Restoration Opportunity!!! Circa 1900 Victorian Vernacular Home ~ Under $40K!

(Editor's Note 8/9/2016: This handsome home is now priced at $29,900!)

Welcome to the Town of Spencer, quietly nestled in the heart of the Piedmont just hours away from your choice of the Blue Ridge Mountains or the coastal beaches of North & South Carolina. Residents of Spencer, North Carolina pride themselves ourselves on maintaining their small town atmosphere, while offering the convenience of major cities such as Charlotte and Winston-Salem only 30 minutes away, and lovely historic Salisbury at its south border. 

The town was named for Samuel Spencer, first president of the Southern Railway, who is credited with establishment of the railroad's mechanical shops at the site in 1896. As the shops were being built the Southern Railway developed a town, also named Spencer, alongside the shops for worker housing. Initially, the Southern partitioned 85 acres into 500 lots. Instead of creating a traditional "company" town in which the workers rented houses Southern sold the lots to workers or businesses for $100 apiece. The deeds did contain restrictive covenants which maintained that a dwelling costing in excess of $400 and approved by a Southern appointed architect be built within a year. By 1901, Spencer had 625 residents. The former Spencer Shops were phased out during the 1950s through 1970s and have now become the location of the wonderful North Carolina Transportation Museum.

Spencer Historic District

Spencer became the first “development of consequence” to this area when the Southern Railway Company chose to locate this service yard centrally between Washington, DC and Atlanta. Established in 1905, the township that resulted remains loyal to its heritage – boasting the largest contiguous historic district in the state of North Carolina.

Located adjacent to the NC Transportation Museum, the Spencer National Historic Register District is the largest contiguous district in North Carolina. It contains 322 residential and commercial buildings primarily constructed between 1905 and 1920 to provide support and housing for the workers of Southern Railway’s former steam locomotive repair facility.

And in the heart of the Spencer Historic District is a restoration enthusiast's dream come true:  A lovely two-story Victorian for...wait for it...under $40,000!!!

This large circa 1900 Victorian-style farmhouse at 602 4th Street was formerly a duplex and therefore has suffered a bit of 'the tenant blues', and has two kitchens. However, this 2296 square-foot  home retains many of its original details: tall ceilings, several fireplaces (not currently functional) with original mantels, beadboard woodwork and original trim, and even an original clawfoot bathtub! This home is begging for a restoration and promises to be stunning once it is refurbished! 

This 602 4th Street Victorian sits on a deep, treed lot on a street lined with pretty historic homes from the era. Close to shopping and an adorable town park, you'll love the vintage small town character. Let Greg Rapp show you the potential of this wonderful old house!

Here are some very interesting links to the Town of Spencer NC and its history:

http://www.livingplaces.com/NC/Rowan_County/Spencer_Town/Spencer_Historic_District.html

http://www.rowancounty.info/spencer/History/Fowler_History_of_Spencer.pdf

http://www.nchistoricsites.org/spencer/main.htm

The Spencer Shops continue to serve as a reminder to the town’s origin, now serving as the site of the North Carolina Transportation Museum. Those activities of preservation and renovation have spilled over into the community as well, bringing about a sense of pride that has become a vital part of everyday life. 

So. . . when you are ready to enjoy the tree-lined streets and friendly atmosphere, downtown shops and community events, give Realtor® Greg Rapp a call. As the town slogan says, “Come, sit a spell… we hope you’ll decide to stay”.  And Wallace Realty agent Greg Rapp hopes you'll call him to stay in 602 4th Street and make it your home!



602 4TH STREET
Spencer, NC 28159
$32,750
MLS #58869






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

Circa 1912 Dutch Colonial Overlooking Historic District ~ For Sale!

801 N. Main Street is a landmark circa 1912 Dutch Colonial along the Main Street corridor in Salisbury NC, sitting high on the hill overlooking picturesque North Main Historic District.  One look at this home, and you can already picture yourself enjoying sunsets on your deep rocking-chair front porch, sweet tea in hand!  Do you call Greg Rapp with Wallace Realty right now (704.213.6846)?  Or do you read more.....

