Greensboro Daily Photo

Happy July!

Can you believe it is already July? In two days, it will be the Fourth of July and many people will be celebrating. During holidays, it is fun to drive around and see how houses are decorated. The above colonial home on Fleming Road is holiday ready. The white, colonial Williamsburg home, with its simple framework, symmetry, and two stories, really stands out with the flags and red, white, and blue banners. The home was built in 1985, just as Greensboro was starting to experience a housing boom. The one-acre lot looks well maintained, without being overly manicured. The current owners have been in the house for a little over a year and it looks like they are taking good care of it. The architecture is such that the home could be as easily 100 years old as it is 37!

If you are out and about today, don't forget to go to one of the many farmers markets in and around Greensboro. Produce is coming on strong. You should see lots of peppers, cucumbers, squash, figs, blueberries, and more. Buy local and buy today so that you will have plenty to share on the Fourth! Oh, and don't forget, today is Day 2 62 days that Cookout will be selling watermelon milkshakes! There is another destination for you!

518 Summit Avenue at Dunleath's Porchfest

The above photo is another shot of Porchfest, taken at the J.R. Holt house at 518 Summit Avenue.* It is a 4,282 sq. ft. house on the downtown side of the Dunleath neighborhood. This neoclassical revival house was built circa 1922, originally as a single family dwelling, but is now multi-family. The people who attended the music at this porch this past Saturday were thrilled with the level of musicianship performed there throughout the day. We're betting that this property is about to get a facelift.  Look at all of the good bones in this solid brick house.

Summit Avenue starts in downtown Greensboro, just south of Fisher Park, on the easternmost part of downtown and continues through the Dunleath neighborhood, and then north all the way to Reedy Fork. Summit Avenue  was developed as a middle to upper middle class neighborhood during the late 19th and early 20th century. It has some of the most remarkable houses of many different architectural styles with houses that are still getting refurbished. If you want to know more about Greensboro, study the historic architecture of Greensboro and the owners of those homes. In the meantime, early on a Saturday or Sunday morning when traffic is at a minimum, take a drive along Summit Avenue and take in the sights and sounds. Also, speaking of sounds, make a note to attend Porchfest next year and experience the area for yourself!

Happy Tuesday!

*see p. 21 of this document for more information about 518 Summit Avenue. The whole document is of interest to those interested in the Summit Avenue area of Greensboro.

Spring Has Arrived on Spring Garden Street!

This green house at 911 Spring Garden Street, near the intersection of Joyner Street, is representative of spring in Greensboro. The azaleas are in full bloom, as is the dogwood in the left of the photo. This house at 911 was built in the first decade of the 1900s. Some records indicate 1905; others 1010. Also, with five bedrooms, it is bigger that it appears from the street view. College Hill is one of Greensboro's earliest neighborhoods and so much of the character of the early 20th century remains. In 1980, College Hill was designated Greensboro's first local historic district. In 1993, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The above home is currently a rental and the location is ideal; being situated between UNCG and Greensboro College and about a mile west of downtown Greensboro.  It remains charming and well-maintained. 

Happy Monday!

Art and Creativity at 717 Percy Street

717 Percy Street is the house we featured recently with the Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG). Someone mentioned the lovely bottle tree at this home, so we thought we would feature it today, in the off chance that you will be able to drive by today en route to the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville. The above house on Percy Street was built in 1934. It last sold in 2016 and the current owners have been loving it for the last six years. In addition to the FLAG, they've added the rainbow colors to the front of the porch. Additionally, they added the bottle tree to the left. Many of these metal trees you see around Greensboro were made by Howard Beamus at Hughes Metal Works with the profits benefitting non-profits, such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The bottle trees add so much to any yard and they are a visible sign of art that helps the community.

If you don't get by Percy Street this weekend, or the Greensboro Curb Market, please head somewhere to see the beauty of how the people of Greensboro do things in their yard for the good of a local cause. Thank you 717 Percy St. for all you do to promote the arts!

Happy Saturday; happy exploring!

904 Country Club Drive

Continuing on our stroll through the Irving Park Neighborhood of Greensboro, the above house really caught our attention. Located at 904 Country Club Drive, this beauty has a professionally manicured, striped lawn with terraced steps leading up to the grand entrance. While stately, the square design of the architecture indicates an efficient use of space. And without dormers and other complicated details, it is relatively easy to maintain. The house, built in 1948, overlooks the golf course of the Greensboro Country Club. It was built by Ray H. Taylor, who was vice president of  City Industrial and Savings Bank and of Wysong and Miles. The house has seen several owners over the years, including Maurice Jennings, Sr., founder of Biscuitville. As is the case with historic homes, regardless of who owns it, the house is always known as the house of the first owner.

The Taylor House sold in this past fall (2020) without even being listed.* It had been on and off the market, underwent updating, and during the pandemic, this 6,252 square foot beauty sold for $420 per square foot, a recent record for local historic homes. We're betting the current owners enjoy knowing the provenance of their historic home. If only these walls could talk! And, if the lawn could talk, we're betting it would chuckle about all of the premium golf balls that have landed on it from the 3rd fairway of the Greensboro Country Club across the street. We're wondering how far on the property a golfer has had to wander to keep a ball in play.

