Raleigh boasts a rich history reflected in its architectural heritage. Yet, time and progress can threaten these irreplaceable structures. The Beckwith-Farlow House, a charming Queen Anne home at 412 North Wilmington Street, stands precariously as one such threatened landmark. Identified by Preservation Raleigh as a “Place in Peril,” this historic structure urgently needs the State of NC to allow a buyer to relocate and restore it to its former glory.
A Fading Jewel Needs Rescue
Built around 1898, the Beckwith-Farlow House stands as a testament to North Wilmington Street’s past. Originally built for Iola H. Beckwith, wife of attorney Bosworth C. Beckwith, the Queen Anne style is evident in its design: a curved front room, a wraparound porch, and spacious rooms. Inside, fireplaces and a grand center hall hint at a time of elegance.
The exterior, painted dark brown with dark green trim, is weathered but retains a quiet dignity. The wraparound porch is supported by turned posts with brackets, framing a simple front door with sidelights and a fanlight transom. A bow window adds a touch of detail to the facade. Stagger-butt shingles cover the gables, adding a final touch of character.
The home was owned by the Beckwith family until 1954, followed years later by the Farlow family, explaining the dual attribution. In 1979, the Farlows sold it to the State of North Carolina and it was used as office space until approximately 2008. However, years of vacancy since then have taken their toll. This once-charming residence is in need of rescue.
The front center hallway of the Beckwith-Farlow House
A Fight for Survival
Today, the Beckwith-Farlow House stands isolated amidst a sea of parking lots. Towering across the street, a six-story state office building casts a perpetual shadow. This stark contrast underscores the house’s precarious situation. The surrounding area, once a fashionable neighborhood, has undergone significant changes. While the house itself is in good condition, rehabilitation is necessary, especially considering it hasn’t been updated since 1975 and served as office space for decades.
The rear of the home, photographed in May 2024 from the adjacent parking lot.
A Unique Opportunity, But with Delays
The State of North Carolina currently owns the Beckwith-Farlow House. In 2009, the state initially planned to sell the house as part of a larger development project called “Blount Street Commons.” However, the 2008 real estate crash stalled those plans, leaving the house empty and deteriorating for over a decade. Unlike most other houses in the Blount Street Historic District that were successfully sold, the Beckwith-Farlow House remained unclaimed.
Finally, in February 2020, under pressure from preservationists, the State put the Beckwith-Farlow House on the market through an upset bid process. This unique opportunity offered the house itself, but not the land it sits on, along with a designated lot directly behind it at 425 N. Blount Street. However, there was a crucial stipulation: the buyer would need to relocate the house to the new lot. A glimmer of hope emerged when Attorney Todd Jones, known for restoring the Norris House in the area, won the final round of bidding in June 2021 with a bid of $632,000. However, despite a dedicated buyer and a seemingly clear plan, the sale has been inexplicably delayed by the State for unknown reasons.
Fanlight transom above the front door.
A Call to Action
The future of the Beckwith-Farlow House remains uncertain and bureaucratic hurdles persist. This unique opportunity requires continued advocacy to ensure that the state follows up with the sale of the home.
Preservation Raleigh asks that the N.C. State Property Office be urged to follow through with the sale. That office is part of the Department of Administration. Of course, the Governor is the ultimate authority. If you have any contacts with those departments or would like to get involved, please reach out to raise awareness of this issue and encourage them to finish the sale of this property. The reward? Saving a vital piece of Raleigh’s architectural heritage and ensuring its continued enjoyment for generations to come.
The Creation of Raleigh’s First Black Historic Overlay District
In 1974, the City of Raleigh designated Oakwood as the city’s first historic overlay district, also known as a “local historic district.” A historic overlay district is a collection of buildings, sites, parcels, and features that may not be individually identified as historic landmarks, but when considered together, offer an important window into historic development and cultural patterns, as well as architectural styles.
The National Register of Historic Places, which lists national historic districts, is a mostly honorary designation and does not prohibit demolition or irreversible change. In contrast, through the Certificate of Appropriateness process, a local historic district provides the only mechanism to protect and preserve historic and culturally significant neighborhoods from changes that jeopardize their special character.
Gethsemane Seventh Day Adventist Church, 501 S. Person Street, circa 1940
Early Efforts to protect Prince Hall (1980s-1990s):
In the late 1980s, longtime residents of what is now Prince Hall, James E. Williams and Edna Rich-Ballentine, led a coalition of neighbors to approach the City about historic overlay district designation; due to a lack of City resources at the time, that effort stalled. Keenly aware of the neighborhood’s immense historic significance, vulnerability, and lack of protection, Williams organized historic home tours to bring external attention to the neighborhood’s history. Conversations between residents and the City surrounding designation continued through the 1990s, but were fruitless.