Stretching along both sides of North Main Street, from the tracks of the Norfolk-Southern Railway to the Salisbury-Spencer city limit, the North Main Historic District in Salisbury North Carolina proceeds in an almost unbroken rhythm, interrupted only occasionally by vacant lots and a few commercial intrusions. 

It contains a wide variety of early twentieth century domestic, architectural styles. This variety enables the district to provide an excellent picture of how this neighborhood and other twentieth century Salisbury neighborhoods, now destroyed by urban development, appeared during the period 1900-1930. The elaborate homes of prosperous merchants and city leaders combine with the more modest dwellings of the managerial and professional class, and the simple cottages of railroad workers to produce a rich and varied architectural fabric. Many of these dwellings, especially·on the east side of North Main Street, are set back from the street on elevated, terraced lawns. In this way, the topography of the area combines with the architectural fabric to add charm and character to the district.

801 N. Main Street is one of these fine historic homes, occupying an elevated lot trimmed with an attractive evergreen privet hedge and retaining wall.  Its prominent location make it a landmark along this main promenade into the historic downtown of Salisbury.

The 'James Lyons House', a contributing structure in this, one of (10) in Salisbury, historic district, was built in the Dutch Colonial Revival style around 1912 by James Lyons, a Southern Railway machinist, who occupied it until the 1940s. The once weather-boarded frame dwelling (the home now boasts aluminum and vinyl exterior finishes) features the gambrel roof characteristic of the Dutch Colonial style, but its lattice-mullioned windows, projecting front bay, and asymmetrical composition are derived from the late Victorian architectural era.  A third stylistic motif is provided by the tall tapered bungalow piers on brick bases which support its roof. 

801 N. Main Street and 705 N. Main Street (The Capel-Smith House), also built in 1912, are the only Dutch Colonial Revival homes in the district, but 801 is set apart by its lofty perch, high on a hill overlooking the picturesque North Main Historic District.  801 retains its characteristic deep front porch while 705's porch and rails were removed over the years, making the 'James Lyons House' the more original of the two.  




Many original interior features are intact in this lovely vintage 4-bedroom home: gleaming wood floors, multi-glass-paned French doors, and bay windows.  The built in china cabinet in the formal dining room is an extra-special plus!  Fireplaces, although not functional, are bedecked with original intact Cambridge tiles and attractive period mantelpieces.

And while 801 N. Main is an historic home, there are many modern updates to ease your ownership mind!  Aluminum/vinyl exterior means low maintenance, and a new roof was installed in 2015! The kitchen and baths were all recently updated. Bright new paint finishes on the exterior are cheerful updates to this wonderful old home.



801 N. Main Street is just blocks from the Historic Downtown, a vibrant area with restaurants, unique shops, an independent bookstore, (3) community theatres, and a nationally accredited art gallery.  To the west you'll find not one, but TWO beautiful parks, with walking trails, beautiful gardens, tennis courts, and playgrounds.  
And to the north is the Town of Spencer with its fascinating North Carolina Transportation Museum.  Salisbury is in the heart of the Piedmont of North Carolina, just an hour from Charlotte or Greensboro/Winston-Salem, two hours from Raleigh, the hip town of Asheville, Columbia and Greenville/Spartanburg SC. But with the vibrancy in Salisbury, you won't be searching far for fun and interesting things to do!


Is it time for you to purchase that historic home you've always wanted?  Reach out to Greg Rapp, Salisbury/Rowan County's #1 expert in old house sales! Call 704.213.6846 for your private showing of this wonderful home.  And at under $90,000 ~ this is an old-house opportunity not to be missed.  Call Greg today!




801 N. Main Street
Salisbury NC 28144
$89,900
MLS#58867



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

Coming to a mailbox near you!