Happy Thursday!

*read David Arneke's article on the Greensboro Historic Homes website.

Signs of Spring at 1801 Wright Avenue

There are signs of spring all over Greensboro. This little house on Wright Avenue looks like the owners are ready to enjoy being outdoors. They've got a small table in front, a robin's egg blue gourd birdhouse. They've got a tree is blossoming in the front yard. 1801 Wright is a 2 bedroom one bathroom house on a .33 acre lot. It was built in 1952 and looks like it has been well cared for over the past 70 years. The first day of spring will occur tomorrow, Sunday, March 20. It is a perfect to walk, bike, or drive around Greensboro's neighborhoods to admire all of nature's beauty. 

This small is in a perfect location, convenient to so much in Greensboro and a couple blocks off of Josephine Boyd and a street away from Walker Avenue. Have a great weekend!

2306 Lawndale Drive

 

This 1 1/2 story home, at 2306 Lawndale Drive, is located at the western edge of Kirkwood and just north of all the Irving Park shops. The house was built in 1947 and the neighborhood was a lot more suburban/rural 74 years ago when it was built. The house last sold eleven years ago and we're betting it is owner-occupied. The people who live in this house like their holiday decorating. At the moment, they have these dog-snowmen that look great with or without snow around them. If we get any bad weather over the next week, these doggies will be there to add a little fun to your day.

We hope you have a fun Friday and that you get out to explore the people and places of Greensboro this weekend. 

Little Cottage at 510 Prescott Street

On our walk along Prescott Street this weekend, we were smitten with the house at 510. It looks like a cottage straight out of an enchanted forest. It is on the northwest edge of downtown in the Bellemeade neighborhood. It is also only a mile from Grimsley High School and on the edge of the greenway. It was built in 1925 when this part of town was a more defined neighborhood. Walking around this property, you see more great stonework, especially the back fireplace. To the right is West Smith Street and to the left are construction trucks, and across the street is the Artistic Motion School of Arts & Preparatory Academy. While business and industry has encroached upon the neighborhood and made it an oasis in an urban setting, in this specific frame, we see a cozy little home. 

Next time you are on this part of the greenway, take a little detour and explore Prescott Street. Have a nice Tuesday!

604 Scott Avenue

Our walking on the afternoon of New Year's Eve, we noticed this house on Scott Avenue, in the heart of the Lindley Park neighborhood, was getting work done. The two dormers and the garage on the right are being added to this house, built in 1917. At the time this home was initially built, there just weren't that many automobiles in the USA, only 49 per 1,000 people* At that time, the population of Greensboro was under 19,000, meaning there would have been under 400 cars in Greensboro. Today, the population of Greensboro is almost 300,000, and, on average, 80% of the population has cars. So, over the last 100 years, needs for maintaining and storing vehicles has increased dramatically. 604 Scott Avenue will be upgraded to the 21st center with this garage and extra room upstairs.

The houses on Scott Avenue are very diverse, and often get upgrades as they are sold. Lindley Park is a very desirable neighborhood. You can tell by the mature trees that the neighborhood was established long ago. And those sidewalks get a lot of use as the neighborhood is very walkable. Even though the profile of the house is changing, when completed, the additions will look like they have always been there. We can't wait till spring when the nearly one acre lot will be in full bloom. 

Happy Monday! Hard to believe it has been in the 70s and now, we might get snow today!

 

* reference and more cool facts about cars per 1,000, here.

Santa of Chapman Street

Merry Christmas! The above house, on Chapman Street is where Jack True served as Greensboro's Santa for three decades. Mr. True and his family rented this house for years and eventually were able to buy the house with the help of people in Greensboro who appreciated all he did for the community. Mr. True derived great pleasure seeing the joy her brought all of the families who brought their children by to see Santa and his decorated house. He also decorated for other holidays, especially Halloween, Easter, and the Fourth of July.

Mr. True died of leukemia in 2003 and his family continues decorating, carrying on his spirit. We wish you.a Merry Christmas 2021. Let us all do something to bring joy to others today. If you get a chance, drive by South Chapman street tonight and see this glowing little house down over the hill. It will bring a smile to your face. If you knew Mr. True, it might even bring back memories of his handing out candy to children, beck in an era when times seemed to much simpler. Have a great day!

Winter View on Summerfield Road

Winter views and landscapes can be beautiful. This home at 7119 Summerfield Road looks so inviting against the backdrop of evergreens and deciduous trees that have lost their leaves. The green roof is perfect with the green shrubbery leading to the front porch. Even those rocking chairs on the porch are the same color. This four bedroom house looks so contemporary, yet, it was built in 1912, 109 years ago!. The hallmark of the Piedmont area of North Carolina is lots of greenery, and this house is a prime example of how not much landscaping is needed when there are mature trees on the lot. 

