For Preservation Advocacy
Stephanie Ashworth moved to Fuquay-Varina in 1977 and immediately began historic preservation efforts in the (then) small town. In the early 1980’s, New Hill citizens were taking steps to acquire Fuquay’s Union Station (1910) and relocate it to New Hill. A small group of concerned citizens got together and formed the Fuquay-Varina Preservation Alliance, Inc., engaging local civic groups in raising awareness, raising money, and doing the hands on work to mothball the historic structure in anticipation of a time when the building could be restored to active life in the community. Thus began Stephanie’s vision of historic preservation as part of a larger community revitalization effort.
By 1989, Stephanie led the effort to add the block between Broad and Ennis Streets to the National Register of Historic Places. Over the next few months, a small group of volunteers met to map out a vision, mission, and purposes for a broad-based community development private non-profit, ultimately incorporated as Fuquay-Varina New Century, Inc., (1993). One of New Century’s first actions was to invite the North Carolina Downtown Development Association to Fuquay-Varina to conduct a community assets survey; and, to present their findings to the community at large.
In 1996, with Stephanie’s encouragement and support, third generation property owner Bill Akins decided to take advantage of the tax credits available to National Register property owners to renovate properties on the beautiful, vibrant Broad Street in the Varina Commercial Historic District, that we know and love today. Where there were once buildings boarded up and used as warehouses, there is now an Artisanal Brew Pub, Florist, Frame Shop, Turkish Bakery, Restaurants, etc.
Stephanie’s advocacy activities have not been limited to Fuquay-Varina. For more than twenty years Stephanie has been an elected member of the Capital Area Preservation, Inc. Board of Directors. During her tenure she has served the organization in multiple offices including Secretary, Treasurer, Program Chairman, and Development Chairman. In 2002, on the recommendation of Fuquay-Varina Mayor John Byrne, the Wake County Board of Commissioners named Stephanie to the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission. She continues to serve in that capacity today.
As a private citizen, Capital Area Preservation, Inc. board member and officer, and as a member of the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission, Stephanie’s advocacy efforts have made a lasting and significant impact on her community and county.
The Board of Directors of Capital Area Preservation, Inc. is pleased to present a 2013 Anthemion Award to Stephanie Scarborough Ashworth for Preservation Advocacy.