Project Background

Built ca. 1803, the Nancy Jones House is one of four properties in Cary that are individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest known residential structure in Cary. An example of vernacular Federal style architecture, the house was formerly a stagecoach stop and tavern run by Henry Jones and his wife Nancy.  When Henry died in 1841, Nancy continued to live in the house and operate the tavern/stagecoach stop for another 30+ years. As it was the only large, white house in the area, it was a landmark on the route and received many important visitors. Over its lifetime, the house was visited by President James K. Polk and numerous NC Governors. 

In 2019, the Town took ownership of the Nancy Jones House with the intention of relocating it to better preserve the historic house; since Cary did not own the property the house was located on, the only way to ensure its preservation was to relocate it to town-owned property.

This project will stabilize and prepare the house for relocation, identify a relocation site, and relocate the house.  House rehabilitation and reuse will be scoped upon relocation. 

Project Schedule

Funds have been appropriated for the preservation of Town-owned historic properties, which includes the stabilization, relocation, and rehabilitation of the Nancy Jones House.

• Summer 2020: Stabilize House - COMPLETED
• Winter 2020/2021: Identify and Secure Relocation Site - COMPLETED
• Winter 2020/2021: Prepare Relocation Site  - COMPLETED
• Spring 2021: Relocate House - COMPLETED
• Winter 2024: Begin Scoping Rehabilitation Work - IN PROGRESS

Updates

• In March 2021, the house was successfully relocated to a town-owned parcel approximately 500 feet east of the original site. The house continues to front on Chapel Hill Road, keeping its historic orientation. Here is a short video that documents the relocation of the house.

• As a result of the relocation, the Nancy Jones House has seen many improvements, including the following:
  
  • Non-historic additions have been removed, to better preserve the house’s historic integrity 
  • A new foundation and footings helped to correct the large chimneys; prior to the move, the chimneys were detached and separated from the house, following the relocation they are now plumb
  • Brick shouldering has been added to the base of the chimneys to further ensure their stability; this was reviewed and approved by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
  • Brick from the original foundation was salvaged and reused to clad the new concrete foundation
  • The crawlspace has been made larger and includes a moisture barrier
  • Louvers have been strategically installed in specific windows to improve air circulation and decrease interior moisture
  • The front porch has been recreated to better reflect an appropriate historic style, including replacing the previous concrete slab with wood tongue and groove flooring
  • Interior fireplaces have been stabilized and hearths have been restored

• In May 2022, Cary received final confirmation that the Nancy Jones House would remain listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

• In early 2022, Cary's Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) initiated the process to recommend the Nancy Jones House be designated as a Local Historic Landmark. This process included having two HPC members visit the house, assess the house for historic integrity, and report back to the HPC. Following this assessment, a consultant was hired to complete the nomination report. In August 2022, the nomination report was forwarded to SHPO for their comment.
• In June 2023, Council unanimously voted to adopt an ordinance designating the Nancy Jones House a local historic landmark.

Contact

Susan Parker
Facilities Design & Construction Manager
(919) 462-3838
susan.parker@carync.gov

Rachel Smith, AICP
Principal Planner
(919) 469-4066
Rachel.Smith@carync.gov