This house is located right across from The Jumping Bean Coffee Shop and the Sunnyside Farms Christmas tree lot we featured in the past week. The house is part of that Summerfield corridor that is really taking shape as a destination. We'll have to get back in the spring to see how this house looks in a different season.  In the meantime, we'll just sit back and enjoy this winter view. While we've been featuring Summerfield this week, don't forget that tomorrow is First Friday and the Festival of Lights for downtown Greensboro. That, too, will be a beautiful winter view.

Happy Thanksgiving 2021

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today's photo features a home on 150 in Summerfield, just across the street From Toscana Trace and near Highway 220. The people in this home celebrate every season with a decoration at  the road. Their old oak tree has a hole in it and the owners filled it with rounds of wood and a wee leprechaun. They have pumpkins, bales of hay, leaves, flowers, and scarecrows. Even their mailbox (to the right of the right side of the photo) is decorated. This 3 acre lot has a long, country driveway that extends a long way from Highway 150 and the house is hidden from the road. The house, built in 1980, is absolutely beautiful.

Many people in Greensboro and Guilford County decorate for the fall and for Thanksgiving Once we get through Thanksgiving, it is predicted that people will really be celebrating for Christmas this year. Let us know if you have a "spirit house" that goes all out for decorating near you, and, we will make every effort to get out and photograph it!

 

1005 South Josephine Boyd

Yesterday, driving past this house at 1005 South Joesphine Boyd Street stopped us in our tracks. The sun was shining brightly and the combination of the red leaves, the red house, and the red car, punctuated by the pink, yellow, and blue planters looked stunning. With no cars on the road to the left, and the large lot that goes with the house, it looked like we were on a rural country road. In reality, we were just a block off of Gate City Boulevard and very near UNCG. This three bedroom, one bath, house was built in 1928. We can only imagine how rural it seemed almost 100 years ago.

Much of the Glenwood neighborhood is like this; at some places it looks very urban and others, very rural. If you want to drive around and explore Glenwood, we encourage you to attend one of the community events there. Most immediately, on Black Friday,  Glenwood hosts Greensboro's "Really, Really Free Market at the church at 1307 Glenwood Avenue. They could use any donations you have. Everything is free. You can even pick up something for yourself.  It is such a nice gesture, the "Really, Really Free Market has a really, really neighborly feel. Just like the house above!

Blue Sky Over 4121 Spring Garden Street

This two bedroom, one bathroom, 888 square foot house, is located at 4121 Spring Garden Street. In this photo, it is as if it is a residential area. In reality, the featured house is an oasis on an island of commercial property. Indeed, when the home was built in 1955, there were probably a lot of houses surrounding it. Now, there are restaurants, strip malls, businesses, and offices around it. Even this house has a business in it. The house is across from Reconsidered Goods, and when we went to drop off a donation, we turned around and noticed the fabulous, mottled  sky. That western sky was so beautiful, but also reminding us that soon it will be winter. These blues and grays are so much more characteristic of winter than fall. Regardless of season, or weather, we are reminded just how beautiful Greensboro can be, especially when we take time to notice the beauty around us. 

We hope you have a great week and that you see lots of beautiful skies. If you have children in public school, you know that Guilford County made today and tomorrow days to work remotely from home. For many, it will be completing missing assignments. Hopefully, it will be a fun and relaxing week. Happy Monday!

Lake Daniel & Twyckenham Drive

In the above photo, the Lake Daniel neighborhood- across from Grimsley High School-  is bathed in sunlight in the afternoon. It is the kind of neighborhoods where yards are full of blooming azalea bushes and dogwood trees in the spring and full of fall color October and November. This home at 808 Twyckenham Drive is no exception. Look at the beauty of this Tudor home bathed in the look of fall. Built in 1933, this home looks as fresh and inviting as it must have when built almost ninety years ago. As for the name of the street, we're guessing it was chosen to evoke a feel of Old England. Twickenham is the administrative headquarters of Richmond upon Thames and "wic" and "ham" are words to indicate a small settlement in Saxon. 

According to a 1994 News & Record article*, the Lake Daniel neighborhood was planned in 1926 with the goal of capturing the essence of both Greensboro's city and rural life. There is both a park and man-made lake in the neighborhood and it is less than two miles from downtown Greensboro. In the mid 1990s, the neighborhood planted over 3,000 shrubs and trees, and it shows. Today is a good day to get out and explore the beauty of the city. Try Lake Daniel as it is a very walkable neighborhood. Happy Saturday!

* reference HERE.