Downtown East Home Tour brochure, 1988. From the collection of James E. Williams. View the full program here.
The Long Road to Designation (2000-2012)
By the start of the new millennium – nearly four decades after the first designation – the City’s historic overlay districts had grown to five: Blount Street, Boylan Heights, Capitol Square, Moore Square, and Oakwood. None of these local historic districts protected or recognized the rich Black history that built and shaped the state capital of North Carolina, a built heritage that was largely lost during ruinous, multi-decade, urban renewal efforts.
In 2000, the City of Raleigh adopted a small area plan in partnership with area property owners that included local historic district designation as a recommended action item, setting aside funding for an external study. Though it would take another decade to complete, that report detailed the area’s historic and cultural significance. The 2030 Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2009, reiterated the consideration of a historic overlay district for what was then called “South Person/South Blount.” With detailed discussions held over the course of more than a dozen meetings, a thorough 15-month process was undertaken to finally designate a long-overdue historic overlay district dedicated to Raleigh’s Black history in early 2011. Despite opposition from the development community and external naysayers, the district’s creation enjoyed robust support from residents and property owners, and was formally designated by City Council on April 3, 2012.
Preservation and Challenges (2012-2023)
Over the course of 12 years, not a single demolition has occurred within Prince Hall, despite ongoing development pressure. On the contrary, a plethora of historic rehabilitations and neighborhood-sensitive changes have given new life to old buildings. Because a number of vacant parcels exist due to afore-mentioned urban renewal policies, opportunities for creative infill have facilitated new single-family housing, the relocation and historic rehabilitation of threatened historic structures, the construction of modernist, multi-family housing, and a plethora of sensitive historic rehabilitations. These projects served to stabilize the neighborhood by sensitively filling in gaps in creative ways, encouraged economic development through private investment, and retained Prince Hall’s historic character; rather than being frozen in amber, the district is instead dynamic!
Guest House Raleigh, originally located at 112 E. Lenoir Street, relocated to 424 S. Bloodworth
In contrast, the far larger East Raleigh-South Park National Historic District (designated in 1990), much of which Prince Hall falls within, is now largely gone due to rampant demolitions and wholesale removal of historic fabric. Despite being described three decades ago as having statewide historic significance as the, “…largest historic black neighborhood in Raleigh, the state’s capital, and one of the largest and most historic, relatively intact urban black residential and cultural concentrations in North Carolina,” the staggering loss of historic resources illustrates the protective shortcomings of a national historic district.
So What’s Up With the Vacant Lots, Why is the District So Small, and What Is “Prince Hall?”
Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, 1915, courtesy State Archives of NC
Prince Hall’s boundaries were identified during the process of adopting the 500-Block S. Person/S. Blount Area Redevelopment Plan. The proposed edges included both contributing historic buildings and non-contributing, as well as vacant land to protect its historic urban context from inappropriate development. Because a local historic district is a “collection” of buildings and parcels, it is standard preservation best practices to include vacant land and non-contributing buildings to create a contiguous district. For context, Oakwood contained numerous vacant parcels when designated; today, nearly all of them have been infilled with new construction that does not diminish the neighborhood’s historic character, from traditional to very modern.
Originally, Prince Hall’s boundaries were recommended to also include the entire block encompassing the Pope House and Lincoln Theatre, as well as the lot formerly owned by Sanders Ford (now the Acorn Apartments). However, these lines were reduced following stakeholder input. The district’s name honors the Prince Hall Masonic Temple (1907), located on the corner of S. Blount and E. Cabarrus Streets, a Raleigh Historic Landmark and an anchor within the community. Prince Hall was a prominent Black Freemason who founded the country’s first Black Masonic lodge in Boston in 1787.
312 E. Cabarrus Street, circa 1926. From the collection of Golan Frazier
Why Is Prince Hall a ‘Place in Peril?’
Shortly after designation in 2012, development interests began to pick the district apart. Despite vocal opposition from the Raleigh Historic Development Commission, the Planning Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, and residents, City Council removed three contributing historic buildings from the district’s boundary to make way for a hotel (still yet to be built), creating precedence for later removals. In 2022, City Council arbitrarily removed nine parcels totaling nearly two acres without zoning conditions, leaving five contributing historic structures without protection. This included the long-time home of Haywood Funeral Home, as well as Cumbo’s Barber Shop and their adjacent family residence.
