Landmark Chapel Hill residence was home to UNC luminaries — steps from campus or Franklin Street
Price reduced from $900,000

Lot Size: 0.62 acre

Highly significant historic house embodies the progressive spirit of North Carolina in the 20th century. Situated adjacent to UNC-Chapel Hill at the corner of Battle and Hooper Lanes in the Franklin-Rosemary Historic District, this Chapel Hill landmark was built in 1908 by Professor Edward Kidder Graham and his wife Susan. Graham served as the president of UNC-Chapel Hill from 1914 until his untimely death in 1918. During his short tenure, he greatly expanded the university’s reach to all North Carolinians. Susan Graham, who held two degrees from Cornell, encouraged her husband to expand educational opportunities for women in North Carolina.

Frank Porter Graham, a cousin, also lived in the house. Internationally known for his support of social justice, freedom of speech, and excellence in education, he was one of the most notable North Carolinians of the 20th century. He served as the eighth president of UNC- Chapel Hill, first president of the consolidated university system, and U.S. Senator. His 1950 campaign for reelection to the Senate is legendary.

The Edward Kidder Graham House was called “Bulrushes” for the forest of bamboo growing on the property. The house is a two-story frame Colonial Revival with wood-shingle siding, large two-over-two windows, two three-sided bays, and a large cross-gabled roof. Interior features include mantels, graceful stairway in the entrance foyer, pocket doors, and wood floors.

The house will require a complete rehabilitation; eligible for historic preservation tax credits.

Area Information

Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Get caught up in the magic of Franklin Street in the heart of Chapel Hill with its eclectic boutiques, fantastic restaurants and Tar Heel memorabilia shops. Stroll the historic campus and mingle among the lively students. See a star show at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center or visit the North Carolina Botanical Garden, the largest natural botanical garden in the southeast. Play a round of golf at the award-winning Finley Golf Course. To learn more visit www.chocvb.org.

Contact

Cathleen Turner
Regional Director, Preservation NC Piedmont Regional Office
919-401-8540
cturner@presnc.org

Please include your name, mailing address, and name of property in the e-mail.

Read more about the Edward Kidder Graham House (299.22 kB)

Chapel Hill Landmark Needs Buyer (PreservationNC.org, 2/18/2008)