For the Exterior Commercial Rehabilitation of the Furman-Lee House, 422 N. Blount Street, Raleigh
The c. 1899 Furman-Lee House at 422 N. Blount Street is located within the Blount Street Local Historic District. This two-story frame house features details and characteristics of the Neoclassical Revival style. The house boasts a pedimented front entry and a wrap-around porch with slender Ionic columns. According to city directories, R. M. Furman, editor of the Morning Post, occupied the house in 1899. By 1903, Paul H. Lee was living in the house and continued to reside there for several decades thereafter.
Currently owned by the State of North Carolina, the building is used as offices for the Safety and Review Commission. With approvals from the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, the State Construction Office managed the restoration of the historic exterior. Completed to high standards of workmanship by the General Contractor, Beau Chene Company, LLC, the restoration of the exterior took place under the guidance of James Grady Architect, Inc.
Following many years of neglect, disrepair and exposure to the elements, the project goal was the complete restoration of the exterior of the building. Work included numerous repairs to deteriorated architectural elements and siding, roof repairs and replacement, as well as a fresh coat of paint sympathetic to historic color schemes. The existing slate roof was removed and repaired as needed with damaged slate shingles replaced in kind. The asphalt roofing system – most notably on the porch roof – was removed and replaced in kind. Existing metal flashing, gutters, downspouts, and the flat-lock seam roofing were cleaned while damaged areas were repaired or replaced with matching materials. All deteriorated mortar joints in the chimneys were repointed and all water intrusion issues were addressed to prevent further damage to the integrity of the structure. The floor system of the front porch, which was in disrepair, was rebuilt and the arched window sash above the front porch entrance replaced in kind. The Furman-Lee House has taken its place in the restoration and revitalization of the Blount Street Local Historic District – once a thriving upper-class residential neighborhood – preserved for future generations thanks to the State of North Carolina.
The Board of Directors of Capital Area Preservation, Inc. is pleased to present a 2017 Anthemion Award to the State of North Carolina; James Grady Architect, Inc.; Lysaght & Associates, PA; Beau Chene Company, LLC for the Exterior Commercial Rehabilitation of the Furman-Lee House, 422 N. Blount Street, Raleigh.