In June of 2023, City Council removed another twelve parcels containing an additional five contributing historic buildings at the request of Shaw University. With the same legal team representing each rezoning case for de-designation, these parcels were removed because a highly focused and targeted development campaign won the battle, not because they were no longer historic. These removals and boundary reductions serve to destabilize Prince Hall, each one making the case for the next. It has emboldened and accelerated speculative development, and endangers every single historic resource within the district’s remaining boundaries. Because removal has become such an assuredly easy win, developers make little attempt to seek a Certificate of Appropriateness, choosing instead to circumvent this long-established and nationally-recognized process.
223 E. Lenoir Street, courtesy Capital Area Preservation
Where Are We Now?
In 2023, City Council directed staff to undertake a review of Prince Hall, its boundaries, and to conduct a new survey of owners to determine interest in remaining, unprecedented not only within Raleigh’s other historic districts, but the State of North Carolina. As many of the long-time residents and property owners were aging more than a decade ago, some of the most stalwart champions and leaders have since passed away. While the demographics of the neighborhood look different today than in years past, the underlying history and immense cultural significance remains unchanged. Today, the district is as threatened as it’s ever been; if Prince Hall is de-designated or further diminished, an incontrovertible precedent for every other historic overlay district in the city is established, even those considered sacrosanct.
Prince Hall’s precious, necessary history – a window into Raleigh’s Black urban historic and cultural significance during the mid-19th century through the beginning of integration – will be lost forever, just as Fourth Ward was eliminated in its entirety. During their April business meeting, members of the Raleigh Historic Development Commission conducted a thoughtful, thorough discussion of potential district recommendations. With a vote of 10-1, the Commission recommended that the district not only remain as a rare treasure in need of protection and preservation, but that its existing boundaries be upheld, including vacant parcels.
Historic rehabilitations, 200 block E. South Street
A Call to Action: Securing Prince Hall’s Future
City Council’s Economic Development and Innovation Committee will meet on June 27th, 2024, at 3 pm. to discuss the future of Prince Hall. Their recommendations will be forwarded to the full Council for an eventual vote, likely in August.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
Contact your City Council members: Let them know you support upholding the 2012 designation of Prince Hall and preserving the district’s current boundaries.
Advocate for the Raleigh Historic Development Commission’s recommendation: Support the recommendation of this Council-appointed board of historic preservation advisors to leave the district and its boundaries unchanged and intact. Their expertise underscores the importance of safeguarding this irreplaceable piece of history.
Send a clear message: Raleigh’s Black history and culture matters, and Raleigh’s first Black historic overlay district will truly be preserved through their support. Protecting Prince Hall ensures these stories are not lost but celebrated for generations to come.
Your voice matters. Together, we can ensure Prince Hall remains a vibrant testament to Raleigh’s rich Black heritage.
The E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant stands as a testament to Raleigh’s history and commitment to innovation in public works. Designated a Raleigh Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, this architectural gem boasts a unique blend of functionality and Art Moderne style.
May is National Preservation Month, and Preservation Raleigh is on a mission to safeguard our city’s unique legacy. This month, we launched a new initiative: Places in Peril. Learn more about the E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant as the fifth in the series.
A Storied Past and Engineering Feat
Courtesy State Archives of NC
Much like today, Raleigh’s growth in the early 1900s quickly outpaced the city’s infrastructure. By the late 1930s, Raleigh’s aging water treatment plant, built in 1886 and reliant on steam power from Walnut Creek south of downtown, was maxed out at 7 million gallons a day.
Enter the E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant: Named after Ernest Battle Bain, superintendent of the City Water Works for nearly 40 years, the new plant addressed the city’s growing thirst. Funded through a combination of federal New Deal programs and city bonds, construction began in 1939 and was completed in 1940. The Bain plant marked a significant leap forward, not just in capacity but also in design.
The construction itself was a feat of engineering. The new Art Deco-styled Bain plant was built on the same site as the existing facility, ensuring an uninterrupted water supply for Raleigh’s 50,000 residents. With four electric pumps and a gas-powered backup, the Bain plant boasted a significant upgrade in capacity, treating up to 10 million gallons of water per day, with the potential to expand to 20 million gallons.