 




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

Circa 1887 - SOLD - Circa 1908 - SOLD - Circa 1910 - SOLD!

Who is selling the historic houses in Salisbury, North Carolina?

Greg Rapp with Wallace Realty, that's who!

Who closed on three historic houses in three weeks?

Greg Rapp with Wallace Realty, that's who!

•  The Kluttz House - circa 1908 - at 1627 North Main Street

SOLD DATE: 4/29/2016

Listed in September 2015, under contract by February 2016

•  The Keever-Belk House - circa 1910 - at 1701 North Main Street.

SOLD DATE: 4/29/2016  

Listed in February 2016, under contract by April 2016


•  The Benjamin Cauble House - circa 1887 - at 425 East Bank Street

SOLD DATE: 5/16/2016 

Listed in January 2016, under contract by May 2016


Isn't it time you listed your historic house with Realtor® Greg Rapp? Call today: (704) 213-6846 ~ or click the 'EMAIL NOW' button on the sidebar!

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

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

 




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

History Salisbury Foundation Preservation Awards

Tonight is the Historic Salisbury Foundation 32nd Annual Preservation Awards Reception at the historic Salisbury Depot!  

Each year, the Foundation accepts nominations in recognizing and saluting preservation leaders in our community.

Tonight, thirteen individuals and eight properties will be recognized:

• Leslie Black - Volunteer of the Year
• John Brindle - Digitizing Images and Land Records Dating Back to 1753
• Elysia Demers - Advocacy and Activism in Chestnut Hill Neighborhood
• Phil & Dodie King - Advocacy and Activism Efforts in Kesler Mill and Park Avenue Neighborhood
• C.J. Peters - Rehabilitation of Porch and Windows on Ovelle White-Burton House
• Tommy Stoner - Rehabilitation of 301 4th Street and Encouraging Neighborhood Revitilization
• Mark Wineka - Celebration of Historic Restorations and Structures in "The Salisbury Magazine"
• Al Wilson - Renovation of St. Luke's Episcopal Church building
• Chad Morgan - Interior Faux Finishes and Cornice Designs in Fulton-Mock-Blackmer House
• Barbara Perry - Community Appearance Efforts
• Lynn Raker - Advocacy for the City of Salisbury
• Carol Rathburn - Transcription of "Mary Cowan Hall Cookbook"

• Bernhardt Hardware Buildings
• Bostian Retirement Planning
• New Sarum Brewing Company
• Salisbury Fire Station #5
• Sedberry's Framing & Art Gallery
• The W. Goodson House (Jeff & Kelly Cannon)
• The Ovelle White-Burton House (Priscilla Clark)
• St. Luke's Episcopal Church

Greg Rapp, of Wallace Realty Company in historic downtown Salisbury North Carolina, has a passion for history and preservation, and was himself recognized with a Preservation Professional of the Year Award at a past Historic Salisbury Foundation awards night. 

More to the point, Greg Rapp's fingerprint is on many of these awards that come through the HSF recognition program:

In June of 2015, Greg Rapp brought Priscilla Clark from Alberta, Canada to Salisbury to purchase the circa 1915 Ovelle White-Burton bungalow in the Fulton Heights neighborhood in Salisbury. 

Priscilla wanted to live somewhere where historic preservation was important. Priscilla found Realtor® Greg Rapp through his website at www.RealEstateSalisbury.net, and has been recognized repeatedly for the work she has done in renovating the historic home.

Greg's concepts for the Bernhardt Hardware Buildings in the heart of downtown Salisbury were the catalyst in the building's purchase and renovation by Calm Holdings and Central Piedmont Builders.  Greg presented his concept for second story residential spaces with first floor retail to Bryan Wymbs and Chad Vriesema . . . and the rest is history.  

Calm Holdings purchased the circa 1882 building and has accomplished one of the most exciting historic reuse projects in the Salisbury.  Before construction was even completed, Greg Rapp had most of the residential units leased and the retail spaces filled!

