Bellemeade Neighborhood
Threat: Neglect and Demolition
Cedar Street, Spring Street, Guilford Avenue
Bellemeade, like other historic center-city neighborhoods, contains buildings that represent a broad spectrum of Greensboro’s history, including the circa-1846 Weir House (Greensboro Woman’s Club), the circa-1895 Pickard House at 231 North Spring Street, and the 1896 Aiken House at 217 Cedar Street. Unlike other neighborhoods on the fringe of downtown Greensboro, the Bellemeade neighborhood enjoys no protection from destruction of historic buildings or inappropriate new construction. If left unchecked, the entire Bellemeade neighborhood could be lost to private redevelopment within the span of ten years.
Did Kavanaugh’s new construction Brownstones that corner with Spring Street require any historic structures to be torn down?
Hugh, there were two houses that dated from the early twentieth century, and one single story building that was used as a community store when built in the 1920s or 1930s. Though all three of the buildings contributed to the character of the neighborhood, none of these buildings had been designated by government entities (district or landmark), nor had owners placed any protective easements or restrictions. No permission was required in order to construct the brownstones. Good question!