Greensboro Daily Photo

The Greensboro Skyline

Today's photo features the most prominent part of Greensboro's skyline. We see the iconic Jefferson Pilot/Lincoln Financial Group building to the left of the photo. It is still our tallest building to date.  The photo was taken from the greenway area at the edge of the Dunleath neighborhood. There don't appear to be any new tall buildings on the part of Greensboro's horizon; however, there is significant construction taking place downtown and around Greensboro. Somehow, it is most likely that the JP/LFG Building will be our most recognizable. 

We love the above view of downtown; however, it will be even more beautiful as the greenery returns. If you want to see the changing face of Greensboro, have a look around the baseball stadium, extending up along Battleground to Cycles d'Oro and Green Hill Cemetery over to Joymongers. That northwest part of town has such a new look.

Happy Tuesday!

Downtown, View from the Davie Street Parking Deck

Not being drone photographers, we don't get a photo from above very often. However, in late August, during the Food Truck Fesitival, we walked top the top of the Davie Street Parking Deck and got this photo.  It shows a few of the big buildings downtown. Peeking out in the background is the Lincoln Financial Group Building. In the foreground, on the right, is the Center Pointe Building. To the right is the Renaissance Plaza  Building, and in the middle is 300 North Greene Street. Below, is Friendly Avenue and the greenery is in Center City Park.

Center Pointe was constructed in 1966. It is a 17-story building with 97 condominium units. the 19-story Renaissance Plaza was built in 1990. The landscaping there is beautiful. 300 North Greene Street was built in 1989 and is a 21-story office tower. This north part of Greensboro extending from Tanger Center (established 1921) to First National Bank Baseball Field (established 2005) has seen a tremendous amount of growth over the last couple of decades. If you go downtown for the North Carolina Folk Festival this weekend (and we encourage you to do so), have a look at how the footprint of the city is expanding.

Happy Wednesday! 

Public Transportation at Holliday Circle

Today's photo takes us to Holliday Circle at West McGee and Greene Street. The statue in the center of the circle, by local sculptor James Barnhill, is of Natty Greene. In the background, you see the iconic Lincoln Financial Group buildings with the LFG light at the top. It alternates with the time and temperature. Remember when  there weren't cell phones to inform us of the time and temperature? What a nostalgic feature. Peeking out on the left is the Hampton Inn and Suites.

Notice there are two busses in the traffic circle. the one in the foreground is a Veterans Resource Ride. In 2020, the public transportation agency transformed a 40-ft municipal transit bus  into a mobile resource center for veterans and their families. The bus is actually available for anyone to ride, however, there is information about resources for veterans displayed inside, and the driver is a veteran.*   The more public transportation gets used, the better the system will become. As you can see, the transportation department works hard to study what resources will benefit the community. It is so enjoyable to walk around downtown and see what we stumble upon. Personally, we use the Hopper Trolley, but need to use the bus system more. How about you?

Happy Thursday (the new Friday)! 

 

* reference.

 

Lincoln Financial Group, Plus

On one of our recent urban walking treks, we were looking at all of the changes on Eugene Street, which led us to the baseball stadium, the Hyatt, the Carroll at Bellemeade Apartments, and more. We then went to the Grace United Methodist Church and noticed that the lot at the corner of Eugene and Friendly is cleared and filled in with grass. This open lot provides a perfect view of the (from left to right) the Jefferson Standard Building (1923)  The Lincoln Financial Group Building (1990), the West Market Street United Methodist Church (this iteration dates to 1898), and the L. Richardson Preyer Federal Building (completed 1933).

L. Richardson Preyer, a Greensboro native,  was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina and later a United States representative of North Carolina. This accomplished person, a Princeton and Harvard graduate, was the son of Mary Norris Richardson Preyer and William Yost Preyer, and the grandson of Lunsford Richardson, the founder of Vick Chemical Company. On this one city block, alone, in Greensboro, there is so much history. What a joy it is to piece together; and it is even more fun to explore on foot. Now, with cell phones, we can walk and research and photograph, all at the same time.

Happy Wednesday!

News & Record, Going But Not Forgotten

The weekend started with acclaimed author and journalist, James McBride praising the fine journalism in Greensboro. The weekend ended with our heading over to see what was left of the Greensboro News & Record Building on East Market Street. The front of the building is still intact, but demolition is well under way on the back side. You can still see office space from this back view. Demolition should be finished by the end of the summer. While the newspaper traces its roots back to the late 1800s, the above building was completed in 1976. After 48 years, with the diminished state of print journalism in the digital era, no longer needed were the above in-person think tank and printing presses. D.H. Griffin began demolition on 4/22/24. They are the local company that played a major role in clean up after the 911 tragedy in New York City. 

