Recognized for the restoration of the McDowell Columns Building, an iconic structure and historically significant campus building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
About the Award
Each year, Preservation North Carolina presents the Gertrude S. Carraway Awards of Merit to individuals and organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to promoting historic preservation.
The awards have been given since 1975 and are named for the late Dr. Gertrude Carraway of New Bern, a leader in the successful effort to reconstruct the state's colonial capitol, Tryon Palace, in New Bern.
The McDowell Columns Building on Chowan University campus was constructed in 1851 with the intent of providing all the amenities of a modern campus. Then known as the Chowan Female Institute, the Columns survived the Civil War and continued to serve students and faculty as a multipurpose structure, housing a residence hall, cafeteria and library.
Throughout the years, the iconic Columns building has played numerous roles on campus, including a recreational facility when its basement was converted into a swimming pool.
Today, the building — which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places — serves as an office facility, housing the Admissions Department, Financial Aid, the Registrar’s Office and the 650-seat Turner Auditorium.
Through a $500,000 restoration of the exterior — constructed with locally made bricks — the building has received the equivalent of a facelift. The walls and grand columns were stripped and repainted, railings restored, new light fixtures installed and windows repaired.
With the addition of new landscaping and lighting, the majestic columns are even more imposing at night, reflecting the history and dignity of the university, now a co-ed campus serving 800 students in Murfreesboro.
This restoration project has given back the luster to this historic structure, helping to set an impressive scene for many important milestones throughout the academic year, including graduation, which is held on the front lawn.
For the preservation of this historically significant academic building, I am happy to present Chowan University with the Gertrude S. Carraway Award of Merit.