Raleigh’s Growing Thirst: A History of Water Expansion
While the E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant was a significant upgrade, Raleigh’s ever-growing population continued to push the limits. The 1950s saw the construction of two additional reservoirs on Swift Creek, significantly increasing storage capacity to 3 billion gallons.
However, as Raleigh’s population surged past 100,000 in the 1960s, the need for even more water sources became critical. The solution came in 1967 with the construction of the E.M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant on the Neuse River. This new facility, coupled with the explosive growth of Falls Lake (holding a staggering 43 billion gallons), ensured a reliable water supply for decades to come.
The E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant remained in use until 1987, working in tandem with the newer plant. After closing, the city continued to use the storage tanks for backup treated water storage. In the 1990s, the building was sold to a development firm who planned to rehabilitate and manage the property. The water treatment plant was added to the National Register of Historic Places that same year. The building changed ownership in 2006, and the site remains in pre-development.
Today, Raleigh’s water system is even more extensive, incorporating Lake Benson in Garner and providing water to numerous Wake County municipalities. This impressive network stands as a testament to the city’s foresight in planning for its ever-growing water needs.
Courtesy State Archives of NC
Art Deco Grandeur
The National Park Service aptly describes the E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant: “While strictly utilitarian in concept, the Bain plant, as built, is perhaps the foremost Art Deco style building in Raleigh, displaying a surprising level of architectural detail.” Indeed, this 1940 brick building transcends its functional purpose.
Photo by Leland Kent, used with permission
Standing four stories tall with a full basement, the Bain plant boasts a two-story entrance lobby that wouldn’t be out of place in a grand museum. A mezzanine circles the upper level, while soaring staircases with ornate wrought iron and cast-iron railings flank either side. The grandeur continues with a lobby ceiling adorned with ornamented plaster beams, and the original light fixtures and red quarry floor tile add to the historic charm.
The operational areas themselves are a testament to the marriage of form and function. Housed in a substantial two-and-a-half story wing, they flank an extended arcade of molded plaster arches. Clerestory windows bathe the space in natural light, illuminating the utilitarian space.
Photo by Leland Kent, used with permission
Looking Forward
The Bain plant is currently privately owned and awaits a new chapter in its story. While the property is protected by historic covenants to ensure its preservation, extensive work will be required to adapt the building for a new use. The property, owned and maintained by Empire Properties of Raleigh, is available for lease or sale to a tenant or developer who will rehabilitate this splendid, isolated complex in south Raleigh into an adaptive reuse. This presents a unique opportunity to breathe new life into this historic landmark, all while maintaining its original character.
Courtesy State Archives of NC
A Call to Action
The E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant stands as a symbol of Raleigh’s past and its potential for the future. With its rich history, architectural significance, and impressive engineering story, the plant offers a unique canvas for creative redevelopment.
The question remains: who will be the steward to guide this landmark into its next chapter?
Interested parties can contact Empire Properties here.
Learn more about the Brimley-Upchurch house, the fourth in Preservation Raleigh’s Places in Peril series for Preservation Month.
PhC.42.Brimley_H_H.F9 From the H. H. Brimley Collection, State Archives of NC.
402 East Hargett Street (present-day 313 East Cabarrus Street) is seen above c. 1908. This Queen Anne style house was built c. 1899 on an East Hargett Street parcel owned by the Upchurch family. Alfred P. Upchurch, a carriage builder, purchased the entire block bounded by Hargett, East, Martin and Bloodworth in 1867. It is unclear, but possible, that his son Allen Upchurch built the residence seen here. For unknown reasons, the Upchurch family did not initially occupy the house.
The Brimley Family Takes Up Residence
The first resident of the home was H. H. Brimley, the pioneering naturalist and first director of the North Carolina State Museum (https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/brimley-herbert). He and his wife Edith, along with their two boys Arthur and Robert, spent nearly ten years in the home before Brimley built his own residence on Ashe Avenue, which was demolished in the 1980s.
Robert and Arthur Brimley on the front porch of 402 East Hargett c. 1908. PhC42_Bx18_Museum_of_Natural_History_F1_2 From the H. H. Brimley Collection, State Archives of NC.
Upchurch Family Returns and Eventual Relocation
After Brimley, the Upchurch family occupied the house until the death of Allen in 1937. The house had several different owners over the next seventy years, and was used as a boarding house in the 1970s and early 1980s. In 2007, this entire block was cleared of all structures in preparation for development. Owner, Gordon Smith, made considerable effort to move many of the houses to vacant lots in the area—including this house, which ended up at 313 East Cabarrus Street, which is now in the Prince Hall Historic Overlay District.