While on site, we noticed pieces of steel I-beams, chunks of bricks and cement, and many interesting metal pieces (e.g., several small metal doors that looked like facades of safes). After resuming our walk along South Elm Street, we visited Sculptor Jim Gallucci's 9/11 Sculpture Project on at the South 500 block of Elm. It is crafted from beams that D.H. Griffin brought back from NYC. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a sculpture commemorating 130 years of noteworthy journalism in Greensboro. The I-beams are still there and could be figured into a sculpture. As we were leaving, we noticed a piece of the Sunday comics in the rubble. It was on that thick paper and the color was intact. Sometimes you don't realize what you miss until it is gone. We look forward to seeing what becomes of the space.

Happy Monday!

SIX@Tanger Center for the Performing Arts

Yesterday was a glorious day and, as you can see, spring is springing in Greensboro. This photo was taken on North Elm Street at the back of Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. The people walking along the sidewalk had just seen the afternoon showing of the Broadway musical SIX. It is about the six wives of Henry VIII, who ruled England from 1509-1547. In Hamilton fashion, the actors sang their way through their lives with a bit of history. They singing was high-energy, contemporary, and up-beat throughout the hour and a half production. The all-female cast and musicians, competitive through most of the show, come to the realization that Henry VIII was famous largely because he had SIX wives. There were a couple of jabs about the concept of "patriarchy" and, to engage the audience, they must have said "Greensboro" a dozen times. It was a great way to help the audience connected to the performance.

As you can see, exiting the theatre was glorious with the sun shining. While the air was crisp and windy, the brightness of the day had everyone walking with a syncopated upbeat. Indeed, SIX was a great way to celebrate Women's History Month. Who are the Greensboro women in your lives? It is a great month to show love and appreciation. Actually, every month is a great time to show love and appreciation.

Happy Monday!

(Do you see the JP/LFG building playing peek-a-boo)?

My Big Fat Fabulous Life

Did you know that Whitney Way Thore, the person whose life is featured in "My Big Fat Fabulous Life" is from Greensboro? In 2015, TLC began chronicling Whitney's life, her weight gain brought on partly due to a medical condition, and her maintaining an upbeat, body-positive attitude. The show is now in Season 12. Yesterday we were on one of our frequent strolls along Elm Street and we saw TLC a videographer and photographer on the corner of Market Street  and later, at McGee. The crew  wanted a good sunset photo and also scenes of Christmas in downtown Greensboro. The above photo was taken at Hamburger Square, beside Natty Greene's, and all lenses were on the LFG building.

If you haven't watched the show before, put it on your holiday viewing list. The Thore family exudes so much positive energy and, like most reality TV shows, the lives of the members of the Thore family has become an open book. Sadly, last year, Whitney's mom (Babs) died. She was such a prime example of southern humor, finding the wittiest thing to say and with perfect timing on delivery. It is fun to see Greensboro on the episodes filmed here. Whitney graduated from Page High School in 2002.

If you don't have access to TLC, you can see a lot about the show on YouTube. We'd love to interview Whitney for Greensboro Daily Photo! If you know her, put in a good word for us.

Happy Thursday!

Ice Skating in Downtown Greensboro

For ice skating in Greensboro, you have two choices. For outdoor skating, Piedmont Winterfest is your best bet. It is located between LeBauer Park and Center City Park. Skaters of all abilities are welcome. It will be there until December 28th, at which time, just like Frosty the Snowman, it will "melt". An indoor option for skating is the Ice House, located between Bridford Parkway and West Wendover Avenue. The Greensboro Ice House opened in the fall of 1997. It is hard to believe it has been there for 26 years. The Greensboro Ice House does it all, from giving lessons to serving as a venue for birthday parties to having ice for hockey games, figure skating, and more. Historically, Greensboro has been more of a roller skating town than an ice skating one; however, these two venues are a great way to get children acclimated to the sport. As you can see in the above photo, children around our there trying their hardest. See you on the rink!

Happy Friday! 

Center City Tree Lighting 2023

The Festival of Lights was held Friday, December 1st, with the annual tree lighting just before 7:00 pm. In anticipation, people had been milling around downtown, shopping at LeBauer Park, ice skating, spending time in the Cultural Arts Center and listening to live music on Davie Street- which was only open to pedestrian traffic near the park. As the time grew closer for the lighting of the tree, the crowds grew thicker with small children hoisted on parents' shoulders, and cell phones primed for the perfect shot. After the lighting couples captured photos kissing with the tree as a backdrop. Some of this anticipation and joy is captured in the above photo. Always special for us is fitting a little bit of the Lincoln Financial Group building in the scene. 

Check back this week, we'll be featuring lots of around-town, slide-of-life views.  May we all find ways to illuminate these low days of December. Remember, "Nothing can dim the light from within" (Maya Angelou). 

Happy Monday!

Greensboro's Skyline- A View from Southside

This view of the Greensboro skyline was taken from Southside, just south of the train tracks. It captures many of the 20th century buildings that come closest to being skyscrapers. At the time it was built in 1923, the Lincoln Financial Group (LFG) building, originally the Jefferson Standard Building, was the tallest building between Atlanta and Washington, D.C.. The Jefferson-Pilot building, just to the left and two stories taller (with the green roof and time and temperature), was added in 1990. Now, the whole complex is part of LFG. 

