For the Residential Rehabilitation of the Montague-Turner House, 811 South East Street, Raleigh
In 1890, B.F. Montague, a lawyer, speculative developer, and owner of numerous holdings in Southeast Raleigh and Oakwood, came into the possession of land that is now within the East Raleigh-South Park National Register Historic District. This land was developed as working-class rental housing with primarily shotgun houses and modest cottages for working class African Americans. Related to founding Raleigh families, including the Hunters and Hintons, either by blood or marriage, Montague was a prominent Raleigh figure at the turn-of-the-century. The house was constructed between 1909 and 1911 initially as a rental property. Alexander Turner was the first to live in the house from 1911-1914. In 1913, Montague and his wife Bettie sold the house and two other properties to their daughter Annie Montague Hunter. The house remained in the Montague family until Annie Montague Hunter died in 1972. Utilizing N.C.G.S. ยง 160A-266 (which authorizes municipalities to dispose of City-owned property by private negotiation and sale to a nonprofit corporation or trust whose purposes include the preservation or conservation of property of historic significance), the Montague-Turner House was sold through Preservation North Carolina to Walter Davis and Richard Rohde in 2012.
Utilizing Rehabilitation Tax Credits, the original board and batton siding and roof were restored to the greatest extent possible. The foundation required significant stabilization. Only in areas where there was termite damage or decay were elements replaced. Where necessary, masonry was repaired and repointed using custom-matched historic lime mortar, ensuring a match of color, texture, strength, joint width, and joint profile of the existing masonry. Despite significant deterioration, all of the original 6/6 double-hung windows were restored and repaired as necessary to match their original appearance; panes were reglazed or replaced and sash weights were restored and reinstalled with new sash cords. New tongue-and-groove flooring and beadboard ceiling were installed on the porch. New porch railings and balustrades using period appropriate materials and style were also installed. The existing chamfered posts and jigsaw-cut spindle brackets were carefully restored. The hallway wainscot and chair rail were fully restored, as were existing door and window casings and baseboards. Where components were missing, new millwork was fabricated to match the existing in materials, size, and profile. New ceilings were also installed, and the unique barrel-cove feature was restored in the four front rooms.
Today, the Montague-Turner House is fully restored and is home to a local business owner.
The Board of Directors of Capital Area Preservation, Inc. is pleased to present a 2014 Anthemion Award to Walter Davis; Richard Rohde; Will Jeffers; Quaterfoil Consulting; City of Raleigh/Community Development for the Residential Rehabilitation of the Montague-Turner House, 811 South East Street, Raleigh.