Old house lovers are very different from the average décor enthusiast. Where a “normal” person sees a neglected pile of bricks that’s seems to be past its prime, an old house lover sees nothing but potential. Being able to see past decades of grime, peeling paint, and terrible trends is akin to having a superpower.
Here is the opportunity to put your superpower in action!
Welcome to the circa 1900 C. L. Emerson House in the North Main Historic District of Salisbury, North Carolina.
If you’re the type of person whose heartbeat quickens at the mere mention of “original details,” you’re not alone. And Realtor® Greg Rapp is the guy to talk to about historic homes such as this gem.
If the family of this home could tell you about this house, they would tell you that it used to be one of the most beautiful houses in this downtown Salisbury, North Carolina neighborhood. It was originally built about 1900 (probably earlier) and still holds all of the character of its era. Handcrafted wooden doors, original hardwood floors, a pretty staircase, and the fabulous "rocking chair porch" supported by the most unique stone pillars in all of Salisbury. The home itself needs drastic repairs, but the bones and location make this a great buy!
The circa 1900 C.L Emerson House has been in the same family until just 2016. The Emerson family donated the home at 1008 N. Main Street to the Historic Salisbury Foundation in late 2016. The foundation worked to stabilize the house and put protective covenants in place to maintain its distinctive architectural features and to preserve the association with the Emerson family. The importance of this property on North Main Historic District cannot be overstated, according to Executive Director Karen Hobson. “The renovated C. L. Emerson House will provide an important anchor to this section of North Main Street”. North Main Street acts as the northern gateway into Salisbury, and the C. L. Emerson House will be a catalyst to the continuing revitalization of the neighborhood.
The National Register of Historic Places identifies this home as "Pivotal" in the North Main district, saying:
"Built by Salisbury's first oil dealer, C. L. Emerson, this unusual two-story dwelling emphasizes the asymmetry and irregular massing so characteristic of the late Victorian period. Emerson, who delivered oil to the city's homes and businesses by horse and wagon, lived in the house until his death in the 1940s. The home was then occupied by his widow and later by his son, C. L. Emerson, Jr., and his wife Nellie, who still resides in the house. Unlike its more eclectic Victorian contemporaries, it features a steeply pitched side gable roof interrupted by a broad gable and majestic five-sided turret on the front, and gabled and hipped roof dormers at the rear. The asymmetrical first floor facade is defined by a porch supported by tall, fluted, stone pillars, found only on one other structure in the vicinity. A hint of the rich exterior ornamentation found on some of district's other Victorian dwellings is provided by circular sawn vent located high in the front and side gables and by diamond-shaped mullions which divide the upper sash of windows in the front gable and turret, as well as those windows which rise up the south elevation along the course of an interior stair."
It is of interest to note that the Register does not take into account the early renovation to the home that added extra square footage, and the upper turret that created another upstairs bedroom. A circa 1903 photo shows the home's original architectural style . . . more of a Stick-Style Victorian. Along the way, several feet were added to the south side of the home and porch, the interesting turret was added, and the signature stone columns along the porch replaced the original turned posts and ornate brackets.
Originally built in a Stick Style Victorian circa 1900 it was later modified & enlarged by 1908 to represent a Queen Anne Style with a second story turret, full front porch & unique stone porch columns. This home retains most of its original stain grade millwork. It has unusual pierced kitchen cabinet doors that mimic the porch balustrade. The home sustained a very small electrical fire causing VERY LITTLE damage, but the home will need a complete restoration. The home appears to have newer gas heat and central AC. Located in the heart of Salisbury's North Main Historic District, 1008 N. Main Street is categorized as 'Pivotal' in the National Historic Register.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
1008 N. Main was unfortunately a rental home in recent years, and it shows in its wear and tear. You'll also find strangely placed toilets due the rental nature. The catalyst for the family's donation of the home to the Historic Salisbury Foundation was an electrical fire in the kitchen in 2016. The fire itself caused little damage, but overall neglect had already taken its toll. The C. L. Emerson House will require complete restoration.
As you enter this 117+ year old home, you find yourself in a spacious foyer or entry parlor. It is definitely a room unto itself with a corner fireplace (non-functioning at this time), and the handsome staircase to the upper floor. Original wainscoting and chair rail as well as thick wood moldings and trim bedeck this room.
French doors take you from entry to the formal living room or front parlor. This room features a striking bay windowed area overlooking the veranda. Yes, that paneling has got to go, and we're sure the drop ceilings sadly hide the original tall ceilings that would have been common to a home of this era! A wonderful turned fretwork piece remains in the large open doorway between this parlor and the next room. Original window casing molding tell remnants of the homes history. The room off the front parlor could possibly be a den or family room, yet has a closet, so could be modified as a main floor bedroom with the addition of some doors.
The dining room features the cutest little built-in china cupboard. And while you'll again find original wainscoting and trim, here is where you'll also find one of those surprise toilets! It is something of a miracle that the woodwork in this vintage home escaped painting over the decades, unlike so many others of this era, and holds its original stain!
A small electrical fire in the southwest facing kitchen caused damage to the ceiling here, but you can clearly envision what a cheerful kitchen this once was, and clearly a complete overhaul will be needed here. Look at the cutwork in the cabinet doors! It mimics the cutwork balustrade on the front porch!
A curving staircase that may have been the original path to the 2nd story is found here in the kitchen. The stairway is impassable at this time, but such a unique feature to this home! Off the kitchen is an enclosed & heated back porch/laundry room with a doorway that takes you to the large back yard.
Up the stairs, past the uniquely stacked trio of windows (part of the early addition to the home), you'll find 3 bedrooms and a full bath.
Outside, 1008 N. Main Street enjoys a prominent third-of-an-acre corner lot where the side street, W. Miller Street, slopes down to not one but two beautiful city parks: City Park and Hurley Park. Huge shade trees help keep the house cool in summer, but what appears to be two newer AC units, one for each story, remain intact. The home also appears to have newer gas heat. At this time, due to the kitchen fire, there is no functioning electricity in the home.
The circa 1900 home at 1008 N. Main Street in Salisbury is located in one of Salisbury's local historic districts, and therefore the city's Historic Preservation Commission retains oversight regarding exterior changes, repairs, or improvements. The city often offers matching Historic Preservation Grants to assist home owners in the historic districts with repairs.
The C. L. Emerson home will additionally come with Historic Salisbury Foundation protective covenants and deed restrictions.
The home is being sold "As-Is", but at $27,500 for this 2124 square-foot home . . . the price considers the work and investment needed by the right buyer who can envision its potential.
Do you fantasize about renovating and living in a gorgeous vintage home? Old house lovers ~ we know you see nothing but potential here. Call Greg Rapp with Wallace Realty at (704) 213-6846 ~ and put your superpower into action!
1008 MAIN STREET NORTH
Salisbury, NC 28144
MLS #59581
List Price: $27,500
Wallace Realty Co.
704 213 6846 Mobile
704 636 2021 Office
www.realestatesalisbury.net
No comments:
Post a Comment