Hope for Hiatt Street

We first learned of "Hope for Hiatt" through Triad City Beat, with photos by Carolyn de Berry and an the article by Sayaka Matsuoka. Above is the Hiatt Street property across from the long-gone 8.7 acre Rolane Sock Factory property that is about to be renovated as apartments, townhomes, amenities, and shops. As for the above property, Jerry Wass of Owl's Roost Properties is slated to purchase and develop it. The problem is that, for decades, several families have been living  at Jamison Homes Mobile Park at 2511 Hiatt Street. At one time, 21 families lived there, and in the last several years, all have been members of the Latinx community. Unless something changes, these families need to relocate on or before December 31, 2021.  The residents would love to purchase the land and remain there and many Lindley Park residents are in support of their staying. If you see the "Hope for Hiatt" signs along Spring Garden Street, you now know the back story. All of the mobile homes are to the left of the blue one in the above photo. From the vantage point of this photo, you can houses on Spring Garden Street in the background.

This whole strip of land between Spring Garden Street and Oakland Avenue, just north of Gate City Boulevard and Norfolk Southern train tracks, is changing before our eyes. It will be interesting to chart the change. Even UNCG has property back there , too, including a building for surplus furniture, offices, and some land for sustainable gardening. Hopefully, something will work out for the families, even if they have to move elsewhere. Have a good weekend, everyone.

Halloween 2021, on Walker Avenue

Sunset Hills may have the reputation for the most collective Christmas spirit with those round light balls in the trees. However, Lindley Park went all out last night creating a pretty fabulous Halloween. Some streets in the neighborhood were closed to vehicle traffic. There were children galore out trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Walker Avenue, between Elam and Wendover Avenue was really alive. Specifically, 2406 Walker Avenue was especially celebratory. They had a Karaoke robot dancer and lazer light show. On the left, what looks like flames is light and a smoke machine. Children and adults alike were mesmerized. The family in this small house on Walker, built in 1925- almost 100 years ag0- really knows how to bring the neighborhood alive.

We hope schools, families, and teachers alike all have grace today. Between the NCA&T Homecoming this past weekend and all of the Halloween events, there will be a lot of tired people today. But, whenever it is possible to safely celebrate together, being a little tired the next day, is a small price to pay. Last night, we officially said goodbye to October. Hello November, we are ready for you, from Walker Avenure and beyond!

Chevron Shadow on House on Tory Hill Drive at Twilight

The above photo is of a house on Tory Hill Drive in northwest Greensboro. The red brick house was built in 1985 and painted  white sometime thereafter. It is built on about 3/4 acres with a lot of wooded land behind it. This house looks so absolutely beautiful at dusk, when the sun has set, but it is still light enough to discern details. This colonial style is so popular around Greensboro.This house has five windows on the second floor and four and a door on the bottom, with an added wing on each side. That orange door looks especially beautiful with the floodlights pointing in its direction. That inverted chevron shadow above the door is the icing on the cake. Sometimes homes that go unnoticed by day absolutely come to life at night.

Is there a house in your neighborhood that is even more spectacular at night? As you can see from above, a ittle lighting and a touch of color really help. Happy Saturday! May it be filled with adventure and with noticing special things in Greensboro.

Halloween, Yes She's on her Way!

Halloween is over two weeks away, but decoration is well underway in Greensboro. The above scene was found on Scott Avenue in Lindley Park- and every indication is that they aren't done yet! Can you imagine being a child and happening upon this scene? Would you have the nerve to walk past or walk up to the door to trick-or-treat? This is only one side of the yard. We may have to stop by for another photo of the other side! By the way, do you see the face in the upper window? Or, are you still trying to get past the doll in the cage? She is pretty creepy. There is a monster up the street, even bigger than the skeleton and it moves!

Since it is the weekend, if you want a little spooky fun, walk around your neighborhood and see what what decorations are out there. If you love spooky, the City of Greensboro is hosting a Fright Night Halloween Walk in Country Park tonight from 5:30- 7:30. By 7:00, it will be almost completely dark. You may want to go a little earlier. It is presented by the Greensboro Jaycees (details here). Happy Friday.

513 Garrett Street: Chasing Our First Lead

When interviewing Jim Schlosser this week, one of the things he suggested we feature was 513 Garrett Street. It is located just south of town, between Randleman Road and Freeman Mill Road. It is just south of the Smith Homes neighborhood and north of Southmont. As you can see from the above photo, the back side of the house, on the corner of Savannah Street, has elaborate stonework. The rock chimney has a large metal crown covering it. At one time, this home must have been breathtaking. Sadly, at the moment, it appears to have been abandoned with all the doors and windows covered with plywood. This five bedroom, two bath home was built in 1910; however, several changes have been made over the last 111 years. If Zillow is right, it has been owned by the same person since 1977. 

While Jim Schlosser's great grandfather was a stone mason, Jim says he did not do the stonework on the above home. Jim's great grandfather, master stone mason A.L. Schlosser, worked with Mt. Airy granite and the above structures seem to have some other types of stone, perhaps sandstone. We're sure the backstory on the stonemasonry and other artistic details is interesting. If we get a chance to talk to the owner, we'll let you know. It would be so wonderful to have the home restored to its original glory. Yesterday afternoon when we arrived, there was a rainbow shining brightly over 513 Garrett. We'll take that as a sign good things are in store for this place.  Happy Saturday!

