Zebulon Historic District Officially Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
For immediate release
Zebulon, NC – We’ve made history! Preservation Zebulon is pleased to report that the Zebulon Historic District is now officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The listing formally occurred on August 22, 2022.
The Zebulon Historic District comprises nearly 160 acres and includes 316 contributing structures, mainly homes from the period of significance from the formation of the Zebulon area in 1906, before the Town of Zebulon was incorporated, through 1972. The district is roughly bounded by North Arendell and East Gannon Aves., North Gill, East Horton, West Judd, East and West Sycamore, West Vance, North Wakefield, and North Whitley Streets, Rotary Drive, and former Raleigh and Pamlico Sound railroad tracks.
Prior to the listing of the Zebulon Historic District, only two properties within its boundaries were on the National Register of Historic Places – the George and Neva Barbee House at 216 West Gannon Avenue and Wakelon School, the current site of Zebulon Town Hall.
The efforts to formally recognize Zebulon area historic structures began in earnest six years ago when local citizens came together to form Preservation Zebulon, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The group sought out and hired a preservation consultant, Firefly Consulting, to draft the National Register nomination and raised funds through several events, including Murder Mystery fundraiser dinners and historic walking tours throughout downtown Zebulon.
“We are thrilled to finally see this well-deserved recognition of Zebulon’s beautiful historic gems,” said MaryBeth Carpenter, Preservation Zebulon Executive Director and co-founder. “This achievement is something that all residents can take pride in not only today but for decades to come. Having a historic district is something that everyone in Zebulon can celebrate, and, of course, owning a home or building that contributes to the district is a special honor.”
Owning a property within a National Register historic district is largely honorary. The national program does not place any restrictions on what property owners can or cannot do with their properties, although owners who wish to complete historic restoration work may benefit from significant federal and/or state tax credits, which can be as high as 40 percent of the money spent on restoration. “We wanted to start in Zebulon with a large area that provides the potential for the most benefit to the largest number of citizens,” explains Scott Carpenter, Preservation Zebulon co-founder and Board Chair. “The National Register program is a great starting point, as it does not result in those kinds of restrictions on ‘what you can do’ that many people think about when they first hear ‘historic district.’ It has certainly been an opportunity for education about the different types of historic programs, and I’ve learned quite a lot.”
The path to historic district recognition was a fairly long one, with a few challenges along the way. “The Zebulon Town government initially seemed receptive to our efforts, but then switched gears and expressed opposition several times to the idea,” explains Mr. Carpenter. “While we tried to educate everyone as best as we could, we essentially had to stand by while the district nomination reviewers and the National Park Service responded to the Town’s concerns with clarifications and explanations. In the end, the district boundaries contained within the nomination, as originally completed in 2019, were fully approved, with the nomination text requiring minimal edits as directly requested by the Chief of the National Register Program.”
Carpenter adds that the Town of Zebulon did not partner with Preservation Zebulon in funding the nomination, despite being asked to be a partner numerous times. Furthermore, numerous citizens expressed support at the Town’s public hearings, including one former and one sitting member of the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission, and over 100 citizens wrote letters to the State Historic Preservation Office in support of the historic district. There was only one letter submitted that was in opposition to the nomination.
“It was the people of Zebulon – both homeowners and business owners – that made this happen, and, while I’m disappointed that the Town took such a strong opposition to the nomination and ignored what should have been an enormous opportunity for them to be preservation partners and to support economic development, I can’t be more proud of what this community has come together and done. It affirms that Zebulon is a great community with great citizens that do great things. It makes me proud to call Zebulon my home,” Scott Carpenter said.
Other community leaders share the sentiment. Tommy Massey, life-long resident of Zebulon whose family has been in the area for over 250 years, said, “I’m glad to see the Zebulon Historic District finally done. It’s been a long time coming, and Zebulon deserves it.”
Plans to celebrate the special recognition of the Zebulon Historic District are being made by Preservation Zebulon members. “We are planning a few special things to help the citizens and building owners celebrate this wonderful achievement,” said MaryBeth Carpenter. “We will continue the celebration at our annual Zebulation event, scheduled for Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 6 p.m. We’ll be hosting our ticketed event at Olde Raleigh Distillery’s Society Room, and again honoring a local prominent resident.” More information, including ticket pricing and availability will be posted soon on Preservation Zebulon’s website.
With the Zebulon Historic District established, Preservation Zebulon looks forward to continued success with their flagship fundraising event, the Zebulon Historic Homes Tour, which featured six 100-year-old homes and a church, and that had a successful inaugural launch in spring 2022.
Preservation Zebulon has a mission to preserve, protect, and promote the buildings, structures, and districts near Zebulon, NC. More information about the organization and how to become a member can be found on its website: https://preservationzebulon.org.
###
Contact Information:
MaryBeth Carpenter, Preservation Zebulon Executive Director
Phone: 919-741-2317
Email: marybeth@preservationzebulon.org
Web: https://preservationzebulon.org