We love to hike the city and see our grand skyscraper from as many different angles as possible. We even have a tag for it, see the JP Building. We first featured in Year 1 of GDP on October 13, 2009. If you attend the Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 11th, it will begin at noon at the corner of Lindsay and North Elm Street, very near the JP/LFG building Let us know your favorite place to view this building. We are still hoping to get an invitation to watch sunrise or sunset from the top! Do you have a connection for us?

Happy Thursday!. 

LFG & Greene Street

As you can see from the LED display on the top of the building to the left, it is the LFG building. Lincoln Financial acquired the Jefferson-Pilot Corporation and this iconic building in March of 2006. The FLG building is highly visible from most vantage points downtown. The light façade shines against the above dramatic sky. The photo was taken this past weekend and shows how a Greensboro sky can change before our eyes. Here, you see a bright blue sky completing with a dark, ominous patch.

Something that has been under discussion for years is that Greene Street is part one-way and part two-way. Do pay attention when driving on Greene. The part in the photograph will be close during the 2023 North Carolina Folk Festival, to be held right here in Greensboro from September 8th-10th. (See map/festival footprint HERE). For the folk festival, let's hope the bright blue sky will win out over the dark, ominous one.

Have a great Tuesday. Hope to see you downtown!

 

Happy Juneteenth 2023

Happy Juneteenth. It officially became a holiday in 2021. June 19, 1865 was the day that over a quarter of a million enslaved black people in Texas were freed by executive order. Until that date, there were Americans who were not free. To celebrate, Greensboro has had several events already and the festivities will continue today. As examples, there will be a Juneteenth celebration in Barber Park, a celebration at Sternberger Center at 712 Summit Avenue, and a SOULebration at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market at 2914 Sandy Ridge Road. Today, The International Civil Rights Museum on Elm Street (photographed above) will offer genealogy research as well as a screening of the film, "The Autobiography of Jane Pittman." See here to learn more.

We hope you find some way to celebrate today and that you find a way to make the holiday even more meaningful and that you enjoy your three day weekend.

Happy Monday!

Westover Terrace & Friendly Avenue

 The above photo, taken earlier this week,  is on West Friendly Avenue at Westover Terrace. Much construction in this area took place in the late 1930s and early 1940s and it has continued to evolve over the decades.  This is the part of Greensboro where the cluster of locally owned shops is trying to rebrand as West End. There is a consignment shop, restaurants, a designer and home furnishing store, a sewing shop, and more. If you are looking for stay-cation ideas, and you don't know about "West End", consider having lunch at one of these restaurants and visiting another store or two. Since the weekend is upon us, this would be a good time to do so.

As you can tell, this is a view heading east, into downtown. The sky was looking rather dramatic on the day the photo was taken.  On the horizon, the city's iconic beacon, the Lincoln Financial Group (LFG) building, attracts our attention and always helps us navigate the city. Dare we say, all roads lead to LFG? This photo gives you a good view of the rolling hills around town, proof positive that we are in the Piedmont region, between the mountains and the flatlands at the coast.

Happy Friday!

The Guilford College Bryan Series, Ronan Farrow, and an Almost Full Moon

While the full moon is not technically until tomorrow night, it was looking pretty full last night. The April full moon is known as the pink moon because of the pink phlox that blooms this time of year in the eastern United States. This view of downtown, taken from Commerce Place, is the perfect spot to get a good view of the Lincoln Financial Group building. We stumbled on this vantage point by chance as it was a good place to park and walk to the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts.

Last night was the final lecture of the Guilford College Bryan Series. Accomplished Journalist Ronan Farrow was the guest speaker. By chance, he was speaking to us on the night he was also meeting deadlines to write about yesterday's court appearance of former President Trump.  This case was a topic of conversation, especially at the beginning of Ronan Farrow's presentation. Ronan Farrow also talked about the nature of journalism, the future of journalism, and how journalism has impacted his life, personally. He acknowledged that his world view is reflected in his journalism, but he tries not to polarize readers and to present news objectively. He likes to tell important stories and endeavors to "crisply render a fact pattern". That last quote provides insight into how talented Ronan Farrow is at putting words, phrases, and sentences together in a way that precisely describes a point he is trying to make. At a mere 31 years old, he has accomplished so much: a law degree from Yale, a Ph.D from Oxford University, time as U.S. foreign service junior diplomat, a Pulitzer Prize winner, author, podcaster, journalist, and so much more. Greensboro is  lucky to have access to internationally recognized speakers through the Bryan Series. We are fortunate to have the Tanger Center. It is so special to have lovely nights in early spring, and streets that are walkable, where we can reflect on everything from the beauty of our city and the almost-full moon to the importance of ethical journalism.

Happy Wednesday!

