Classic Queen Anne ~ 2700+ Square Feet ~ Prestigious West Square Neighborhood ~ WOW!

Along a shady street in the prestigious West Square Historic District in Salisbury, North Carolina, shaded by two magnificent magnolia trees, sits 226 ELLIS STREET SOUTH Salisbury, NC 28144.  Built in 1900, this spacious home exudes the grace of the era at every turn. 

226 S. Ellis Street is a solidly built, turn-of-the-century, Victorian style home.  It is "Free Classic Queen Anne" style in massing, roof line and details, using classic columns and porch rails, and less gingerbread and patterns of earlier Victorian houses.   

First impressions count, and you'll be impressed by both the width and breadth of the deep, wrap-around front veranda that winds 3/4 the way around the home. A new metal roof on the veranda was installed in 2009 ~ and Southerners know there is nothing like falling asleep to the rhythm of rain on a tin roof! 


Step through the tall front door, with charming wood-screen door and handsome entry door, and you will find yourself in a spacious entry hall, complete with fireplace with original mantel and tiles, a sweet little under-staircase 'nook' that would be perfect for a writing desk, and the grand staircase to the second story.




To the right, you enter into the parlor, another grand room into which two fabulous picture windows stream daylight and offers views to the veranda, the magnolias, and the serene streetscape.  

Hardwood floors, all of the period mill work, and the original fireplace with columned mantel set off this beautiful room.  You'll note the radiators in both the

foyer and parlor...and yes, the home is heated with old-fashioned cast iron radiators.  

Down a center hallway you'll find the dining room to the left, and the master bedroom to the right.  The master bedroom was most recently used as an artists studio/library, and features floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and louvered shutters at the windows.

The 17' x 14' kitchen spans the rear of the home.  Large enough to hold a square-dance, this kitchen includes the dishwasher and vintage Whirlpool stove.  Lots of cupboard and counter space surrounds the walls, and and swings around to include a breakfast counter.

A small mudroom to the rear of the home leads to a graciously sized deep back yard.


The home's grand staircase, with newel post and balusters in perfect condition (freshly painted in 2012), leads you up to another grand hall ~ a large mezzanine that is easily served as another sitting or reading area.  From the mezzanine stretches a hallway that leads you to the upper three bedrooms, all nicely sized rooms at roughly 14' x 14' each!  

A charming step-down bath with neighboring linen closet serves the upstairs private quarters.

Well maintained, this circa 1900 226 S. Ellis Street home was in the same family for over 3 decades.  The front foyer, stairwell, upper mezzanine and hallway, and dining room were all freshly painted in 2012. The kitchen, although perhaps ready for your renovations and updating, is more than accommodating for today's cook.  

Founded in 1753, the City of Salisbury has 10 National Register Historic Districts. The Downtown and West Square Districts are featured in a walking tour which is very popular with visitors. The Hall House Museum in the West Square was the home of Josephus Hall, the physician who served at the Salisbury Military Prison during the Civil War. (http://www.downtownsalisburync.com/download/InformationPackage.pdf)   

The West Square Historic District is within the City Of Salisbury's Historic District Overlay, and some exterior restrictions may apply.  However, budgets permitting, the City frequently offers Historic Preservation Grants that help home owners in these districts with repairs and upgrades.  

(Contact Diana Moghrabi/City of Salisbury Planning Department @ 704-638-5240 for information and application forms.) 

The Historic West Square (also known as

the Salisbury Historic District) is supported by the Olde Salisbury Neighborhood Association, and the first neighborhood in the City of Salisbury to receive the historic designation.  One look at the plethora of gorgeously appointed homes from the late 1800s through the early 1900s will tell you why this pedestrian and family friendly neighborhood is one of the most coveted neighborhoods in Salisbury.

If 226 S. Ellis Street sounds like the home for you, do not hesitate to give listing agent Greg Rapp a call.  Greg can walk you through the expanse of this grand home and explain the benefits of living in both a historic district and the City of Salisbury, with its vibrant arts and culture scene, great local shopping, and wonderful locally owned restaurants.  226 S. Ellis Street is waiting for you to make it your home!  Call Greg Rapp at 704.213.6846 and get all the details!  


 

226 S. Ellis Street - circa 1900
Salisbury NC 28144
 


MLS #: R56682 
$200,000

 



Greg Rapp 
Wallace Realty Co. 
704 213 6846 Mobile 
704 636 2021 Office 
www.realestatesalisbury.net 




 

City Life ~ The Opportunity is NOW in Downtown Salisbury, North Carolina

What attracts us to city life? 

