Phase One Project Scope

In this phase, the historic buildings will be structurally stabilized and weatherized, temporary paths for the public will be added to each site along with additional security measures. Interpretive signage will be added in this initial phase to provide visitors with an understanding of their historical significance.

Project Schedule

Schedule for the project is the following:

Spring 2020: Bid documents were issued for firms to review and submit proposals. To better align the bidding and work to be performed, the project was divided in two, with one project focusing on the two properties in Carpenter and the other on the property in southern Cary.

Summer 2020: Bid review and contractor selection was completed.

Fall 2020 through Fall 2021:  The buildings will be structurally stabilized and weatherized (siding repairs, repainting, and roofing work), along with some interpretive signage, temporary paths for the public and additional security measures. The window boarding will be removed and replaced with specialty security plexiglass. This will give some public prominence and historical background to the buildings.

Full preservation and interpretive efforts will take place in future phases as funding becomes available. It will take some time, but the Town is committed to making this and other historic properties new gems for its history and public enjoyment.

Project Background 

Cary owns several historic properties, three of which are currently being considered for parks-related uses. Those properties are the C.F. Ferrell Store and warehouses, the Good Hope Farm, and the Barnabas Jones Farmstead. The first step was to evaluate them, their physical conditions, historic contexts, and architectural and archaeological features, and propose appropriate uses for each site; then hire specialized contractors to restore / rehabilitate the properties using a phased approach.

In 2018-19 a comprehensive structural analysis of each historic structure was conducted along with the written assessment; accurate renderings and a phased plan were developed. Based on the findings of the assessment, staff and public input, as well as expert advice from Cary's Historic Preservation Commission, a public presentation shared the findings for review. Some site initial improvements were also conducted during this period.

In 2019-20, cost estimates for the associated restoration or rehabilitation of facilities, including all necessary site development and infrastructure up-fits allowed Cary to prioritize the options with confidence and understanding of the financial impact which resulted in the development of a phased approach.

In Fall 2020, the contracts for the work were signed and work commenced.

Property Descriptions

Each of the three properties contains three or more historic buildings: 

The A.M. Howard Farmhouse and associated outbuildings (currently operated as Good Hope Farm). This property is located at 1580 Morrisville-Carpenter Road in the Carpenter National Register District.

This property includes an early 20th century farmhouse, several outbuildings, a large barn, and smaller structure said to have been a one-room schoolhouse.

The C.F. Ferrell Store and two warehouses located at 1928 Morrisville-Carpenter Road are also in the Carpenter National Register District.

This property is composed of a country store building and two adjacent warehouses.

The Barnabus Jones Farmstead (formerly known as the Bartley farm) is located at 9701 Penny Road and is adjacent to the Jack Smith Park.

The site has an 1840 main house with a detached kitchen, slave quarters, and several historic agricultural outbuildings.

Map of Property Locations

Contact

Kris Carmichael
Operations & Program Supervisor
Historical Resources
Town of Cary
(919) 460-4971
kris.carmichael@townofcary.org