Preservation Greensboro Development Fund
Ross and Olive Bowman House, 926 Bellevue Street in Southside
This house was purchased in 2009 and restored at that time.
This bungalow at 926 Bellevue Street was built in 1923 by Ross Bowman (1894-1972) for his bride Olive (1895-1981). Ross and Olive met growing up in the Tabernacle Community of southeastern Guilford County. Ross made a living as a carpenter, by framing new houses (including his own) and milling customized cabinetry. He built homes across Greensboro, including projects along Westridge Road for the Lane family and homes along Madison Avenue just north of West Market Street. The couple had two boys, Truman and Keith. Elder Truman died in a motorcycle accident in 1945, and younger Keith was active in the service.
Their home is an exceptionally well-preserved classic bungalow, featuring the low-pitched roof, wide eaves with diagonal braces, and generous front porch that were evocative of homes in East Asia. Typical of homes of the period, the house features an open floor plan with large public rooms as well as a master bedroom suite on the first floor. The second floor features unpainted beaded board finish for the boy’s room, in tandem with hidden cubbies and closet spaces. Keith Bowman saved the building permit for the house, dated August 14, 1923. The fee for this permit, only the 1520th issued by the City at the time, was $3.00.
In 2008, this home was donated by Keith Bowman to the Preservation Greensboro Development Fund with preservation easements that assured the character and workmanship of his parent’s home would be maintained. In 2009, the house was fully restored and remains in use as a charming private home.
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