A new survey offers some insights. A thousand urbanites - young and old - across major cities in the U.S. were contacted by Sasaki Associates, a planning and design firm based outside of Boston. The survey confirms what many of us who live in major cities already know to be true - there are so many opportunities to eat great food, see new things, and people watch, why would you want to live anywhere else? Who needs the lull of the country when you have the run of the arts & music scene, street festivals, awesome restaurants, and basically something different every night?

 

What do you love most about your city?

More than 40 percent cited the restaurants and food; while 32 percent said local attractions; 24 percent said historic places and landmarks; 21 percent said cultural offerings; 17 percent said parks and public spaces; and 16 percent said fairs and festivals. Some 15 percent said "the people," while another 10 percent said they like the architecture the most, and 9 percent said the local sports scene. Clearly, big cities can support a diverse slate of restaurants - and in Salisbury, North Carolina there is a variety from Thai and sushi to Italian or Tex-Mex, so it's easy to understand that culinary adventures, which are affordable, draw the most love.

Where do your favorite experiences happen?

A majority of people (65 percent) remember their favorite city experience taking place outdoors, either in a park or on a street. Interestingly, a minority -- just 22 percent -- said their favorite experience happened in a building. This is perhaps because urbanites are constantly stuck indoors to begin with. Nearly a third prefer large open parks, while 14 percent prefer small urban spaces, and 8 percent love their city's trail system the most ~ Salisbury Greenway anyone?   

 
37 percent of those surveyed wish their cities would make streets more pedestrian/bike friendly; 36 percent support adding outdoor music and entertainment venues; and 31 percent desire more small urban parks." Salisbury has parks and green spaces ranging from beautiful little downtown pocket parks to our wonderful City Park and Hurley Park.  The City has a Bike Plan Proposal on the books! We can't wait to see it developed! And our outdoor street festivals happen monthly throughout the year!

What makes a city's buildings iconic?

While buildings appeal less than outdoor spaces, some 36 percent said the historic nature of the building, while 30 percent said "great architecture," and another 24 percent said a building's "unique design." A majority (57 percent) will stop and look at a historic building, while just 19 percent will do the same for a modern one. Those old buildings that have made it, that have fended off redevelopment, deserve some respect. And Salisbury is recognized nationwide for its preservation movement that has kept alive beautiful downtown architecture dating from the 1800s!

What do you like least about getting around in cities?

More than 40 percent said there's "too much traffic," while 23 percent cited the lack of parking.  These complaints reveal how Americans, even urbanites, get around: 58 percent use cars frequently, while 29 percent use public transportation. Another 10 percent try to walk everywhere and just 2 percent use bikes.  Salisbury NC does not have the fierce traffic snarls that many larger cities deal with on a daily basis.  While many will say parking is an issue, there are actually many municipal lots that for some reason go unused....an awareness problem city activists are working on!

Surveys like these are important so that we understand how to attract as many people as possible to cities, because urban life is central to a more sustainable future. In cities, per-capita carbon emissions and energy and water use are much lower. But beyond the metrics, cities can just be great places to live in -- if they are designed to be livable and beautiful, filled with outdoor spaces, things to do, and historic buildings. (Adapted from an article by Jared Green, New Survey Uncovers the Lure of the City, www.huffingtonpost.com, Posted: 09/25/2014)

The cities in the survey must be doing some of these things right: Some 60 percent of respondents said they will still be in their city five years from now. Now, we just need to increase those numbers for all cities ~ including Salisbury, North Carolina...and Greg Rapp, Realtor® with Wallace Realty, has just the solution!


Witness the Bernhardt Hardware Building on the 100 block of N. Main Street in Salisbury NC.  The circa 1882 Bernhardt Hardware building enjoyed a long history of being...yes!...a hardware store!  Recently purchased by Central Piedmont Builders, the multi-store front space is now enjoying a complete renovation.  

Retail spaces and restaurants are due to fill the 1st floor level . . . but upstairs ~ WOW! 

New second-story residential apartments are creating that much desired urban living space ~ in the center of downtown overlooking the historic Main Street architecture and vitality of the cityscape.

Many others have started to live in Downtown Salisbury, and that number is climbing.  Of note is the restoration at  101 S. Main Street, once a tumble-down soccer shop on the street level with raggle-taggle apartments above . . . the space is now the stunning and award-winning 101 Pottery with high-style living space above.
  
 
The Kress Building on S. Main Street is a wonderful example of downtown living condos in Salisbury.  Second story apartments look down upon E. Innes Street above shops and restaurants there. 

