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Preservation of Wilson is focusing our strategic initiatives on the "Old Wilson Mile" as a research pilot area to gain better understanding of how to promote economically strong residential historic districts.

Who's in the Mile?

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This is an area that begins on Vance and Rountree at the entrance of Barton College, east to Hill Street where you make a right, then another right on Green, up Gray Street to Whitehead, back to Vance and returning to Barton College.

Update on the Mile

Grants Received for the Old Wilson Mile:

NC Community Foundation: The first grant was in the amount of $590 from the NC Community Foundation and has been used to assist in the construction of a model called the "Old Wilson Mile." The portable model shows the houses in block form, color coded to indicate the level of historic significance. Each property is identified by its economic characteristics such as owner-occupied home, vacant house, rental property, real estate for sale, and under rehabilitation.

Marion Stedman Covington Foundation: The Marion Stedman Covington Foundation has awarded Preservation of Wilson a $15,000 grant to use in the Old Wilson Mile. The money is being used for marketing, real estate activities and the creation of a walking tour.

The largest portion of the money is set aside for a Revolving Fund, a tool used to preserve historic properties through direct involvement in the real estate process. The grant helps to cover some of the costs associated with accepting property donations, placing options, and securing and stabilizing endangered structures.

A custom lettered plaque program will be created to identify the original name of the house and year built to help "Tell the Old Wilson Story" with self-guided walking tours. Funds will also be used for marketing.

Preservation of Wilson will take into consideration the results of the recent design charrette focusing on the Old Wilson Mile as well as other areas of the City. This "Mile" is a neighborhood concept plan that will be transferrable to the other existing historic neighborhoods as part of the City's 2030 Comprehensive Plan.

BB&T Lighthouse Project: BB&T has partnered with Preservation of Wilson to complete one of many "Lighthouse Projects" that BB&T's CEO Kelly King challenged bank employees to participate in community service projects to fulfill part of the bank's mission. In 2009 over 20 BB&T employees along with a funding budget of $4,000 for equipment and supplies, has assisted Preservation of Wilson in preparing the houses in the Old Wilson Mile for marketing and showing to prospective buyers. Again in 2011 they helped out again.  Thank you BB&T volunteers!

Old Wilson Mile Activities:

Activities associated with the "Mile" include real estate marketing, in-fill potential, viewing abandoned and vacant structures as opportunities and used as a priority area for full enforcement and policing activities. Further, the mile will be a favorite location for walking tours and special activities.