201 North Eugene Street

Today's photo features the lot at 201 North Eugene Street downtown. It formerly housed Guilford Center/ Guilford County Health Department. D.H. Griffin won the demolition bid and demolition began in March 2022, and appears to be complete. According to Fox 8 News, this land was part of a City Council-approved land swap with Carroll Corporation. It was done  to facilitate Greensboro's development of the Eugene Street Parking Deck downtown. The swap and financial transaction with developer Roy Carroll were explained in a 2018 News and Record article by John Newsome. It will be interesting to see what this corner looks like when construction is completed.

We took this photo on Saturday morning, and as you can see, the strong winds blew some of the safety fencing down. Hopefully, it has been secured as this would not be a fun place to land. We're always curious if anything of interest was found once the building was gone. We're wondering where all of the sand came from. While this is not the most attractive view of our beautiful city, it is always fun to see change in progress, especially when the JP/LFG building is in plain view.

Happy Monday!

LOVE Gso

We love Downtown Greensboro and all of the great events that have been happening lately. We love to urban walk downtown and often off the beaten path. The above photo was taken on Eugene Street, as evidenced by the sign, as we were walking Washington Street east to South Elm. The artwork of the intertwined hands is by Frances P. from the Greensboro Day School. Many of the signal boxes for the traffic lights have these wrap with featuring artwork. They add so much visual interest. This public display of art gives the artist recognition. It also gives the pedestrians and people in cars a chance to notice and wonder what exactly the boxes contain. An internet search reveals that each box costs between $500-$1,000 for printing and installation. In some cities, the artist receives money. We aren't sure about Greensboro. 

Next time you are downtown, check out the art on these boxes. They are happy bursts of color waiting patiently at the street colors. That in addition to the fiberglass jeans, and the murals, add quite a bit of public art to the community. If you know Frances P., or her art teacher, tell her we love it and that it is featured on Greensboro Daily Photo. We'd love to feature the two of them next to the box. If you notice the "JP" building, now Lincoln Financial Group building is peeking out, just below the Eugene St. sign. When you see that building, you know you are Downtown Greensboro.

Happy Monday, Happy last week of September and first full week of fall.

Food Truck Festival in Downtown Greensboro Returned Yesterday!

Yesterday, over 50 food trucks descended upon downtown Greensboro, filling the streets with everything from Kona ice to vegan dishes to burritos and fried fish. Sunny weather in the 80s and the thought of great food was all that people needed to inspire them to spend time on Elm, Market, and Greene Streets. It was good to have this spring event back after the two COVID years. We estimate that the most popular food trucks had between 150-200 people waiting in line. One of the most popular trucks was the macaroni and cheese truck. The craft vendors seemed to be doing well, too.

The above photo was taken on  Greene Street with the Lincoln Financial Group building in the background. Based on yesterday's response, it seems like Greensboro could support additional food truck festivals. It was also nice to see Governmental Plaza filled with people enjoying the day. Having the event on Sunday kept it from interfering with downtown businesses. We were a little concerned as to whether or not it affected the final day of Hamilton at the Tanger Center. Perhaps people going to Tanger or coming out of the matinee had an opportunity to partake in  these delicious food options.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Joymongers and the Ambience Downtown Yesterday

Yesterday was a glorious spring day, with the temperature soaring to 80, and downtown was teeming with people excited to be outside. The above photo was taken in front of Joymongers at 576 North Eugene Street at the tiny LoFi Park. This little slice of joy is a favorite of people who like outdoor activities. We're not sure of the name of the woman leading the exercise session here, but it was wonderful. She is the woman with the red balloon was explaining to the group that having something in your hands, regardless of how light, helps engage the core muscles. Participants seemed to be enjoying the session. If you know about this session, please let us know. Obviously, it was planned as people arrived with equipment and wearing exercise clothes.

It was so nice yesterday, people were out running and walking their dogs. The first Wednesday in April is National Walking Day*, so if you were out walking yesterday you participated in this national event. We were walking and, as we were returning, we noticed the Lincoln Financial Group building in the background. It is always fun to feature a slice of what was known as the "JP Building" in our downtown photos.

Happy Thursday!

*if you read this article about National Walking Day, you will learn some really interesting facts like tennis shoes wear out after 500 miles and that people walk 65,000 miles in their lifetime. These aren't Greensboro-specific statistics, but if you walk a lot, you will find them interesting.

Vintage VW at Greensboro Farmers Curb Market

Today's photo was taken on Saturday after another weekend snow.  This vintage Volkswagen was parked outside the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on Yanceyville Street while its owners were inside shopping. The farmers market is on the east side of Greensboro, just north of NC A&T University. If you look in the background, you can see the JP/LFG building, Greensboro's iconic landmark.

If you are from North Carolina, you recognize that the car is painted Carolina blue for UNC Chapel Hill. No, that is not an original VW color, but it really fits the vintage car and its owners. We are thinking it is a 1970-ish Volkswagen square back. The VW may be small, but it looks like it could hold a lot of fresh produce. While some times of year, the farmers market is open on Wednesday, it will not be open today, you'll have to wait until Saturday. Do you think the VW will be back? Eating healthy is so addictive and the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market is a great way to do so! It has bringing us great, local food products since it was founded in 1874!

