Town recognizes historical buildings

Franklin Street and downtown Chapel Hill are rich in memories and historic buildings.

The Chapel Hill Historical Society and the Preservation Society of Chapel Hill, along with town and business leaders, unveiled two of seven plaques Friday morning that will recognize some of those buildings.

The plaques are part of a project that honors businesses that have been a part of the town and its history for many years.

The buildings that received plaques have impacted the community and were constructed before World War II. These buildings retain their original footprint and are noninstitutional buildings used by the public.

The plaques will be given out in phases to town buildings.

Phase 1 of the project focuses on the 100 block of Franklin Street, the town's oldest commercial district.

Wentworth and Sloan Jewelers Inc., Sutton's Drug Store, Spanky's Restaurant, the Hill Building, which houses Carolina Coffee Shop, Julian's and Schoolkids Records, and the University Florist and Gift Shop all received plaques.

Missy Julian-Fox, chairwoman of the Chapel Hill Historical Society plaque committee, came up with the idea of recognizing historical buildings.

"I didn't fully realize the impact, power and promise of what my mom and dad accomplished until the business community invited those of us who have been in business for 25 years or longer to attend a function. Standing there was astounding," said Julian-Fox. "I realized then that the history could not be lost and it needed to be honored."

Julian-Fox's parents founded Julian's in 1942.

With the recent turnover of several stores on Franklin Street, the event was a chance to honor long-standing businesses that have endured in the community.

"These long-time businesses give us a sense of place and something to mark our time by," said Aaron Nelson, executive director of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce. "We remember a community by its businesses."

Nick Didow, interim director of the Downtown Economic Development Corporation, spoke at the plaque ceremony about the importance of preserving downtown to ensure a successful future.

"The plaques and the project represent an important intersection of the two themes that are of a great interest to Chancellor Moeser, the faculty and student body of the University," said Nancy Suttenfield, UNC vice chancellor for finance and administration and a member of the corporation.

"The University is very much interested in playing a role in the revitalization of downtown and preserving the history of the campus," she said.

The plaques will be hung outside the buildings within one week. They were designed by Haig Khachatoorian, a local resident and internationally recognized industrial designer and Historical Society board member.

The plaque depicts a gold watch inscribed with the declaration that the building is a "Town Heritage Site." Below the watch is a brief historical description of the site.

Each plaque costs $661 and the cost was divided between the Historical Society, Preservation Society and the property or business owner of the site.

Other buildings are expected to receive plaques.

"We are hoping to solicit other businesses and let them know about the project," said Catherine Frank, Preservation Society director.

In addition to the ongoing tour brochure available to the public, the Historical Society is hoping to implement a walking or riding audiovisual tour of the town in conjunction with the plaques.

Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.