6104 Nile Place

Today's photo of the home at 6104 Nile Place was inspired by Logie Meachum's piece, "Sweet Magnolia" in the publication 27 Views of Greensboro".  Logie was a storyteller, teacher, and blues musician born and raised in Greensboro. Growing up, Lorenzo "Logie" spent a lot of time at his grandparents' house in the Woodyside community near Nile Place. The Woodyside community was established after the Civil War, when Quakers, John and Mary Woody, purchased land and made it available so that African-Americans could build homes.*  This neighborhood, between West Market Street and College Road has seen many changes over the years; yet, much has stayed the same. There is still a lot of acreage, although most of it is currently for sale. There are pine forests where people harvest pine needles for lawns in neighborhoods far away from Woodyside. Today, there are plenty of apartments around the single family homes and roads have gone from sleepy little two lane roads to busy highways.

In the middle of all this sameness and change is 6104 Nile Place. This two story four bedroom, one bathroom, house is about 1700 square ft. Likely, this was a farmhouse when originally built and it would have had more of the 1/3 of an acre that it had when it last sold in 2003. Perhaps the apartments behind this house were part of this property. Just looking at this house evokes memories of yesteryear, of the Greensboro and Woodyside that Logie knew growing up around here. Whoever lives in this house now, works hard to keep the lawn manicured and grows flowers, just like the owners of yesteryear would have. As a matter of fact, some of those plantings may have been around for a very long time. If you get a chance, read Logie's piece in "27 Views of Greensboro". His view shows just how segregated the 1960s were in Greensboro. His is a view you will remember for a very long time.

Happy Thursday!

*Reference and more information, here.

Historic Country Club Condominiums

Yesterday, we featured a home in Kirkwood. Today, we head a little bit southeast, just off of Elm Street at Sunset. Above, are the historic Country Club Condominiums. At one time, they were apartments and, in about 2007, they were converted to condominiums. They were originally erected in 1937 as Greensboro's first garden-style apartment complex. The facades are white brick and, what you see at the entrance are "implied quoins" at the corners. The complex was originally financed by Julian Price and Emry Green, the former being president of Jefferson Standard Life Insurance the the latter president of Pilot Life. The center of the complex forms a big circle, looping to and from Elm Street. In the center is a gated 2-acre green space for residents to enjoy.  

If you want to read more about the garden-style apartment complex, read this article by Preservation Greensboro. It is very informative. Greensboro is lucky to have Preservation Greensboro, AND this fabulous cluster of condos. If you get a chance, drive the loop.  While this property was erected in 1937, it feels as if it were brand new.

2004 Fernwood Drive

2004 Fernwood Drive is located in the heart of Kirkwood. It is one of those post- World War II homes that have held their charm for the past seventy years. The above house was built in 1948 and look at how adorable it is. The landscaping adds such great curb appeal. The white fence really punctuates the yard and the plants at the sidewalk.

We noticed it because we were driving looking for hydrangeas in bloom, and this yard was a stand-out. Curiously, most of them are blue, but there is one pinkish-purple bush on the left. Do you have hydrangeas in your yard? If so, what color are they? This three bedroom, two bathroom house last sold in 1988 and there is no sign that it is selling any time soon! Have a happy Wednesday. Here's to great neighbors and great yards! Kirkwood residents are gearing up for Fourth of July Fun, and so is downtown Greensboro!

Hidden In Plain Sight

Sometimes we drive around Greensboro wondering how on earth we are going to find a new house of worship to feature on Sunday. After thirteen years of Sundays, that is approaching 700 different photos. Sure we've featured the same place more than once. Sometimes, for the smaller churches, we return to see if they are still open. However, driving around Glenwood on Saturday afternoon, down Florida Street, we saw the Prophetic Ministries of the Apostolic Faigh at 909 East Florida Street at the corner of Highland Avenue.The church is just west of Freeman Mill Road.

We're not sure how long this building has been a church, as, originally, it was a three bedroom, one bathroom house, built in 1955. Based on the sign, it appears the church has services Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday. The property looks well maintained and the grass is mowed. The Glenwood neighborhood is said to be THE most diverse neighborhood in North Carolina. It appears, with all the different churches and religious organizations with services in Glenwood, there is considerable religious diversity, too. Happy Sunday, we're thrilled to find another church, like we said, hidden in plain sight! 

 

2426 Camden Road

Yesterday afternoon, Camden Road was filled with families out for a stroll. Some children were riding bicycles, one toddler was dressed in a princess outfit, many people had dogs, neighbors were in their front yards talking. Truly, the Sunset Hills/Lindley Park neighborhoods were enjoying every moment of the overcast skies. Temperatures were in the mid-60s, but it seemed cooler since the sun wasn't out. The above photo is of 2426 Camden Road, just a few blocks away from Lindley Elementary School. According to the signage in the yard, this house has a graduating senior. Most of the schools are having in-person graduation services this year. Let's hope that is the case for this soon-to-be graduate.