And the Plaza Building, a landmark at the main intersection of Main Street and Innes Street in the center of downtown has a waiting list for its residential spaces!  When you lease one of the new apartments in the Bernhardt Hardware Building...you'll be in good company!


The time is right to escape the lull of suburban living, move to the city, and experience the urban lifestyle that is central to a more sustainable future.  The time is right to move to Downtown Salisbury, to be exact! It's time to call Greg Rapp at (704) 213-6846 to sign up for one of the new Bernhardt Building Loft Apartments ~ with city views, walk-ability, and have the run of the arts & music scene, street festivals, awesome restaurants, and basically something different every night!

 

Greg Rapp 
Wallace Realty Co. 
704 213 6846 Mobile 
704 636 2021 Office 
www.realestatesalisbury.net 

Living in the City! Why You Should . . . and Can Soon!

Editors Note: All the first story retail spaces, in what is now known as the Bernhardt Luxury Lofts, are filled, and all but two apartments are leased. Call Greg Rapp at 704.214.6846 for more info. (5/23/2015) 

Urban homes that are carved out of grand old buildings offer irreplaceable design traits along with a few challenges.

Often, older urban structures contain brilliant architectural characteristics that are part and parcel of a bygone building standard: soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, lots of windows, and rich finish materials generally used in lobbies or elevators. With the benefits of urban life becoming clearer and clearer, it's no wonder that people are showing a strong preference for it.

Americans are leaning towards a pronounced shift in the housing market over the past decade, with a preference for urban living, more demand for walkability, mixed uses, and access to public transit. Couple these trends with abundant recreational opportunities, urban green spaces, and well-designed
residential infrastructure, and the future of cities looks very bright.

Cities are smarter for you

Because higher density and mixed uses promote more casual exercise, larger cities often are healthier. Every 30 minutes per day spent in a car increases the likelihood of obesity by three percent, whereas walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods decrease it by seven percent.  Polls show that the longer your commute, the lower your well-being.  Decentralization, fragmentation and longer commutes can significantly hinder the ability to form community ties, research reveals.

Cities are smarter for the economy 

Cities are economic engines! As population density rises, so do wages and productivity: for every 50-percent swelling in density, productivity grows by 2-4 percent. In most states, just one or two metropolitan areas account for the majority of the state's GDP.  Often, one city alone accounts for the bulk of economic output.  Cities bring opportunities for wealth and for creative inspiration that results from face-to-face
contact with others. The interaction of people living in close quarters fosters the kind of collaborative creativity that has produced some of humanity's best ideas. Cities breed innovation by putting people with diverse views in close proximity, fostering "cauldrons of creativity."

Cities are smarter for the environment 

Urban development is significantly more efficient with resources, because higher density yields lower waste. A recent Berkeley study revealed that the average footprint for households in major urban areas is less than half the national average, while it can be twice the average in suburbs. New York, the largest U.S. city, is also the greenest by far for per-capita consumption. Its carbon emissions are less than a third the national average, and electricity use is 75 percent lower than Dallas. Because walking and public transit are popular, gasoline consumption now approximates U.S. levels from the 1920s. Denser land use also preserves more area for natural development. According to estimates, a single acre of forest absorbs enough carbon and produces enough oxygen to meet the annual needs of 18 people. Reforesting the land of a single Big Box retail site can nullify the environmental footprint of over 300 people.  (Hosey, L., Why Cities Are Smarter, Huffingtonpost.com, Posted: 03/06/2014)

Live in Downtown Salisbury NC

The City of Salisbury, North Carolina, recently adopted Revitalization Incentive Grants for the downtown area, or what is know here as the Municipal Service District (MSD).  The grants encourage development of existing buildings and the creation of residential units in the downtown.  Enter...the historic Bernhardt Hardware Building!

Bernhardt Hardware, oil on canvas, by Robert Toth

The c. 1882 Bernhardt Hardware Store finally closed for business after having been the City of Salisbury's downtown hardware source as far back as 1927.  Developers purchased the Main Street building in 2013 via Realtor® Greg Rapp and, after meeting with architects and designers, began work on the historic structure in earnest mid-2014.


Plans are moving full-speed-ahead to have retail, offices, and a restaurant on the street level...but the really exciting development will be the (6) new loft-style residential spaces on the upper level (drawings courtesy of Stout Studio Architecture).

Apartment #5, the only 1-bedroom space, is already rented!

But there are 5 more available!  Apartment #3 is a 3-bedroom space ($2,000/month), and the remainder are 2-bedroom spaces ($1,200/month).  Call Greg Rapp of Wallace Realty, who is managing the leasing for the residential spaces, at (704) 213-6846 to get a jump on these living spaces!

