the same. . .

Read full post. . .

Endangered Durham (10/16-23/09)

Tarboro's jewel receives the 2009 Duffy Award

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

The Blount-Bridgers House Garden will receive the 2009 Minnette C. Duffy Landscape Preservation Award, or simply, the Duffy Award. This site was acknowledged by the Historic Preservation Foundation of North Carolina for the "high attention to detail" given at the Blount Bridgers House, which has 'weekly weeders' and many volunteers who lend a helping hand. . .

Read full story. . .

The Daily Southerner (10/19/09)

Couple turn Matthews near-teardown into town jewel

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Jim and Janet Johnson have managed to turn a 1904 termite-ridden, near-teardown Queen Anne-Colonial Revival home into a successful, updated remodel that earned them one of thw Historic Charlotte's 2009 Preservation Awards. They maintained original character while updating the home with "scores of green and tech-savvy features."

Read full story. . .

Charlotte Observer (10/16/09)

Homeowners pursue historic district status in Rocky Mount

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

The Villa Place community of Rocky Mount has a "coalition of homeowners" battling to preserve the community and its historic roots. Jay Neal and the Villa Place Historic Neighborhood Association is making efforts to have the area acknowledged, while various groups such as the Rocky Mount Historic Preservation Commission and the N.C. Historic Preservation Office have already approved the designation. Input is still needed from the Rocky Mount City Council and the planning board.

Read full story. . .

Rocky Mount Telegram (10/17/09)

Charter school at odds with Preservation Durham over old homes

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

�An update on the status of the West Chapel Hill Street Charter School and its controversial plans for the site:

"Leaders of a West Chapel Hill Street charter school have turned down a request that they meet with the City Council [Wednesday] to discuss the fate of two school-owned houses in an adjoining historic district.

Liz Morey, executive director of the Healthy Start Academy, wrote City Manager Tom Bonfield on Monday to say that "due to a conflict," she and other school leaders "must postpone participation until mid to late November...

The homes are in Durham's Morehead Hill historic district, in an area that's also on the National Register of Historic Places.

Morey in an interview said recent publicity about the homes has generated three leads on people or groups who might be interested in moving them off the school's property."

Read full story. . .�

The Herald Sun (10/21/09)�

Another story featuring the status of the Charter School:�

"Healthy Start Academy�s plan to move or tear down two homes in Durham�s Morehead Hills neighborhood is causing concern.
The academy, at 807 West Chapel Hill Street, serves kindergarten through eighth grade, and was the first established charter public school in North Carolina. . ."

WRAL.com (10/16/09)

Read older story. . .

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