WSTB Winston-Salem

The Possum · Winston Tower Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 1503

When I first saw 125 N. Poplar it had asbestos shingles over the clapboard. Rather than remove them, the vinyl was nailed INTO and over the asbestos. (Not sure how safe that is.)

I know of no other surviving downtown house with a corner turret either.

Fourth and Main · Wachovia Center Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 3572

I've seen square/rectangular shaped projections on Queen Annes in Winston-Salem, but this is the only one I've found with a cylindrical tower. It's worth restoring as the only example of this in Winston-Salem. Locating the most architecturally interesting homes and restoring them would do a lot to help transform the neighborhood. It's not a "wow look at that" neighborhood, like West End, but it could be. The homes still standing are great architectural works, though some are hidden under vinyl and cheap replacement windows. And again, many of the neighborhood's treasures have details you will only find in Holly Avenue (again a bad neighborhood name). Back to 412 West First, look at the eyebrow window on the east facade.
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Fourth and Main: The skyscraper canyon.

The Possum · Winston Tower Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 1503

I think "Montclair" would be a great name for the neighborhood. It sounds so Euro-chic, exclusive, and far from the inner city purlieu...

[ Bad possum!!!! ]

MEANWHILE,

A viewing of this beautiful mid-century commentary is in order:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y881yjtFluQ

Machshefa · Pepper Building Joined: 14 Oct 2009 Posts: 3

The vinyl and asbestos makes me ill too. The barren parking lots where beautiful homes use to be is heartbreaking. I look at old photos of what was once there and feel their loss.

As to the barracks apartments and other anomalies, I have to confess to occasionally hoping for a satellite or other space debris to come down and unilaterally demolish the structures. However, since that event seems a long shot we are left with what we have left.

As to committing to 100% restoration, I hope you have the opportunity to look at 636 Holly. The property was saved from being demolished and lovingly restored. Missing doors were recreated faithfully. The twenty five layers of various roofs were removed and repaired. It does take money and dedication to do this but there are such people out there.

As to the South Bronx, hey! I used to live on the Grand Concourse! Lived in a five story walk up and my goodness Holly Street looks like Park Avenue compared to that!

Golf Ball Thief

Machshefa · Pepper Building Joined: 14 Oct 2009 Posts: 3

The primary reason I mentioned 137 N. Spring is that it is an actual property that is available for sale and restoring. Many of the other properties mentioned aren’t currently for sale. I like 121 N. Spring and its hipped roof and gabled ell. The vinyl siding is a desecration, IMO. Unfortunately it’s been used as a rental property for many, many years and who knows what’s inside these days.

Another property aching for renovation is 133 S. Poplar. This is one of the oldest properties in our area built circa 1885 and completely unrenovated. Unfortunately there has been no upkeep and it’s in perilous condition.

In a previous post you suggested as a name change: Lower Downtown. In the newspaper article someone else suggested Lo-Down sort of a take off of So-Ho in NYC? I couldn’t help giggling and wonder how the reverse would go over: Down Lo?

My greatest frustration is that my husband absolutely hates old houses. If it isn’t brick he doesn’t like it. He hates anything antique which limits what I’m able to do. What I can do is support renovation and restoration wherever possible. It’s vital in my opinion to save every possible original older house in our neighborhood.

Fourth and Main · Wachovia Center Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 3572

That is my field. Identity, design/logos and promotion for businesses. I suggested Lower Downtown, or Lo-Do (pronounced Low-Dough). It's difficult to find a name for the neighborhood, but I can say Holly Avenue is a bad name for a neighborhood. Keep the street names, but change the neighborhood name.

I've worked on old house restorations/renovations for a few summers, when I was a teenager. It was fun and I'm now aware of all the problems in restoration too. I love old houses, old books and antiques.
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Fourth and Main: The skyscraper canyon.

The Possum · Winston Tower Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 1503

The Brain · Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 1:59 am Post subject:

The developers of the SECCA Home House Project said it is still alive. Benton said they couldn't sell the houses in the deteriorating market. Now, the company will build a speculative home to get the project started. The project is on hold because the site plan approved in 2005, has expired, but the zoning for the project is still in place. They are working on a new lower price list. Joyce Snelgrove said the town houses in Holly Village have been sold and now is a good time for a Sustainable Housing's project.
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"So long as they don't get violent, I want to let everyone say what they wish, for I myself have always said exactly what pleased me." - Albert Einstein

The Possum · Winston Tower Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 1503

I'd love to see Holly Village reduced to rubble. It is terrible....as if the designers never visited the site.That, the Butler Building arts center, and the crappy little SECCA "houses" will be the final nails in this once beautiful Victorian neighborhood's proverbial coffin.