For Commercial Rehabilitation and Adaptive Reuse of the Esther Ivey House, 302 S. Academy Street, Cary

 

Known locally as the Esther Ivey House for the long-time resident who lived there for most of the twentieth century, this frame, I-house with large rear shed is said to have been occupied in the late nineteenth century by A.R. Raven, first pastor of the First Methodist Church. Located at the midpoint of Academy Street, across Park Street from the First Baptist Church, the Esther Ivey House holds a prominent location in the heart of the Cary National Register Historic District. The house continued to be owned and occupied by relatives of Ms. Ivey through the mid 2000s, but by the end of the decade it had fallen into a very poor state of repair. In 2009, the house was purchased by Michael and Alexia Joyce to be rehabilitated and converted to commercial use.

The result is a flawless example of an adaptive reuse. The project consisted of much needed upgrades to major elements such as the roof, porch framing, HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems. The exterior was given a facelift with new paint, window restoration and landscaping. Foundation shrubs were removed to show off the handsome columned wrap-around porch. Pea gravel was used for the required parking and walkways, a storage shed was retained, and large trees were preserved. Attention to these details maintains the residential flavor of the property. On the interior, the floors were refinished and the plaster walls and ceilings repaired. Woodwork was painted. The 1940s kitchen was restored complete with its drain board sink, open shelving and beadboard cabinets. The dwelling’s bright, spacious rooms and simple yet dignified woodwork are an ideal setting for the bridal gowns that are the stock-in-trade of its new occupant, Lana Addison Bridal Shop.

Now complete, the house and business are a beautiful addition to the historic Cary streetscape. A long-time Cary resident remarked, “I think Ms. Esther would have been pleased with the purple door.”

The Board of Directors of Capital Area Preservation, Inc. is pleased to present a 2010 Anthemion Award to Joyce South Academy, LLC; Upton & Company; iS design, p.a.; West Key Consulting and Withers & Ravenel for the Commercial Rehabilitation and
Adaptive Reuse of the Esther Ivey House, 302 South Academy Street, Cary.