This house, built in 1927, is a lot bigger than it looks from the front. According to Zillow, it is 2,400 square feet with five bedrooms and two baths. The landscaping on the property continues to delight people who are out strolling along the sidewalks. As you can see, the front yard of the house is filled with raised beds, and right now, the foxgloves are putting on a glorious show. Foxglove stems were a big hit when they were at the Corner Market on Walker and Elam. Now, we're wondering if by chance they came from this house! We're also wondering if the black cat lives here, or if he has just stopped by for a visit.

Happy Monday! We hope you have a great week and you are in a position to get out and enjoy all of the effort people are putting into their Greensboro yards.

Happy Mother's Day

Greensboro is such a great place to live. The weather and landscape help, but what makes Greensboro fantastic is the people. Yesterday, at a yard sale on Greenwood Drive, the homeowner and host of the sale gave a piece of new jewelry to all the mothers who stopped by. There were no gimmicks and no purchase was necessary. She said she wanted everyone to be able to say they received at least one Mother's Day gift. What a nice, heartfelt gesture and the moms were appreciative and joyfully selected a piece of jewelry. 

To all the mothers out there, in Greensboro and beyond, we hope you have a fabulous Mother's Day today. And, if you happen to know the woman who lives in the above house on Greenwood, thank her for her generosity and kindness. We bet she is that nice every day.

May we all give and receive random acts of kindness.  Happy Sunday!

 

609 South Mendenhall Street

Happy May Day! Today is the day of an ancient festival of spring. The property at 609 South Mendenhall Street is about as joyful and springlike as a yard gets. Yesterday, we happened to stop by the "Little Free Library" box at the edge of this yard and the beauty of the flowers drew us in. We noticed the owner, Jane, watering the hanging baskets on the porch and struck up a good-old-fashioned conversation. The house is located in the heart of College Hill, Greensboro's first neighborhood and the first to receive an "historic district" designation 

Jane and her family have lived at the house for two years and, while it looks like it has been there for a century, the house was actually built recently on an empty lot that was previously owned by the College Hill Neighborhood.  It was sold under the condition that the house would be owner-occupied and that the new construction be in line with the architecture of the neighborhood. Jane said the best compliment she gets is when someone tells her what a good job they did "renovating" the home. Today's photo doesn't begin to capture its beauty. The purples are much more dominant and the porch is so inviting, Hopefully, Jane has time to swap out a book in the "Little Free Library" and read it on that porch swing under the paint blue ceiling.

5207 W. Friendly Avenue

This house at 5207 West Friendly Avenue, built in 1939, has so much charm. It sold on April 1st and the new owners must be delighting in those azalea bushes, some of which are 10 feet high. This .5 acre property is located at the westernmost edge of Hamilton Lakes, right across from Guilford College. This Friendly Avenue house was built back when this this end of the county was rather rural.

In 1939, there was no Quaker Village; Hamilton Lakes had not yet been annexed into the City of Greensboro (1957); the town of Guilford College had not yet been annexed (1972). Still, if you drive past this property, you may not notice the house as the landscaping wraps around the property, buffering the house from the road. Drive on the Cannon Road side of the property and it will feel like you stepped back in time. It feels so peaceful and rural you may wonder if it is 1939 again. May the new owners enjoy their little house of tranquility. Happy Wednesday!

Enjoy Another Night of the Full Supermoon

Last night was the first of two supermoons in 2021. The other one will be in May.  A supermoon appears bigger because it is closer to the earth. Last night, the moon was 222,064 miles from the earth, about 8% closer than the average.* It was called the pink moon, but it didn't really present itself as pink. The moon was bright and for the most part, the sky over Greensboro was clear. The above photo was taken in northwest Greensboro is a suburban neighborhood. The lighting against the white brick added a nice horizontal orientation to the photo.

The moon sets today (Tuesday, 4,27) at 6:59 am and rises tonight at 8:58 pm with 100% illumination in Greensboro. Follow the moon phases in Greensboro, here. If you want to try to photograph the moon, first, bring out your good camera. If you are using your phone, portrait mode seems to work best- even though no person is detected! Also, find a place where you can see the horizon line, a body of water works well. There is the moon report for today. The skies should be clear tonight; so, stake out your moon viewing site and sit back and enjoy. Happy Tuesday and Happy Moonbathing- no flashlight required!

*reference and more information about supermoons, here.

Life Along McDowell Drive

Today, we take you to 1204 McDowell Drive in the Green Valley area of Greensboro. This neighborhood is between Friendly Center and the Tanger Bicentennial Garden. It is so beautiful this time of year with all of the azaleas and dogwoods in bloom. The 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house above was built in 1963, back in the days when the satellite neighborhoods (Lake Jeanette, Adams Farm, Carlson Farms, etc.) were not even on the radar screen.

In 1963, David Schenck was mayor and there was a Civil Rights march that year. This was the year that The Women's College changed its name to University of North Carolina at Greensboro.* Meanwhile, back at 1204 McDowell, it was a new street in a neighborhood with streets named after many of the counties of North Carolina.  In 1963, there was a family enjoying their new house and new beginnings in a very beautiful part of town. These azaleas look like they may have been planted since then; however, their pink and white beauty represents a view so common in the years of Greensboro.