Our favorite is Apartment #6, which will be a 2-story space with it's own entry from the rear parking lot, and a wonderful mezzanine level overlooking the first floor ($2,000/month)!  This apartment will feature a seamless kitchen/dining/living area on the first floor, which will be open to the soaring height of the second story ceiling, and will include a 1st floor bedroom, office, or guest room, and ground level bath.

Up the staircase to the mezzanine, you'll find the Master Bedroom with full bath and plenty of closet and storage space!  (Note: the photo here is presented as conceptual and may not be an accurate representation of the finished space.)

One of the more desirable qualities of an urban homes like what we are soon to see in the Bernhardt Hardware space is achieved by the long, tall windows that not only define a room, but also increase the sense of space with panoramic views. The sight of cityscapes, skylines, boulevards, fountains, and bustling streets provides an excitement reserved for city living.  (Note: the photo here is presented as conceptual and may not be an accurate representation of the finished space.)

The Bernhardt Hardware Building renovations, at 113 N. Main Street in Salisbury, NC, are slated to be complete by January 2015. If city living in one of these fabulous newly appointed apartments in a historic 1882 building is up your alley...give Greg Rapp a call: (704)213-6846. We are signing leases NOW!

(Note: the photo here is presented as conceptual and may not be an accurate representation of the finished space.)

Greg Rapp 
Wallace Realty Co. 
704 213 6846 Mobile 
704 636 2021 Office 
www.realestatesalisbury.net 

City of Salisbury Creates Revitalization Incentive Grants for Downtown Structures

Aging buildings, fire suppression requirements and outdated electrical systems are just a few of the challenges of urban revitalization. The new Downtown Salisbury Revitalization Incentive Grants offered by the City will help defray some of these costs in order to stimulate additional private investment in downtown properties.

DOWNTOWN SALISBURY REVITALIZATION INCENTIVE GRANTS

The City of Salisbury recognizes that the economic productivity of the downtown hinges upon a built environment capable of supporting business and residential growth, and that sustaining this growth requires significant commitment by private investors in building rehabilitation and construction.

Salisbury's new incentive grants are designed to promote both new development and historic rehabilitation, with an emphasis on those projects that create new residential opportunities.  

By increasing the number of people living downtown, these incentives will help expand the market base for restaurants, retail, commercial activities, and special events, thereby benefiting existing merchants and attracting new business. 

By facilitating rehabilitation of existing buildings, the program will aid in the preservation of our historic urban fabric and character. These incentives also promote the use and expansion of back-alley fire line “loops” capable of serving multiple buildings which will help reduce the cost for other buildings to connect in the future. This cost savings will encourage the use of fire suppression systems, thereby reducing the chances of a catastrophic fire impacting multiple buildings, offering greater protection of life and property, and minimizing the chances of a devastating loss of the historic resources that define the central business district.

How the Incentive Grants Work

Eligible projects will be located in the Salisbury Downtown Mixed Use District (DMX). The incentives consist of four grant programs targeting different project activities. More than one grant type may be layered in a single project, provided that eligibility requirements established for each grant are met.

Applications will be considered by the Salisbury City Council on a case-by-case basis as funds are available. Reimbursement of the grant(s) will occur in a single installment upon completion of the approved scope of work and receipt of the final Certificate of Occupancy for the project.

Summary of Grants Available

• Building Rehabilitation Grant Maximum Award: $50,000

Promotes the stabilization, preservation and reuse of older, primarily historic  buildings

• Residential Production Grant Maximum Award: $100,000

Promotes development of new residences, including lofts, apartments and condominiums, in building rehabilitation and new construction projects

• Residential Utilities Grant Maximum Award: $25,000

Offsets a portion of water and sewer infrastructure costs in building rehabilitation or new construction projects that create new residential units

• Fire Suppression Grant Maximum Award: $25,000

Encourages the use and expansion of back-alley fire lines capable of serving multiple buildings. For projects having existing access to a fire line, the grant be used to help offset the costs of a building sprinkler system.

To get a copy of the new Downtown Revitalization Incentive Grants, give Realtor® Greg Rapp a call at (704) 213-6846.  Greg Rapp ~ with Wallace Realty ~ has several opportunities in the wings for downtown structures with potential to be used for commercial enterprises, residential spaces, or both.  Call now to start taking advantage of these invaluable incentives!

 

Greg Rapp 
Wallace Realty Co. 
704 213 6846 Mobile 
704 636 2021 Office 
www.realestatesalisbury.net