Historic Dunbar School in Lexington Sold and Saved!
Historic Dunbar School in Lexington Sold, New Developer Plans to Adapt Property into New Housing Units, Serve Needs of Local Community
Lexington, North Carolina — [08/28/2025] — Preservation North Carolina is pleased to announce the successful sale of the historic Dunbar School, located at 301 Smith Avenue in Lexington, NC. The property, encompassing 10 acres of historically significant land, has been sold subject to protective covenants and a rehabilitation agreement. Now, under the stewardship of Dunbar Belrock Ventures LLC, the Dunbar School will soon embark on an exciting adaptive reuse project centered around new housing units and serving the needs of the local community!
A Legacy of Education and Community – Constructed in 1951 and named in honor of African American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, this Mid-Century Modern school served as a vital educational institution for the Black community before school integration. Notable additions were made in 1957 and 1962, culminating in a 1973 octagonal extension that included a media center and accessible hallway.
Designed for flexibility and natural light, the building includes approximately 30 classrooms, a media center/library, a spacious auditorium for over 500 people, a cafeteria with seating for more than 250, and a gymnasium. Since 2009, the structure has remained unoccupied, though the former sports areas are currently leased by the City of Lexington for use as a public park.
A Meaningful Sale – “This property holds both cultural and architectural significance for central North Carolina. It was built in 1951 for Black students in the Modernist-style at the beginning of racial integration of schools, and its progressive style – including its octagonal library – sought to convey new higher standards for its students.” says Benjamin Briggs, President and CEO of Preservation North Carolina.
“This project,” he added, “is also a reminder that historic preservation requires patience. This property was acquired from the City of Lexington Board of Education in 2009, but initial plans by the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte did not come to fruition. Thanks to their generous donation of the property back to PNC, we were able to regroup, the results of which we celebrate with this sale.”
“Preservation NC worked with members of the community, City staff and the new owners as they developed their plans for this significant historic school,” Says Cathleen Turner, Preservation NC’s Piedmont Regional Director. “We are excited about their plans and look forward to the project getting underway and playing an important role in the community once again.”
Preservation NC’s protective covenants and rehabilitation agreement will guide future development to ensure the preservation of the school’s architectural and cultural integrity. The project will adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Properties and utilize preservation tax credits.
About Preservation North Carolina – Founded in 1939, Preservation North Carolina (PNC) is North Carolina’s only private nonprofit statewide historic preservation organization. Its mission is to protect and promote buildings, landscapes and sites important to the diverse people of North Carolina. Through its award-winning Endangered Properties Program, Preservation North Carolina acquires endangered historic properties and then finds purchasers to rehabilitate them. PNC has protected more than 900 historic properties statewide.
Media Contacts:
Jack Kessler
Marketing Coordinator, Preservation North Carolina
Phone: 919-832-3652 Ext. 227
Email: JKessler@presnc.org