Happy Saturday! You still have time to get out and enjoy the beauty of spring in Greensboro.

*reference and interesting timeline, here.

100 S Mendenhall St.

This house at the corner of South Mendenhall and Market Street is one of the great historic beauties in College Hill. The above view is the Market Street side, not even the main entrance. However, this time of year, both sides of the house are so beautiful, especially with the trees leafing out, and the sun shining. That red tree looked like it was on fire as we ran past on our mid-day, 5K route yesterday.

In 1980, College Hill was designated the first historic district in Greensboro. In 1993, it was named to the National Register of Historic Places. That designation adds a very special feature to a neighborhood (reference and read more here). The above house is on the northernmost corner of College Hill, quite a welcome into the neighborhood! The colors of the house looked especially beautiful yesterday; they would have been deemed in compliance with the requirements of the historic district.  College Hill was settled in the mid 19th century by people, in many cases, affiliated with nearby Greensboro College. Even though this house is situated on one of the busiest streets leading into downtown Greensboro, when you are there, it is as if you are visiting a bucolic, country estate.

 

Gaslight Apartments

The Gaslight Apartments are located in the 1100 block of West Friendly Avenue on the southern edge of Westerwood. The apartments/condos are part of a 16-unit complex, just west of the Friendly Avenue Baptist Church. They have twelve one-bedroom and four two bedroom units. They are owned by the Kairys Group, a commercial real estate company located in Chapel Hill. The Kairys Group purchased the apartments, renovated them, and have made quite a return on their investment. 

Also part of the renovation was painting the red brick and enhancing the landscaping. We always notice the Gaslight Apartments when the trees in front are blossoming. The pale pink blossoms really make the off-white, brick apartments stand out. Have a look next time you are driving by. And do hurry, the trees are greening out before our eyes.

The Historic Magnolia House

The Magnolia House is a Green Book site, meaning it was a destination for African-American travelers during the segregated Jim Crow era. Magnolia House, located at 442 Gorrell Street, was built in 1890. Between 1955- 1961, several prominent African Americans spent the night here, often en route to important engagements north and south of Greensboro. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and was originally known as the Daniel D. Debutts House. Some of the people who stayed here were James Brown Ray Charles, Ike and Tina Turner, and Jackie Robinson.*

The Magnolia House has so many community initiatives. Also, they offer retreats and corporate events, family events like birthdays and weddings. During the pandemic, they have found very creative ways to have fundraising events, such as music sessions on the porch. They offer shoebox lunches starting at $13. The Magnolia House Foundation hopes to restore and maintain the property as an historic hotel. The above photo of the east side of the property gives you an idea of the size of the house. Just look at that inviting porch. Drive by, if you get a chance this weekend. If you don't, read more in the link below. 

*reference and more information HERE.

Going Mod On Cannon Road

Exploring Greensboro for the purpose of finding things to share with you is so much fun. Realizing we had never been on Cannon Road, we drove down it this past weekend. The above recently renovated home at 703 Cannon Road is right on the corner of Muir's Chapel. It sold on March 12th at over a 200% gain over the purchase price last year.* How wonderful that this 2 bedroom one bathroom house, built in 1953, added so much value with just the right amount of TLC. It is as if we've got our own little HGTV episode right here in Greensboro. It will be fun to watch the other properties on this street.

One of the biggest surprises while exploring Cannon Road it that it comes out on Friendly Avenue at the back entrance to Guilford College and on the western edge of Hamilton Lakes. Keep your eye out for this mid-century modern beauty, with the spring green grass and the bright red accent door,  when northbound on Muirs Chapel. Happy Tuesday!

*According to Zillow data,  3/22/21

Springtime at 726 South Elam Avenue

Today's yellow house with the popping blue accent door evokes thoughts spring. Soon, plants will be leafing out from the containers on the entrance stairs. Before you know it, that ample front porch will be filled with people sipping lemonade and greeting neighbors who are walking by. This house at 726 South Elam in Lindley Park has been a two-story beauty on the corner of Sherwood Street since 1900. When it was built 121 years ago, a four bedroom two bath house would have been a giant. There would have been even more trees in the neighborhood; likely some planted by or purchased from John Van Lindley, for whom the neighborhood is named. 

If Zillow and Realtor.com are correct, the home last sold in 2015 and there were original architectural details remaining on the inside. The house sits on over a quarter of an acre of land, very generous for a city lot. According to voting records, there are 210 people who live on South Elam, 91 of whom are democrats, 31 are Republicans and 88 are "other" as in Libertarian or Unaffiliated. It is so interesting to think about a neighborhood, or even the street, based on the internet searches of property records and voting profiles of residents. That is such a 21st century concept. Even houses, streets, and neighborhoods have digital footprints. That thought begs the question, how do we all fit into the profile of our neighborhoods? Happy Tuesday! Sunday, March 20th is the first day of spring. We're betting this sunny beauty at 726 S. Elam is ready!