Elysia and Tim Demers worked with Greg Rapp to purchase their circa 1900 Victorian home in the cusp neighborhood of Chestnut Hill...and the face of the neighborhood will never be the same! 

Historic Salisbury Foundation executed its option to buy the circa 1900 Victorian home at 820 South Jackson St. ~ and with the services of Greg Rapp, sold it with protective covenants to Elysia and Tim. The couple often expresses how invaluable Greg Rapp was in helping them work through the special processes a purchase of this sort involves.  Since moving into their historic home, Elysia has been a calalyst in neighborhood improvement, bringing the City of Salisbury's award winning BlockWork program to the community, and even installing a neighborhood park!

Elysia & Tim had this to say about working with Greg Rapp of Wallace Realty:

"All the multiple houses, calls, and emails.  We thank you so much for sticking with us all this time" and "Many thanks, Celebrity Greg!"  When the duo was looking for a real estate agent in the area . . .  and nearly everyone told the couple they should sign with Greg Rapp, they donned him a celebrity!

Since 1983, Historic Salisbury Foundation has celebrated local historic preservation successes by presenting Preservation Awards to individuals, companies, and projects demonstrating various areas of excellence in preservation. This event is typically held in May, which is National Preservation Month. Nominations are accepted from the public throughout the year and reviewed by a committee of preservation leaders in Rowan County. Projects completed within the past three years in Rowan County are eligible to receive an award. HSF's Preservation Awards are made from bricks salvaged from the 1896 Grimes Mill, a roller mill which was lost to fire in January 2013.

The Salisbury-Rowan community embraces historic preservation and is proud of the Preservation Award Winners each year!  And behind the scenes, real estate agent Greg Rapp will continue to make his mark bringing preservation minded buyers and old-house enthusiasts to the area!  

You can reach Greg at (704) 213-6846 . . . maybe your name will be on the 2017 list of Preservation Award Winners!

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

The Circa 1899 John Whitehead House is For Sale in Salisbury North Carolina!

Own a Piece of Salisbury History!

House with a Story

Dr. John Whitehead, founder of the Whitehead-Stokes Sanatorium, in 1899 built four houses facing south in the 300 block of West Council Street in Salisbury, North Carolina. One of which is the house which was relocated to 120 North Jackson Street in 1986 ~ The John Whitehead House.  These four homes are now a designated historic district, one of 10 historic districts in the City of Salisbury.

The Shaver Rental Houses National Historic District is the smallest district in Salisbury, as it includes only four properties, including three Queen Anne style homes on W. Council Street and the cottage at 120 N. Jackson Street. All are significant as representative examples of the type of rental housing built in Salisbury between 1899 and 1910 in response to the city’s tremendous growth. Each house represents a very specific time and aesthetic in Salisbury. The houses embody the distinctive architectural features characteristic of modest Queen Anne style houses of that period, exhibiting asymmetrical massing, steeply pitched hipped roofs with cross gables, one story wrap around porches and dominant front facing gables.

In 1923, the single-story Queen Anne Victorian home known as the John Whitehead House began to go through several changes in ownership.  By 1986, the house was in dire straits and was scheduled for demolition in order for a neighboring church to expand its parking lot. In order to save the home, Historic Salisbury Foundation moved it to 120 North Jackson Street where it stands today ~ and is for sale via agent Greg Rapp with Wallace Realty (704.213.6846)
 
This move spared The John Whitehead House from demolition and helped stabilize 303-315 West Council Street, all of which still stands today. The brick piers and chimney had to be dismantled for the move and the house had to be re-situated on slightly higher piers because of the sloping lot at 120 N. Jackson Street. Other than these adjustments, no historic fabric was lost in the move, including the plaster over lath walls.  In January 1988, the John Whitehead House was entered on the National Register of Historic Places in the Shaver Rental Houses Historic District.