Happy Candlemas! Happy Groundhog Day! We're headed out to see if the groundhog sees his shadow. 

West Market UMC and the Lincoln Financial Group Building

Nothing says downtown Greensboro like the West Market Street United Methodist Church and The Lincoln Financial Group Building. On the one hand, the Romanesque architecture of the church belongs in another century, older than the buildings around of it. However, if you look closely at this photo,  the top of the West Market Street UMC fits right in with the top of the LFP building. Both tops are green, angular, and have a special feature at the top; one a cross, the other the time and temperature.

This snowy and cold weather has been wreaking havoc on church serviced. However, as best we can tell, the West Market Street UMC will be meeting in person today. As a matter of fact, according to their Facebook page, they are offering coffee with the pastors at 10:00 am, in case you want to know more about the church and its ministries. If you go out, please be careful as there was an awful lot of ice on the streets yesterday and temperatures never got above freezing yesterday. If you do want to stay home, there will be plenty of options for online services. Nothing beats in person fellowship with other great people in Greensboro.

Happy Sunday!

Under Construction: Parking Deck on Davie St

Cloudy, gray days beget gray photos; however, there can be beauty in gray. The above photo features the giant construction project downtown at the corner of Market and Davie Streets. It is part of the $37 million 720 space parking structure. While open to the public, it will also be part of the new Westin Hotel.* If you are out driving downtown this weekend, drive down Davie Street and have a look at the construction. Having the the JP/Lincoln Financial Group building in the background adds to the interest of this location. Greensboro's iconic building serves as an anchor to help one orient the location in a photo. Just across Davie Street from this construction site is the now-dormant News & Record building.

If you have small children in your lives, or friends who are fascinated by construction vehicles, there are some mighty big ones at this site- perhaps the biggest we have ever seen downtown. Regardless of what you end up doing today, have a happy Saturday, possibly exploring Greensboro.. The photo was taken yesterday, early evening- precisely at 5:11 as the LFG clock reveals, way before the snow started. If you go out today, be careful as it might be a little slippery. But, there might be an even prettier photo waiting for us...

 

*Reference and additional information here.

Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company

It is the beginning of a three day weekend for many, a weekend that may end with a little snow. Today, however, it is the beginning of a beautiful Friday and we're sharing a sunny view of the Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company- the Elm Street side. Do you see the name carved above the windows, the name that has changed many times over the years? We still tag the building as the "JP Building" because when we started Greensboro Daily Photo, the name of the company was Jefferson Pilot. Today, it is Lincoln Financial Group.

The building is a 374 foot skyscraper which, when built, in 1922, was the tallest building between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, GA!  Julian Price, president of Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company had it built and hired an architect from New York City, Charles C. Hartmann to design it. Thanks to Mr. Hartmann's design and Mr. Price's willingness to fund the use of high quality materials like terra cotta and granite, the building stands today as an icon of Neo-Gothic/Neo-Classical/Art Deco style. If you are out walking around this weekend, have a look at all of the details. Take a few selfies in front of it. We'd love to see them. The "up" orientation of the photo reminds us all to look up and stay on the sunny side of life.

Happy Friday!

Gas Prices Exxon 801 East Market Street

This Exxon station at 801 East Market Street, open 24 hours, is one of the closest gas stations to town. As you can see, in the background, the Lincoln Financial Group building is not far away; it is one of the most iconic buildings in Greensboro. We jokingly say that, in Greensboro, all roads lead to the JP/LFG building. 

We like to check in at this Exxon once in a while to document gas prices. When we were there on December 5th, regular gas was $3.18 a gallon. It will be fun to see the price this time next year. The last time we did this, June 16, 2017, gas was $2.35 a gallon. As you can see, the price is up 83¢ a gallon in 4 1/2 years. This gas station will be even more in demand when Bailey Village is completed across the street.  This Exxon seems like an island and in a way, it is. You can access it whether heading east or west through town.

Happy Monday. Only five more days until 2022, can you believe it?

First Friday in October

The above photo was taken on Wednesday evening around 7:30 , after the presentation at GeenHill, which is located in the Cultural Arts Center in the foreground. The photo was taken from the top level of the Church Street Parking Deck at 215 North Church Street. This 417 space is a great place to park for downtown events, especially on the north end or when visiting the two city parks. It is also a great place for a panoramic view. The JP/LFP building is peeking out behind the Self-Help building. Tonight would be a good evening for you to head to town to see Greensboro at night. It is First Friday and many stores, galleries, restaurants, and other venues will be open. To name a few, the First Friday Drum Circle will be in Center City Park from 6:30- 9:00 pm.  On down Elm Street, South End Brewing will be sponsoring an Octoberfest. From 7:00- 9:00 pm, Signal Fire Band will be playing Reggae Rock on Battleground Avenue at Smith and Lindsay Streets. Jamaica Coast Catering and Pig Pounder Brewery will be on site for food and libations.

