For the Contextual Residential Infill at 520 North Blount Street, Raleigh
Mackey and Maggie McDonald, owners of the new house located at 520 North Blount Street, have always admired the rich detail and architectural character of the Oakwood and Blount Street Historic Districts. Noticing a lot for sale at 520 N. Blount Street, Mackey and Maggie jumped at the opportunity to develop a home design for the property that would not only complement the historic architecture all around them, but that would also be distinguished in its own right.
Maggie spent ten months planning an interior that would function, flow and adjust to their changing needs over the next few decades. Once she had everything laid out to their satisfaction, Mackey and Maggie commissioned Michael Booth to refine the design into its final form. Michael designed the front facade of the house with a gable and porches. He also made some distinctive changes to Maggie’s interior plan including the addition of a curved staircase and a finished attic.
Exterior elevations and overall massing of the proposed structure were inspired by styles found in and around the Blount Street Historic District. A two-story hipped roof structure – emulating an antebellum vernacular form – the dwelling exhibits a moderately pitched hip with central pediment complementing symmetrically balanced front facade with double piazzas. Window and door trim, roof overhangs, and inviting large front and rear porches complete the fenestration. Fenestration on all four sides of the home includes very large windows on the front of the house as well as front doors that are 8.5 feet tall. Entablature on the front of the main body of the house includes sixteen columns and two decorative pilasters. The overall height of the structure is designed so that it is sympathetic to houses on either side.
Located within the boundaries of both the Blount Street National Register Historic District and the Blount Street Local Historic District, the McDonalds received a Certificate of Appropriateness to build their new home – reflecting the character of the neighborhood – from the Raleigh Historic Development Commission. Neighbors are delighted with the brand new addition to the streetscape. An outstanding example of appropriate contextual residential infill within Raleigh’s historic districts, the McDonald’s new home pays tribute to the city’s rich architectural heritage through new, differentiated, contemporary, yet compatible design.
The Board of Directors of Capital Area Preservation, Inc. is pleased to present a 2016 Anthemion Award to Mackey and Maggie McDonald; Booth Studio; Rufty Homes for the Contextual Residential Infill at 520 North Blount Street, Raleigh.