It now sits vacant and in deteriorated condition. Given its significance in relation to H. H. Brimley and its unique design, hopefully this once resplendent home can be saved from further deterioration. As it stands today, the fear is that the house will be lost because of neglect.
What can be done?
This house needs new energetic owners committed to restoration. Perhaps it’s time for the Raleigh Historic Development Commission to commence proceedings to stop Demolition by Neglect. That is an official process by which the RHDC can require repairs to take place.
313 East Cabarrus Street, May 2024
How can Preservation Raleigh help?
We are advocating for the house by informing you and raising awareness of this Place in Peril. Can you help? Preservation Raleigh is willing to reach out to the current owner if we can help open a dialogue about selling the house or beginning the repairs that are desperately needed. Reach out to us by emailing info@preservationraleigh.org.
The Richard B. Harrison Library stands as a beacon of history and community pride in Southeast Raleigh. More than just a place to borrow books, it’s a tangible reminder of the fight for equal access to education and resources. Its future, however, hangs in the balance due to plans for a Rapid Transit system on New Bern Avenue.
As we observe National Preservation Month, Preservation Raleigh has launched a new initiative: Places in Peril. Our third “PIP” brings attention to the Richard B. Harrison Library, located at 1313 New Bern Avenue.
A Legacy Built on Equity
Founded in 1935, the Richard B. Harrison Library was a cornerstone for Raleigh’s African American community. Mollie Huston Lee, the library’s driving force, curated a remarkable collection of African American literature and local history. These irreplaceable resources chronicling Raleigh’s past, particularly the mid-20th century, are housed within the library’s walls. Among countless artifacts, the original tapes and transcripts from the “Raleigh Roots” oral history project (part of research phase leading to Culture Town book, RHDC’s publication) are housed in the Mollie Huston Lee collection at R. B. Harrison Library.
Originally located in a storefront on East Martin Street, the library opened with a small collection of 890 books. The library was named for Canadian-born Richard Berry Harrison, a noted African American actor and professor of drama. Under Lee’s leadership, and with strong community support, the library thrived. In 1948, it moved to a building with more space for programs on South Blount Street. In 1966, the library merged into the Wake County Public Library System and was relocated in June 1967 to its current location at 1313 New Bern Avenue.
An Architectural Gem Under Threat
Constructed in 1968, the current Wake County Public Library building is a masterpiece of mid-century modern design by renowned architect G. Milton Small Jr. Nicknamed “Small’s Miesian design” for its clean lines and emphasis on horizontal forms, the building is a well-preserved example of this architectural style. This pristine structure stands as a crucial landmark of Raleigh’s segregated past, a physical reminder of the “separate but equal” era. Losing this library would erase a vital piece of Raleigh’s history and dismantle a cornerstone of the Southeast Raleigh community.
Preservation, Not Demolition
While the planned Rapid Transit system offers undeniable benefits, its path shouldn’t come at the cost of our cultural heritage. The library’s estimated value of $3.6 million pales in comparison to its community significance. There are alternative solutions – rerouting the transit line or incorporating the library into the new development. Preserving the Richard B. Harrison Library need not hinder progress; it can be a testament to Raleigh’s ability to honor its past while embracing its future.
The Time to Act is Now
The Richard B. Harrison Library deserves to be cherished, not cast aside. Let’s urge city officials to explore alternative solutions that prioritize both progress and preservation. The library’s story, a testament to the fight for equality, deserves to continue for generations to come.
From the N&O Negative Collection, State Archives of North Carolina. Photo copyrighted by the News and Observer.
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.
May is National Preservation Month, and Preservation Raleigh is on a mission to safeguard our city’s unique legacy. This month, we’re launching a new initiative: Places in Peril. Our first “PIP” is the Royster House, that unique yellow shingled home you may have noticed on Boylan Ave.
Summary:
History of the House
Dr. Hubert Ashley Royster and Louise Page Royster purchased the house in 1926.
Dr. Royster was a prominent Raleigh physician.
The house is located near several medical centers where Dr. Royster worked.
It retains its original features and has a distinctive design.
Threat of Demolition
The house faces demolition due to development pressures.
A local nonprofit is working to save the house by relocating it.
Efforts to Save the House
The Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood has identified a new location for the house on a city-owned lot.
Preservation Raleigh has added the house to its “Places in Peril” list.
Biography of Dr. Hubert Ashley Royster
Dr. Royster was a prominent physician, author, and humanitarian.
