Let there Be Light: Reintroducing the P. Edgar Furr House
Get to know this Glenwood Avenue relic in one of Raleigh’s most prized neighborhoods with back alley access awaits its next steward
Built in 1913 in the then up-and-coming Glenwood-Brooklyn neighborhood just a few steps from downtown, the P. Edgar Furr House was purchased by Norfolk Southern Railroad conductor Perle Edgar Furr and his wife, Pattie. They raised their two daughters there until they moved to Richmond in 1925. The house was then sold to Margaret and Archie Hamilton Geiger (a foreman for Norfolk Southern), and remained in that family until their grandson sold it in 2022.
Today, the house nods to architectural designs of its era in more ways than one. A lovely wraparound porch topped by decorative gables is still holding on. A stunning front door outlined by its unique wide fanlight and sidelights with bold Craftsman muntin designs make way for ample natural light into the front entrance parlor. The home’s rooms are tall and spacious, with pocket doors, original fireplaces with stained wood mantels with tile surrounds, including a notable rift-cut white oak corner mantel in the entrance, original light fixtures with push-button switches, plaster walls and picture molding, and a Craftsman-inspired stained glass window in the former dining room.
Time is of the essence
This City of Oaks gem has been vacant in recent years and suffered from significant deferred maintenance, which initiated a Demolition by Neglect action. Comprehensive rehabilitation work is necessary. The house has retained much of its original features and materials, some stored on-site, which translates to an excellent investment for a buyer searching for a great house in a walkable downtown Raleigh neighborhood. Since the home is a contributing structure to the Glenwood-Brooklyn National Register Historic District, it’s eligible for historic rehabilitation tax credits, and it is also part of the locally designated district. An application to demolish the house was submitted last year and is delayed through fall 2026. The current owners and local preservation community are eager to see the house sold to someone who is ready to tackle this project, to open it up and let the light back in. More information on the history of the house and its current status can be found on Preservation Raleigh’s website.
Location matters
Another important part of this home’s story is where it sits. P. Edgar Furr is in one of Raleigh’s most desirable neighborhoods walking distance to area schools, restaurants, and natural recreation areas all while being surrounded by early-20th century Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, and Craftsman-style architecture.