All may be still in the above photo, but fast forward to this evening and downtown will be vibrant and teeming with people. The weather should be nice- no rain and between the high 60s and low 70s. Hope to see you downtown soon! Happy First Friday, the first day of October and the first day of the 4th quarter of 2021. 

Jefferson Standard Building

The Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Building was constructed in Greensboro on the corner of Elm and Market Street in 1922. While the Genesis Marker in Fisher Park is the geographic center of Guilford County (see here), many people see the Elm/Market spot as the center, a sort of Ground Zero from which the rest of the city radiates. Indeed, this is the point at which North and South Elm Street and East and West Market Street are determined; the center of the compass rose. This spot was once known as Courthouse Square before it became known as Jefferson Square when the Jefferson Building replaced the courthouse. Sixty to seventy years ago, this building was a hub of activity, where you went for professional help: Doctors, lawyers, and insurance agents had their offices there. Also on the ground floor were a bank and a men's clothing store. During World War II, a county draft board was located inside. At that time, nearly all of the federal highways (U.S. 29, U.S. 70, and U.S. 421) passed through the square, giving it its name, "The Crossroads of the Carolinas."

Today, this intersection is not so much a hub of activity and the Jefferson Building is closed to the general public. It is used by Lincoln Financial Group and the (numbered) doors on Elm Street are not open to the public. We don't know exactly when that transformation took place, but we are grateful to Jim Schlosser who shared much of the above information with us. He has been so generous with information.  He is a walking encyclopedia of Greensboro history and lore. Jim remembers getting his pair of contact lenses there in 1958. Jim also remembers, in the pre-1990 days before the new Jefferson-Pilot  building was built, before the time and temperature lights at the top. When there was only the Jefferson Building, there was a big clock bearing a Wimbish Insurance Agency advertisement. People would say to each other, "Meet me under the Wimbish clock." Today, that clock only exists in the memory of those who lived during that time. We are lucky the building remains intact. On the outside, the architecture is beautiful, on the inside, the U shaped feature provided light and air in an era before there was air conditioning.

Here's to a great week, starting with a happy Monday!

South Battleground & Bellemeade Area

If you've walked along South Battleground and Bellemeade Street in downtown Greensboro, you've noticed the changes. The above photo was taken at Keto, just being the Carroll & Bellemeade Apartments.  The Zeto wine and specialty food shop just got a built in clientele with the addition of the apartments in their backyard. They have really brightened up the entrance and the signage is a stand-out feature. This part of town is looking very crisp and inviting. Of course, we are always happy when we can sneak in a view of the JP building, or, as the time and temp light on top remind us, the LFG- Lincoln Financial Group. Just think, those who live in the apartments to the right are only a block away from Zeto, Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, LeBauer Park, First National Bank Field, and more.

If we keep adding to this post, we just may convince ourselves to downsize an move to town! Happy Saturday! If time permits, head to town and explore!

West Market Street UMC

Today's photo is a view of the iconic Lincoln Financial Corporation building and the West Market Street United Methodist Church. It was taken from the northwest corner of the Governmental Plaza, near the Dr. George Simkins statue. The JP Building, now LFC. At one time, it was the tallest building between Atlanta and Washington D.C. Especially with the time and temperature at the top, it stands as a beacon in Greensboro. To the left in the photo, you see the south side of the West Market Street United Methodist Church. This vibrant, dynamic church offers traditional and contemporary services. They have something for everyone! Their music services are quite impressive. Dating back to 1873, West Market Street UMC is one of the oldest churches in Greensboro. Their stained glass windows are stunning and the sound of the Dobson-Rosales organ is memorable. There are approximately 2,000 members at West Market Street UMC, and do, if you are looking for a church that offers many programs and services for its members, this may well be the church for you. 

Fortunately, the church has an extensive history online. See their timeline and more photos here. Have a happy Sunday, no matter how or where you spend it!

Rainbow Alley... and Reflecting on the Concept

Historically, alleys served a very important purpose. The narrow passageways behind buildings facilitate the delivery and removal of things. They lead to service entrances. They a provide a quick exit. As the weather warms up, alleys have a way of staying cooler longer and providing much needed breezes for the buildings around it. Often they become great public spaces.* Greensboro is not really known for its use of alleys, although with a little intervention by artists, people are starting to take notice. Rainbow Alley, by Gina Franco, starts beside the Biltmore Hotel at West Washington Street and continues behind Scuppernong Books, Jerusalem Market, Deuterman Law, and other businesses. It changes character with the weather. Last week, the shadows cast on a sunny day punctuated the painted stripes. It was as if there were a railroad on the rainbow road.