He made significant contributions to medicine in North Carolina and served as President of the NC Medical Society and Dean of the UNC School of Medicine.
He was dedicated to serving his community, regardless of ability to pay.
The Royster House
-by Brent A. Pitts
History of the House
Dr Hubert Ashley and Louise Page Royster purchased the frame house at 121 South Boylan Ave (WA3007; previously WA2647) on 1 April 1926. Dr Royster was by then in his mid-fifties and well-established in his career.
The property is situated on the western edge of downtown Raleigh, two blocks east of the (relocated) Joel Lane House. The rear portion of the property abuts commercial buildings sitting along a Norfolk Southern railroad line at the ‘Wye’. The house is one mile south of the former site of Rex Hospital and just over two miles north of the Dorothea Dix Hospital, where Dr Royster served mentally ill patients free of charge. The house is just over two miles west of St Agnes Hospital. Thus, for his home, Dr Royster selected a site central to these three centers of his work.
The structure has a high level of material integrity. The house retains its original windows and shake siding and exhibits a distinctive plan and porte-cochere style porch. The Sanborn Fire Map shows that as early as 1914 the property included a garage (labelled ‘Auto’ on the map).
The Roysters lived in this house for about five years. Sometime before December 1931, they moved to 2318 Beechridge Rd in Raleigh and named the house ‘Woodlawn’. Between 1931 and 1936 the Boylan Ave house was converted to apartments, like many in the Boylan Heights neighborhood during the Great Depression.
See the thumbnail biography of Dr Royster below. Louise Page Royster was also well-respected in Raleigh. She was a renowned gardener. She was known for hosting parties where she entertained politicians, business owners, professors, poets, musicians, and doctors, and contributed to Dr Royster’s success in social circles. In 1931, while living at ‘Woodlawn’, she hosted Dr Charles Mayo and Mrs Mayo of Mayo Clinic fame, along with 31 doctors from around the country. She remained socially active and supported Dr Royster’s endeavors, medical charities, and community projects through the 1940s. [Abridged and edited from Historic Architecture Survey for Raleigh Union Station, Phase II – RUS Bus Project Wake County, North Carolina (July 16, 2020), https://files.nc.gov/ncdcr/historic-preservation-office/PDFs/ER_20-0299.pdf, ‘THE DR. HUBERT ROYSTER HOUSE (WA3007)]
Peril and concern
According to a News and Observer report (12 Dec 2022, updated 5 Jan 2023) by Anna Johnson, a Raleigh nonprofit—the Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood—has identified the house at 121 S. Boylan Ave as an historic structure facing mounting development pressures and potential demolition. Johnson writes, ‘Developers have agreed to let the nonprofit move the home, but they need a place to move [it] to’. For this purpose, the nonprofit has offered to purchase a city-owned parking lot at 411 Morson St, ‘located across from Raleigh Fire Station 3 and catty-corner to the City Cemetery. The Raleigh City Council voted to sell the property as surplus last year’. The nonprofit offered $300K. The minimum bid for the lot is $400K, however, and the City of Raleigh had previously earmarked proceeds from any sale not for preservation but to boost the city’s efforts to provide affordable housing. Still, ‘the nonprofit hopes that [the house] could be moved to the parking lot, if they are able to purchase [the lot]’. That ‘the Royster House at 121 S. Boylan Ave was just rezoned to allow up to 20 stories’ only increases the urgency to move the house as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the City of Raleigh ‘is still moving forward with selling the property to the highest bidder unless otherwise instructed’. Preservation Raleigh has recently added 121 S. Boylan Ave to its list of ‘Places in Peril’.
Biography of Dr Hubert Ashley Royster
Dr Hubert Ashley Royster was a prominent Raleigh and NC physician, author, and humanitarian. He was born in Raleigh on November 19, 1871. Hubert’s father, Wisconsin Illinois Royster, was one of the first doctors in Raleigh and all of NC. Hubert was raised in Raleigh until he attended Wake Forest College at age 17. Dr Royster was born just over three years before Nobel Peace Prize honoree Albert Schweitzer (born Jan 1875 in Kaysersberg, Alsace), but it is possible that he was inspired by Schweitzer’s service to humanity and by the missionary doctor’s philosophy, ‘reverence for life’.
While at Wake Forest, in 1888, Hubert played in the first-ever collegiate football game between Wake Forest and UNC. He lettered in baseball, lacrosse, and tennis, and participated in the debating societies and glee club. After Wake Forest he attended the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, graduating first in his class on June 9, 1894. In May 1894, he made the highest score ever recorded, a 99, on the NC Medical Board Exam.
