May is National Preservation Month, and Preservation Raleigh has launched a new initiative: Places in Peril. Our second “PIP” brings attention to efforts to save the original Char-Grill and the historic Elmwood House.
As of April 2024, plans for a 20-story tower in Glenwood South, have stalled. While this may come as a disappointment to some, it presents a golden opportunity for Preservation Raleigh to continue its mission of sustaining Raleigh’s architectural inheritance for everyone’s benefit.
The proposed development, spearheaded by Wilson | Blount, faced hurdles from the outset. A key sticking point was the incorporation of the historic Elmwood house, dating back to 1813, and the beloved Char-Grill restaurant, established in 1959.
The approved rezoning plan included safeguards to preserve both. The Elmwood house was to be relocated, and the Char-Grill location was to be somehow integrated into the new development. While Wilson | Blount has withdrawn from the project for now, zoning remains in place, ensuring that any future development must prioritize saving these irreplaceable pieces of Raleigh’s past.
Elmwood: A Testament to Raleigh’s Rich History
Elmwood, located at 16 North Boylan Avenue, is a 2 and ½-story Federal-style frame dwelling that stands as a testament to Raleigh’s rich history. Constructed between 1810 and 1815, it boasts a classic design with a gable roof, dormers, and weatherboard siding. Throughout the years, the house has seen tasteful additions, including a two-story wing around 1830 and a one-story full-width front porch with a hipped roof added in 1870. These additions showcase the evolution of architectural styles in Raleigh.
Most notably, Elmwood was once home to several prominent figures in North Carolina history. John Louis Taylor, the first Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, resided there. William Gaston, a North Carolina politician and associate justice of the Supreme Court, and Romulus Mitchell Saunders, another prominent politician, also called Elmwood home. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, solidifying its significance as a landmark.
The Char-Grill: More Than Just a Burger
The Char-Grill on Hillsborough Street sizzles with more than just burgers. Built in 1960, it’s a unique piece of Raleigh’s history under threat. The only iconic fast-food restaurant in downtown Raleigh stands as a time capsule. It showcases a bygone era of Modernist design with its flamboyant jet-age accordion roof of convex and concave shapes, its steel porch posts, and its large windows. It’s the only downtown Raleigh restaurant eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
For Raleigh residents, the Char-Grill is more than just a meal. It’s a cherished tradition. Filling out paper orders, watching meals sizzle over an open flame, and enjoying them in the car – these familiar rituals create a comforting atmosphere.
Raleigh often prioritizes new development over preserving significant buildings. The Char-Grill is at risk. While developers plan to remake the block and incorporate the Char-Grill, relocating it into a high-rise wouldn’t capture the full experience.
Saving the Experience, Not Just the Structures
The magic of both Elmwood and the Char-Grill isn’t just about the physical structures themselves. Elmwood embodies the history of Raleigh’s influential residents, and the Char-Grill evokes cherished memories and a sense of community. Losing them erases a piece of the city’s soul.
The Char-Grill, a beloved local landmark, and Elmwood, a historic home, are both part of the heart of Raleigh. Let’s fight to preserve both the original building of the Char-Grill in its current spot and Elmwood’s unique character. This will ensure they continue to be a part of Raleigh’s story for generations to come.
What can be done? A Call to Action:
Preservation Raleigh sees the stalled skyscraper project in Glenwood South as an opportunity, not a setback. Their focus now turns to securing the futures of two irreplaceable pieces of Raleigh’s past: the historic Elmwood House and the beloved Char-Grill restaurant. By collaborating with the city, developers, and Preservation NC, they aim to advocate for a future project that not only respects Raleigh’s heritage but actively incorporates these landmarks. This collaborative approach will allow Raleigh to grow while safeguarding the unique character that makes it a special place.
If you’d like to get involved with this specific issue, please reach out to us at communications@preservationraleigh.org.
Sources/More info:
https://www.presnc.org/news/plans-for-20-story-tower-on-original-char-grill-site-flame-out/
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article263054603.html
State Preservation Office survey report on Char Grill:
WA2886 Char-Grill
618 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh
1960
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmwood_(Raleigh,_North_Carolina)
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