This alley, and the alley behind Elsewhere Museum in the 600 block of South Elm Street are the two alleys that seem to get the most use in Greensboro.  Let's examine our Greensboro alleys and imagine the possibilities. What alleys exist in Greensboro? Google searches only yield links about the Rainbow Alley and bowling alleys! Is there a list? If you want to orient to the location of the photo, find that JP/LFG clock peeking at you.

 

* Here is a publication for Seattle, WA meant to encourage additional use of alley spaces for the public. Perhaps this initiative is worth considering for Greensboro (#DGSO?).

LOVE Is All Around!

The above photo was taken on Market Street, the road that leads into downtown. LOVE is a piece of art made by Frances P., a student at the Greensboro Day School. How wonderful that LOVE is what you see and think about as you enter our city.  Also in the photo is the Brown Building, Independence Center, and Lincoln Financial Corp. 

A lot of these utility boxes have artwork on them. It can be fun to walk around town and see all of the new artwork, whether  you like visual arts or architecture. For a town of about 300,00 residents, there is plenty to see here!

Bus #1 Reminds Us: Mask Up!

The bus in the photo above is leaving Greene Street, has looped around the Holliday Circle roundabout, and is heading to Spring Garden Street in downtown Greensboro. Notice the "MASK UP!" reminder on bus number 1. The drivers work hard to keep riders, and themselves, safe.

Of course, the tall building in the background is the Lincoln Financial Group building. While the name of the building changes as the occupants change, this skyscraper remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in Greensboro. Actually, it is two buildings. The whiter building to the right in older Jefferson Standard building. It was built in 1922. The grayer one with the green roof and the time/temperature sign is the more recent building, initially Jefferson-Pilot and, as of 2006, Lincoln Financial Group.  At 233 feet, the building is still the tallest in Greensboro.

As for the bus, if you are interested in using this community transportation resource, here is a link to the routes.

When taking the photo, we didn't think there were any people in the photo. On closer inspection, we noticed two people. Do you see the couple?

Trains in the Gate City...

Greensboro is known as the Gate City because of all of the trains that used to come through town. There were several routes going east to west and north to south and it was known as a gateway town. People compare the Greensboro of yesterday, with all of the rail traffic, to the Atlanta airport today. By 1890, there were over 60 trains a day coming through town. (reference and more, here).

Today's photo is South Elm Street as the train was crossing yesterday at 3:50 p.m. The train was a long one hauling a little bit of everything, including Fex Ex truck cargo. For pedestrians and cars that don't want to wait, they can always go around and underneath on McGee. It is charming to stand near the tracks and see what kind of cars and cargo are on the train. Also, if you look between the cars, you can see the Lincoln Financial/JP Building. There is something intriguing about rail transport. If you are ever looking for a fun weekend adventure, consider taking a day trip on the Amtrak passenger train. Happy Saturday!

A Sunny Afternoon On Elm St

Elm Street is showing a little more life as part of South Elm has been closing to allow people to have more room to eat outside and mill along the street. This photo was taken in the 300 block of South Elm last Saturday night. If you look in the middle, you can see the two police cars monitoring traffic at Washington Street. Pedestrians appeared to be honoring the 6' distance and wearing masks. The people in front of Cheesecakes by Alex were eating and drinking coffee, socially distanced.

In the background you can see, the Lincoln Financial Corp. building, formerly Jefferson Pilot, and Jefferson Standard before that. The skyscraper in front was built in 1923. The addition, with the time and temperature at the top, was built in 1990, during the Jefferson Pilot years. That building anchors a photo in Greensboro. This sam arrangement will be in place on the weekends through  September 5th. Greensboro is so beautiful, especially when the trees are green.

Downtown Greensboro, Skyline!

Tis August! Let's start the month with a photo of the skyline downtown Greensboro with the Lincoln Financial Group's building as the great anchor at city center. The time and temperature blinking on top serves as the prominent beacon reminding us the that the Lincoln Financial building remains the tallest in Greensboro. This photo, taken on North Battleground near Mill Street, shows the city at a distance; with so many downtown experiences being distance memories.

The typical markers of summer passing have not happened this year. No large festivals like the Fourth of July or Greensboro Bound, no MUSEP concerts on Sunday afternoons in parks throughout the city. No summer camps are being offered downtown, no yoga in the park. Regardless, we must remain optimistic and know that, in the end, social distancing will pay off and eventually, we will begin filling our social calendars. Here's to a great August, finding ways to have fun and remain safe. We are Greensboro strong!

 

The First Baptist Church and Lincoln Financial Building

Underneath that glorious sky, two Greensboro institutions peek out at us. In the middle half of the photo, the First Baptist Church of Greensboro is featured prominently. It has been a Greensboro institution since 1859. However, the above facility in the present location was constructed in the middle of the last century.* Today, the expansive church, that does so much for the community, takes up almost a whole city block on the south edge of Westerwood at Friendly Avenue.