After a residency at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, Dr Royster moved to Raleigh in July 1895. He fell in love with his future wife, Louise Page of Maryland, when he saw her picture in his best friend’s room and boldly announced that he was going to marry her (his best friend’s sister) someday. After eight years of courtship, Hubert and Louise were married for 58 years, raising three children together.
Upon returning to Raleigh, Dr Royster became the first general surgeon in all of NC and a pioneer in the emerging field of surgery. He wrote three books and at least 140 medical papers. He served as President of the NC Medical Society, President of the Southern Surgical Association, Secretary of the NC Board of Medical Examiners, and President of the Wake County Medical Society (1912). He was a founder of the American Board of Surgery and of the American College of Surgeons. He became dean of the UNC School of Medicine in 1902, partnering with the former dean, Dr Richard H. Whitehead, to start the University Medical Department at Raleigh (1902-10). In 1939, he taught general surgery at Wake Forest College. He served as President of the NC State Literary and Historical Association (1941-42) and as President of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.
Despite his national and international laurels, Dr Royster’s greatest impact was in his hometown of Raleigh and across NC. As he wrote, ‘Every member of the medical profession should strive every day to make himself a better doctor; it is also his duty to be a good citizen’. Dr Royster lived that creed by trying to help those who were suffering, whoever or wherever they were and regardless of their ability to pay. He was a surgeon at Rex Hospital (1900-38) and Surgeon-in-Chief at St Agnes Hospital (1899-1941). The latter appointment was significant because St Agnes served African-Americans. As African-American physician Dr Lemuel Delany stated, ‘All . . . physicians who know him honor him because of his superior skill and judgment in the art of surgery and the high sense of justice and sympathy which he has always exhibited toward them’.
In 1921, he helped to start and lead the surgical service at Dix Hospital, which culminated in the construction of a medical building for medical patients. This building, named Royster Building in his honor, still stands today. Dr Royster routinely went to St Agnes Hospital or Dix in the afternoon where he often provided free care. About mental health, he wrote ‘My thesis is simply this: An unbalanced person has as much right as any of us to be made comfortable, to be saved from suffering, to be restored to health, to have life prolonged’.
Dr. Royster’s greatest legacies to Raleigh were the institutions he helped to establish, the standards he set, the physicians he inspired, and the suffering he relieved. Upon his death, the News and Observer published an editorial, stating, ‘His life remains as an example for the future and a part of the best heritage of our past’. Dr Royster lived in Raleigh his entire life except for his early years in training. A friend’s quote about him is still apt: ‘He did not live for himself but for the public good. If you come seeking a monument to him, look around you’. [Abridged and edited from https://www.hubertroyster.com/, ‘Hubert Ashley Royster, M.D.’]
Powell, William S., ‘Royster, Hubert Ashley’, in Dictionary of North Carolina Biography (Chapel Hill: UNC Press, 2000), 5:263; https://books.google.com
Note: The architecture survey named here misidentifies the property owned and occupied by Dr Hubert A. and Louise Royster. The Roysters never owned or occupied 131 S. Boylan Ave. Their home address was 121 S. Boylan Ave. See Wake County Register of Deeds. Historic Architecture Survey for Raleigh Union Station, Phase II – RUS Bus Project Wake County, North Carolina (July 16, 2020), https://files.nc.gov/ncdcr/historic-preservation-office/PDFs/ER_20-0299.pdf, ‘THE DR. HUBERT ROYSTER HOUSE (WA3007).
May is National Preservation Month, and Preservation Raleigh is on a mission to safeguard our city’s unique legacy. This month, we’re launching a new initiative: Places in Peril.
Why Preserve?
Preservation isn’t just about protecting old buildings. It’s about honoring the stories they hold, the communities they represent, and the architectural styles that define Raleigh’s character. Preserved structures connect us to our past, fostering a sense of place and community. They breathe life into our neighborhoods and act as vibrant reminders of the people and events that shaped our city.
National Preservation Month: People Saving Places
May is a time for communities across the country to unite and champion the power of historic preservation. This year’s theme, championed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is “People Saving Places.” The National Trust established National Preservation Month in 1973 as an occasion for local organizations like Preservation Raleigh to spotlight preservation programs.