 

Colonial Home on Bennington Road

Yesterday, we featured the historic marker for Guilford College Woods on Bennington Road. Today, let's have a look at a beautiful home on the same road. This home at 4902 was built in 1983. The 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home is such a beautiful home at the edge of the woods. This colonial brick home is known as a 5 over 4 for the number of windows on the second floor and on the first.

Everything about the exterior of this house is so well appointed. The cool, cloudy weather brings out a special glow in the house. The moss from the woods has spread across the street to this property and is especially beautiful on a rainy day. You can also see that tree that recently toppled in this yard. There were many trees down in the neighborhood. Fortunately, on this property, the tree fell away from the house and not on the house! Fortunately, there are still plenty of trees in their yard and in their neighborhood. As we learn about more bad weather on the way, let's hope everyone in the above neighborhood, and yours, remains safe!

View Along Sunset Drive

This 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom house is located at 108 Sunset Drive, just off Elm Street. The Greensboro Country Club, just down the road, was incorporated in 1911, so the above Irving Park home, built in 1915,  was one of the earlier homes in the neighborhood. *  As you can see from the bare trees, we are in the heart of winter. The photo was taken late in the afternoon and the winter sun shines brightly on this residence. 

From Elm Street to Lawndale Drive, Sunset Drive is a little over a mile and a half long. It meanders through the heart of Irving Park and many prominent properties are seen along the way. The Greensboro Country Club is on Sunset, with several of the golf holes visible from the road. The homes of Irving Park, this early, 145 acre neighborhood, are some of the most spectacular in Greensboro. The architecture is breathtaking, and very diverse. Between the beauty of the homes and the spectacular landscaping, Irving Park is truly a Greensboro gem. It you haven't spent much time there, a good first pass would be to drive from one end of Sunset Drive to the other. Let us know if you find a personal favorite property. Read this Preservation Greensboro article and you can plan your very own tour of homes (the exterior views, of course).

* Preservation Greensboro has a very informative article about the Irving Park neighborhood.

A Day in the Life of a Very Big House

Yesterday, we shared a tiny house on Greensboro Daily Photo. Today we go big, grande indeed. This house, in the Carlson Farms area of Northwest Greensboro, is about 10,000 square feet on an acre and a half lot. Greensboro has an array of housing options and  houses surrounding the Greensboro Country Club both in town and at the Farm Course all tend to be very large. This house in the photograph, built in 1990, was a natural brick color until about a month ago when it got painted all white, a trend which remains popular in Greensboro- and elsewhere.

You also notice a home service was at the house the day we photographed it. Home services are booming with the pandemic. This home was getting a visit from "Doggie Paws and Kitty Claws", a mobile groom service. At 10K square feet, there sure is a lot of space for the owners and their canine/feline critters. The white van and white car, against the late afternoon sun, match the fresh white paint, yet are attention getting. The trees in winter off a little drama to the view. Have a happy Saturday! Give yourself an out-of-doors break today and see what you can get outside and notice.

Tiny Houses in Greensboro

Tiny House Development is a non-profit working throughout North Carolina. The Tiny House Training and Recycling Center in Greensboro is located at 1310 West Gate City Boulevard.  One of their main goals of the organization is to help people who are homeless by providing homes that owners can afford.  Payments are built at the residents'  given income levels.  One of their big projects was the Hammer Tiny House Community on Causey Street. Here is our photo of the Causey Street community from 2019.

The above tiny house is an example of the look of the homes. While not all of the homes look exactly the same, as a rule, each home has a bedroom, kitchen, living space, and a bathroom. The homes range from 180- almost 300 square feet. Many might question how one could live in such a small space. However, for those who live there, having a warm comfortable place to sleep, a way to cook their own food, and a place to internet surf or a tv is not only enough, it is plenty. Have a great weekend and, if you get a chance, explore this tiny home wave that is swelling in Greensboro.

*Reference and additional information, here.

No Hate!

Imagine driving in the Friendswood neighborhood of Greensboro along Meadowview Street and seeing this bright flag. It reads, "Hate has no home here." This flag emphasizing the worth and dignity of all people seems appropriate for our Sunday post, a day when we try to post something more spiritual. This three bedroom, two bath,  suburban ranch home built in the 1960s is quite representative of many homes in the area. When it was built, the house would have really felt like it was out in the country, far from town. Sixty years ago, nationally, the Civil Rights Act of 1968 had not yet passed and locally, nearby Wendover Avenue would not be completed until 1972.

As we close out 2020 and look to 2021, we need to talk to the people who live in this home and learn the story of how it is they are so far along on the diversity continuum. Their neutral, beige house is filled with people who have taken a colorful stance against discrimination. Maybe all of Friendswood is filled with friends and allies. If you put a sign in your yard or a flag on a tree, what would it say. Ours would say, "Have a great day and THANK YOU for reading Greensboro Daily Photo" (and No Hate)!