The Jefferson Pilot building, now part of Lincoln Financial Group, is the 20 story tower in the middle of the leftmost church building. The JP Building is the iconic beacon that blinks the time and temperature for all to see. On Greensboro Daily Photo, we like to see how many different ways we can capture the JP building and even tag it every time it is in a photo. See here for over 60 other shots, which isn't too excessive, considering we've shared over 4,000 photos of Greensboro since 2009.

If we're counting, First Baptist has been delivering services for 161 years which amounts to over 8,000 Sundays. That is a lot of spiritual guidance. To worship with them today, watch their online sermon, here.

* more church history, here.

At the Corner of Market & Elm

The above photo today was taken at the corner of Market  in Elm Street in downtown Greensboro. Technically, the Genesis Monument in Fisher Park is the geographic center of Guilford County. However, this spot above is where north/south and east/west get determined. The photo is oriented to the west with the courthouse just out of view, across from West Market Street United Methodist Church.

In view, however, is the Jefferson Standard/Lincoln Financial Building, dating from 1927 and at one time the tallest building between Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Today, it is owned by the Lincoln Financial Group. Still, combined with the new part, the complex is a very powerful part of Greensboro's skyline. It would be really nice to have a restaurant at the top, open to the public-- at least on special occasions. Surely, the view is really special. It is on the "bucket list" for the crew here at Greensboro Daily Photo!

 

Downtown Nightscape

Downtown Greensboro is so beautiful at night. The above photo  was taken at  McGee  Street, looking north  in the direction of the  Jefferson Standard/Pilot building,  now known as Lincoln Financial  Group. The lights on the  patio  of M'Coul's Public  House, were you  can get a  delicious  meal  any night of the week. The shepherd's pie is especially tasty on a cold  winter night.  Likely, you will want to eat  inside.  However,  be sure  to  take time  to admire the beauty  of Greensboro's most  iconic building,  still, ever-faithfully blinking  the time and temperature,  for all  to  see. 

M'Coul's has been a downtown Greensboro institution since 2001  and the Jefferson Standard building was constructed in  1923, but the part you  see was constructed in  1990. Consider taking a mid-week  break and heading downtown to admire the beauty of our city first-hand. Happy Wednesday!

99 Bottles Crosswalk

This colorful crosswalk between Preyer  Brewing and Deep  Roots  Co-Op has 99  bottles on  it  to  represent  the 99 downtown  blocks (as reported by WFMY2 News). * The project was a collaborative one, with  the city allowing volunteers to  color in  the bottles. The idea  came from SynerG, an organization that focuses on Greensboro's  residents under  40.

WFMY  also  reports that about 3,000  pedestrians and 800 bicyclists are hit by cars in North Carolina  each  year (reference). How nice it would be if these  eye-catching crosswalks help  drivers stay  alert and focused. The bottles sure  add a lot of color to this part of Eugene Street!

If  you look on the  horizon on the right,  you can  see  the iconic JP building,  now  known as Lincoln Financial.

* Reference, here.

Greensboro Skyline

Today's photo features a downtown Greensboro skyline, anchored by the iconic Jefferson Standard/Pilot/Lincoln Financial Group building on the left. The photo was taken yesterday from the entrance to the J, Douglas Galyon Depot on East Washington Street. How nice to see that Vera Weinfield's mural, Tough Love, is still on display. The building hosting the mural was slated to be torn down two years ago.* Together, the sunny blue sky in the background and the colorful mural in the foreground really help frame Greensboro's skyline.

Stop back tomorrow and we'll take you inside the train depot. In the meantime, enjoy our great city. If you celebrate The Feast of the Epiphany, Three Kings' Day, you likely know that for Christians, today is the 12th day of Christmas. Happy 6th of January!

*read more, here.

On Wendover Avenue

This grainy, cell phone camera captures the pulse of traffic leaving and coming to town for the Thanksgiving weekend. The photo was taken on Battleground Court, which is about as close as you can get to Wendover Avenue without being on Wendover! The background captures the sun setting on the Greensboro skyline. The iconic, Lincoln Financial building is seen on the right. The red strip above the white car is the Sheetz station across from Red Cinema.

If you are on the highway this weekend, be careful. If you are shopping, be extra nice to those employees who are helping you. If you are family, let them know how thankful you are to have them. Have a great rest of the week, regardless of how you will be spending it. Let us mention that we are extra thankful that you take the time to read our posts.

Lincoln Financial Group

The Lincoln Financial Group building has changed owners and names more than once, but it continues to be the iconic skyscraper of downtown Greensboro. The gothic revival style architecture of the taller building, built in 1990. fits in with the older, Jefferson Standard building that dates to 1922. It is hard to believe that they have a 68-year age difference. This mighty fortress at the corner of Elm and Market Streets is built from marble, terra cotta, and marble. Julian Price, president of Jefferson Standard Life Insurance, paid in full for his company's headquarters, because he didn't believe in carrying debt. Do you know of any business executives today who espouse the same philosophy?

The orientation of this photo is from the parking lot behind the Grasshopper's baseball stadium. You can tell from the trees that it is early spring.