Historic place-savers pour their time, energy, resources (and sometimes a great deal of sweat and tears) into protecting places they care about. Preservation Raleigh echoes this sentiment, recognizing the vital role everyday people play in safeguarding our shared history. The National Trust reminds us that “the work that you’re doing matters.” Your efforts, big or small, are crucial in ensuring that all Americans connect with their past. By preserving historic places, we weave together the intricate tapestry of our nation’s story, leaving a legacy for generations to come.
Places in Peril
Not all of Raleigh’s historical treasures are safe. Development, neglect, and changing times can threaten these irreplaceable landmarks. That’s where Places in Peril comes in.
How You Can Help:
Throughout April, we collected nominations for Places in Peril. Thank you to everyone who participated! While nominations are closed, you can still submit your places on the Nomination Form.
What Happens Next?
The wait is over! Based on the submissions we received, Preservation Raleigh will curate a list of nine endangered properties to feature on our blog and social media channels during Preservation Month. Throughout May, we’ll be sharing in-depth information and engaging stories about these threatened landmarks. Eventually, we hope to organize targeted outreach campaigns to raise awareness and advocate for the preservation of these irreplaceable places.
Together, we can ensure that Raleigh’s unique character and rich history are preserved for generations to come. Let’s safeguard Raleigh’s legacy, one place at a time!
Stay tuned throughout May for more about the Places in Peril look for our first feature, the Dr Hubert A. and Louise P. Royster House.
Have you ever driven past a building in Raleigh and thought, “Wow, that has so much character!” Maybe it’s a charming old house on your street, a grand building downtown, or a quirky storefront in a hidden corner. These historic structures are more than just bricks and mortar – they’re living testaments to Raleigh’s rich past, shaping the unique character of our city. Here are a few places that the Preservation Raleigh board thought of:
125 E South St – the Rogers-Bagley-Daniels-Pegues house
Seaboard Train Station
16 N Boylan Ave – “Elmwood” (RHL)
St. Agnes Hospital
Masonic Building – Blount Street
But sadly, not all of these historic gems are safe. Here at Preservation Raleigh, we’re launching a new project called Places in Peril to shine a spotlight on endangered historic properties in Raleigh.
Why Places in Peril?
Our mission at Preservation Raleigh is to protect and celebrate Raleigh’s architectural heritage. We believe that preserving these historic places strengthens our community, fosters a sense of place, and connects us to the stories of the people who came before us.
But we can’t do it alone!
This April, we’re asking for your help in identifying and raising awareness about endangered historic properties in Raleigh. Do you know of a building with architectural significance that faces demolition, neglect, or inappropriate alteration? We want to hear from you!
*How You Can Help:
Throughout April, we’ll be actively collecting nominations for Places in Peril through this simple online form. We encourage you to submit any historic property you believe is at risk, providing details and even photos if possible.
What Happens Next?
Based on the submissions we receive, Preservation Raleigh will curate a list of nine endangered properties to feature on our blog and social media channels during May, which is also Preservation Month. Eventually we hope to organize targeted outreach campaigns to raise awareness and advocate for the preservation of these threatened landmarks.
Together, we can ensure that Raleigh’s historic character continues to thrive for generations to come.
Let’s save Raleigh’s history, one place at a time!
Raleigh, NC – A non-profit organization has formed to safeguard Raleigh’s cultural heritage. Preservation Raleigh has a clear mission: Securing Raleigh’s Architectural Inheritance for Everyone’s Benefit.
Raleigh is unusual among state capitals because it has not had a dedicated advocacy organization. The result is evident in the loss of buildings that define our history as a city. Teardowns and infill continue at a rapid pace, often altering the once familiar contours of neighborhoods overnight.
“Historic buildings are living testaments to our past,” declares Esther Hall, President of Preservation Raleigh. These architectural treasures, she continues, “serve as a tangible connection to the stories of our community – the people who built them, lived within their walls, and shaped Raleigh’s unique character. By preserving these landmarks, we ensure these stories continue to inspire future generations.”
Renovating existing buildings can also provide a more sustainable alternative to site redevelopment. Cities with active preservation organizations enjoy economic and housing benefits in addition to educational benefits.
Preservation Raleigh is dedicated to becoming the leading voice for historic preservation in Raleigh. The organization is guided by a board of directors with a proven track record in historic preservation and community activism.
Preservation Raleigh is actively seeking volunteers and donors who share their passion for preserving Raleigh’s architectural heritage. For more information and to get involved, visit Preservation Raleigh’s website at https://preservationraleigh.org/. Sign up for their mailing list to receive updates on events, preservation news, and volunteer opportunities.
