Don.t Miss this Business Opportunity to own a Classical Revival-style 2-story brick school in the up-and-coming East Durham Historic District. It could be developed as apartments or as whatever a creative investor might imagine for this spacious and sturdily-built school. At an asking price of only $325,000, this prospect won't last long, so hurry and call us for more details or to arrange a site visit.

History data: Former Y. E. Smith School is an architecturally significant school of tripartite form on a raised basement with a deck-on-hip roof. The central 7-bay section is flanked by recessed 3-bay wings. Red common-bond brick walls are accented with beige brick corner pilasters. First story windows have rusticated granite lintels, while second story windows are segment ally-arched; all sashes have been replaced. The front entrance and side entrances have wide round-arched surrounds. A balcony originally located above the main entrance has been removed.

The school was designed by Fred Githens of the New York firm of Tilton & Githens. When the school was converted to the East Durham Junior High School in 1925, a rear addition doubled the depth of the building from 11 bays to 20 bays. The brick addition has replacement windows with transoms, unified by a corbelled brick string course beneath each story of windows. Two large metal warehouses and a large paved parking area are located in the rear.

This structure is a contributing property in the East Durham Historic District, making it eligible for Historic Rehabilitation Tax credits. In North Carolina both state and federal income tax credits are available for the certified rehabilitation of historic structures. For the rehabilitation of owner occupied homes certified historic structures (non-income producing properties) a 30% state tax credit is available. For more information on Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits contact HPSD or the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (phone 919-733-6547).

The Historic Preservation Society of Durham is a 501(c)3 dedicated to preserving the history, architecture and cultural heritage of Durham and Durham County and to serve as an institution for the education of citizens through the promotion and appreciation of this heritage. As a part of this mission HPSD created the Endangered Properties Program which, to date, has saved over 15 structures. To learn more about the program and the houses that are being featured, visit Properties for Sale.

If you are a serious buyer and are interested in preserving the history and integrity of Durham, contact the Historic Preservation Society of Durham to schedule an appointment. Please call (919-682-3036) or email HPSD.