– Research compiled and edited by Brent A. Pitts
The Ligon House, a once-grand Craftsman-style residence perched on a double lot at 573 E. Lenoir St. in Raleigh, North Carolina, stands as a testament to a prominent family and a pivotal figure in the city’s history. For 75 years, it was the home of the Ligon family, with Rev. Dr. John William Ligon, a respected educator, pastor, and community leader, at its heart. However, the house itself has faced an uncertain future in recent years, swinging from hope for restoration to the despair of neglect.
Courtesy State Archives, Borden Collection.
A House Steeped in History
Built around 1914, the Ligon House embodies the classic Craftsman aesthetic. Distinctive features include six-over-one pane windows, an eyebrow dormer, and a welcoming porch supported by characteristic Craftsman-style elements. Early city directories list residents as Daisy Ligon (1914), followed by Rev. J. W. Ligon and his family (1921 onwards). The house was clearly a central point for the Ligons and likely a hub for community gatherings as well.
A Family Rooted in Education and Community
Rev. Dr. John William Ligon was a towering figure in Raleigh’s African American community. Born in Wake County in 1869, he dedicated his life to education, ministry, and civic engagement. He held multiple pastorates and served for over a quarter-century as both teacher and principal in Wake County public schools. His educational pursuits were extensive, culminating in an honorary doctorate of divinity from Shaw University in 1925.
Rev. Ligon’s commitment to education extended beyond the classroom walls. He was instrumental in establishing a school for African American children in Raleigh, a crucial step towards educational equity in the segregated South. Nearly three decades after his passing, John W. Ligon High School, named in his honor, opened its doors as the city’s sole Black secondary institution. This school, now known as Ligon Magnet Middle School, continues to serve the community and stands as a lasting tribute to Rev. Ligon’s legacy.
A Fight for Preservation
The Ligon House, however, has not shared the same fate. For the past two decades, the property has endured a cycle of hopeful restoration attempts followed by periods of neglect. As of today, the house remains unoccupied and bears the scars of deferred maintenance. Boarded-up windows and a deteriorating roof create a disheartening image.
Efforts to preserve the house began in the early 2000s. Descendants of Rev. Ligon envisioned the property as “Ligon Square,” a space for office space and community events near Shaw University. While this initiative ultimately fell through, the desire to save the house persisted. In 2007, a coalition led by Bruce Lightner successfully advocated for the house’s reprieve from demolition by the Raleigh City Council.
More recently, in 2021, news reports indicated a new owner, Hoss Holdings LLC, committed to restoring the Ligon House. Initial plans included patching the roof to prevent further damage. However, nearly three years later, the house’s condition remains unchanged, a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for its preservation.
A Legacy Waiting to be Restored
The Ligon House is more than just a structure; it’s a tangible link to Raleigh’s rich history of African American education and community leadership. It embodies the life and work of Rev. Dr. John William Ligon, a man who dedicated his life to uplifting others. Preserving this house becomes an act of honoring his legacy and ensuring that future generations can learn about this important chapter in Raleigh’s story.
The Ligon House’s future remains uncertain. Will it succumb to neglect, be demolished to make way for development, or will it be moved and restored to its former glory? The answer lies in the hands of the community and its commitment to preserving this irreplaceable piece of Raleigh’s heritage.
The house is a contributing structure within the East Raleigh-South Park National Historic District. It is eligible for state and federal rehabilitation tax credits. If further designated as a Raleigh Historic Landmark, the owner can apply for a 50% city and county property tax deferral.
A Call to Action
The current owner of the Ligon House is Ashkan Hosseini with Hoss Holdings. In talks with the RHDC in 2021, he indicated that he hoped to save the house by moving it to a lot at the corner of Bloodworth Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard. Preservation Raleigh is asking our followers to contact him to encourage him to follow through on this plan.
More Information
For further reading including resource links and a biography of Rev. Ligon, read the full article by Brent A. Pitts:
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