Presented with a $10,000 grant from the Marion S. Covington Foundation for use in restoring the Nissen House, built in 1876 and a significant local example of Italianate and Greek Revival architecture. The house, threatened with demolition, was relocated by the society, and the grant will be used in the planning stages of its restoration.

In April 2008, members of the Lewisville Historical Society learned that the Nissen House was soon to be demolished to make way for commercial development.

One of Lewisville’s oldest and most important historic homes, the 1876 Nissen House is a significant example of Italianate and Greek Revival architecture in Forsyth County. It was the home of George Elizas Nissen, a pioneering Piedmont industrialist. Nissen ran the Nissen Wagon Works in the Waughtown community from 1874 to 1910, and he also had a variety of other commercial interests in Lewisville Township.

After hearing the news of the pending demolition, the Lewisville Historical Society quickly mobilized efforts to save the Nissen House. A vigorous fund drive and negotiations with the Lewisville Town Council led to a decision to move the historic house to a site not far from its original location. On January 1, 2009, the move took place. The new site was once owned by George Nissen, but now belongs to the town of Lewisville. Parenthetically, the house was moved by Blake Moving Company.

In March 2009, a new foundation was constructed at the site, and work was begun to repair damaged timbers under the house. Planning for additional repairs and restoration is under way, with completion of this massive preservation project expected in spring 2014. At that time, the restored Nissen House will become a venue for public events.

Thoughtful and decisive action by the Lewisville Historical Society has resulted in the preservation of an important piece of Forsyth County history — and the creation of a new place for the community to gather, to display arts and crafts, to provide educational opportunities for adults and children, to showcase area businesses, and to celebrate special occasions.

Preservation North Carolina is pleased to present the 2009 Stedman Incentive Grant to the Lewisville Historical Society. The $10,000 grant will be used to pay for architectural services and planning documents that will carefully guide each step in the restoration of this invaluable historic treasure.