A number of homes on the tour were owned by people who moved here from out of state after finding the homes available at reasonable prices and with excellent "bones" that made preservation and renovation possible. Wilson residents might not appreciate the valuable landmarks all around them, but fresh eyes from elsewhere instantly recognize them. Two homes on Goldsboro Street near the railroad tracks are especially notable. The George Stanton House at 400 Goldsboro Street is still in the early stages of rehabilitation, but new owners Roy Mapstone and Rick Womack have already brought about an amazing transformation in the former rental property. Unfortunately, much of the distinguishing features of the house had been removed by the time the new owners bought it. Mantels, doors and stained glass that once made this house a showplace are missing. Nevertheless, the 12-foot ceilings, the grand staircase and the spacious entertaining rooms hint at the extravagance this house once knew.
Across the street, the David Woodard House that had served as offices for Eastern Carolina Legal Services is being restored by John Newsom and Corrie Dengler. Their ambitious plans are to remove the law office walls, lighting and other changes and restore the house to its Victorian elegance. They appear to be well on their way.
Other houses on the tour showed the variety available in Wilson's historic homes. The Barnes-Bell House at 1501 W. Nash St. has been beautifully restored to its 1922 richness. It is one of a number of Wilson homes built in the 1920s when tobacco and general prosperity created the wealth sufficient to justify magnificent homes.
At the other end of the spectrum are the Golden East Apartments in the former Coon School and the Greenwood/Cobb-Winstead-Tatum House at 208 Hill Street. Thee latter is an 1896 cottage that, like so many of Wilson's older homes, had been turned into rental units. Now restored as a single-family home, the old cottage retains its original charm. Restored by investor Penny Womble, it is now the home of retired teacher Jane Emerson.
Between the magnificence of the Barnes-Bell House and Emerson's modest little cottage are a range of bungalows, Dutch colonials and other fine homes scattered throughout Wilson's older neighborhoods. Saturday's tour showed the potential. Perhaps it opened some eyes.
Posts
1 comment:
Ironic. We expect people to rehab homes and gentrify neighborhoods that are tainted by the perception of crime associated with dangerous drugs; so that we may pay homage to the wealth that was made from, and associated with a dangerous and deadly drug.
Post a Comment