Victorian Residential Architecture

A list of Queen Anne features can be deceptive. Queen Anne architecture does not adhere to an orderly list of characteristics—the Queen refuses to be easily classified. Bay windows, balconies, stained glass, turrets, porches, brackets, and an abundance of decorative details may combine in unexpected ways.

Also, Queen Anne details can be found on less pretentious houses. In American cities, smaller working-class homes were given patterned shingles, spindle work, extensive porches, and bay windows. Many turn-of-the-century houses are in fact hybrids, combining Queen Anne motifs with features from earlier and later fashions.

The John Whitehead House is listed with the National Register of Historic Places. Typical of a simple, yet well-finished one-story, Queen Anne Style cottage, 120 N Jackson Street has kept much of its original integrity. It boasts a cross gabled roof and full width porch with turned posts and baluster as well as spindlework frieze.

The home, in its wonderful central downtown location, served as the offices for Historic Salisbury Foundation for several years before the agency purchased and renovated the historic Salisbury Depot where its office reside today.  120 N. Jackson Street has been more recently used as law offices; its kitchenette and six spacious rooms made the home a perfect office setting. Yet,with minimal remodeling, The John Whitehead House can be reestablished as a residential home (it will need a full-bath installed ~ it has one half-bath currently).

Inside, 120 N. Jackson Street is handsomely detailed with molded door and window framed and reeded wainscoting throughout. The  mantels are simple but boldly detailed with a variety of molding patterns and bulls-eye ornaments. Solid four-panel doors have delicate brass hardware.

The large center hall, nearly 40 feet long by 8 feet wide, is a room unto itself, handsomely separating the front and rear portions of the home by an opening fitted with glazed French doors and a handsome spindlework lunette. It opens to the front and rear of the house. The original door with tall arched lights remains at the rear entrance but the front door was replaced in an earlier remodeling, from what might have been a simple door and window surround, characteristic of Queen Anne houses, with elaborated pediments.

This historic home looks small from the exterior, but once you step inside you'll see how spacious 2140 square feet, 3 bedrooms and 1 half-bath can be... including the adorable cubby kitchen or kitchenette ~ with its arched entry and efficient use of tiny space including built-in china cabinet and cream-colored cabinetry. And, with the sink nice and close to the stove, you don't have to haul meal preparations very far! How nice to have the sink near the window with a nice view into the small back yard.

You will love the large bay window nook in the front parlor. A similar nook can be found in the historic Stokes-Snider House, originally home to Dr. J. Ernest Stokes, one of the South’s eminent surgeons, and partner with Dr. John Whitehead, who together championed the Whitehead-Stokes Sanitorium, which grew over the years to a 60-bed hospital at the corner of North Fulton and Liberty streets. The Stokes-Snider House at 324 N. Fulton, sold by Greg Rapp, is now gloriously restored to a bed & breakfast called 'Across The Pond'. Stories passed down through time tell us that Dr. Snider's wife would sit in the 'nook' and watch for patients coming up the path!

This beautifully preserved Queen Anne can be your next home, a live-work potential right in thriving downtown Salisbury, or can be purely a home for your business. Let Greg Rapp know your vision...and make an appointment to see this piece of North Carolina history...and make it your own! (704) 213-6846.


120 N. Jackson Street
Salisbury NC 28144
$139,000
MLS#58765

 


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

Salisbury NOW!

Salisbury, the county seat of Rowan County, is located in the heart of the beautiful Piedmont area, the industrial heart of North Carolina.

Located on Interstate 85, 35 miles from Charlotte and Winston-Salem, Salisbury is in one days' travel time to any major city on the east coast. It is the approximate halfway point between Washington, DC and Atlanta.

Here is a snippet of why we love it here...and we know you will too!



When you are ready to make a move to or in America's 'Gig-City', give Greg Rapp | Wallace Realty a call!  With TEN historic districts, downtown living, many subdivisions, and open country ~ we're ready for you!  

Call 704.213.6846 today!

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