On September 10th, the Greensboro Zoning Commission unanimously approved the rezoning of the historic Albright House for office use, paving the way for preservation of the site as the headquarters for the Junior League of Greensboro. Final approval will be requested of City Council.
In 2005, Preservation Greensboro named the Albright House to its inaugural Watch List, a list of ten buildings and places important to the history of our city, whose welfare was a concern of Greensboro citizens. At that time, PGI began to discuss the future of the site with its owner, the Starmount Company. This year, the site was renamed to the Watch List, but an exciting plan has emerged to preserve the structure for the benefit of the city.
The Albright House is an excellent example of historic architecture in Greensboro, sporting a notable two-story Neoclassical portico. Likely built in the third quarter of the nineteenth century, the house stands along a busy city thoroughfare across from the rapidly expanding Friendly Shopping Center. The Starmount Company has owned the house for decades, and it has recently developed a plan to donate the house for charitable use. The surrounding wooded land and stream would be dedicated to the city and preserved for use as a passive park memorializing Blanche Sternberger Benjamin.
In discussing the proposal, Commissioner Cyndy Hayworth likened the project to the Junior Achievement offices at 3220 Northline Ave, three blocks from the site. The project also featured the reuse of an historic house for use by a charitable nonprofit, and retains its original details such as hardwood floors and mantles. The motion to approve the project was made by Commissioner Zack Matheny, seconded by Paul Gilmer.
Preservation of this structure would be a great way to move it from the Watch List. Fingers crossed.
Written by Benjamin Briggs
Preservation Greensboro contributes a key role in the growth of Greensboro’s economy and vitality through tourism, reinvestment, and place-making. With diverse initiatives that help you to restore, explore, and connect with your community, Preservation Greensboro provides a voice for revitalization, improved quality of life, and conservation of historic resources for future generations. Are you a member yet? Learn more about Greensboro’s only member-supported preservation organization by exploring our website or joining our Facebook page. Please join us today!
Great NEWS! Always motivating to hear a preservation success story.
This will go along way in clearing away bad feelings preservationist may have towards Starmount after the destruction of the Burlington Industries HQ.
Benjamin, by the way, what a great blog you have created..I look forward to each new posting.
Thanks Adam for the comps, I’m enjoying working on the blog too!