Charlotte
NC MYERS PARK-The Duke Mansion, Historic
Inn & Meeting Place
One
of the best examples of Colonial Revival architecture in North Carlina
is located right here in Charlotte's historic Myers Park.
Built in 1915, the Duke Mansion is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places and is simply a sight to behold.
Many of our most elite social leaders have called Charlotte
NC Myers Park- Duke Mansion home and have contributed significantly to
Charlotte's history.
Southern Pubilc Utilities' former president, Zebulon V. Taylor built 'Lynnwood' on 14 acres in Myers Park and called it home for four years. James B. Duke, founder of Duke Power Company (formerly Southern Public Utilities) purchased and tripled the size of the home to its current size of 32,000 square feet. During James ('Buck') Duke's ownership, many lasting legacies were created on the grounds including Duke University, Duke Power Company and the Duke Endowment.
The
Duke Endowment was created in 1924 and by 1925, at the time of Buck
Duke's death, more than $100 million had been established in the
Endowment! That same year, a local radio station
(WBT) owner,
C.C. Coddington, who also owned the local
Buick dealership, purchased the home and lived there until his death
three years later.
Martin L. Cannon, son of the founder of Cannon Mills, purchased the home in 1929 and renamed it "White Oaks." The Cannons were very active in Charlotte's community and some of Charlotte's prominent buildings are named after the Cannons. Among them, Cannon Campus of Charlotte Country Day School and the Cannon Research Center at Carolinas Medical Center. The Cannons, opened White Oaks up as an 'official guest house for special visitors,' starting the tradition of the elite 'bed and breakfast that it serves as today.
In 1949 the Cannons bequeathed White Oaks and three acres to Myers Park Presbyterian Church and in 1957, Henry & Clayton Lineberger purchased the home from the church. The Linebergers were a textile family from Belmont and spent years restoring the home and grounds to their original splendor.
In 1966, the entire third floor was gutted by a large fire and the Linebergers again, spent years restoring the gorgeous home. At Mr. Lineberger's death, in 1976, the home was left to the Duke Endowment. The home was then protected as a community 'treasure' by becoming a community conference center, only to be purchased one year later by developer William Allan. The Mansion was then converted into condos until 1989.
Rick
& Dee Ray (Raycom Sports) then purchased the home and restored
it to its original splendor once again. Now known as the
'Grand Dame of Myers Park' the home is now permanently protected as a
nonprofit and in 1998 became an Historic Inn and Meeting Place.
In 2000, Duke Energy donated a $4.5million gift to transform the home and help the foundation become debt-free. There are now 20 rooms available for guests and the grounds are simply breathtaking! The Duke Mansion celebrated her 90th birthday in 2005.
Today, the most extraordinary of weddings and meetings are held here on the grounds; the Mansion has a full staff of event planners and chefs and the rooms are lavishly furnished for your incredibly luxurious overnight stay! You simply must visit 'The Mansion;' envelope yourself in the splendor that is rich in our wonderful Charlotte history!
One
of the best examples of Colonial Revival architecture in North Carlina
is located right here in Charlotte's historic Myers Park.
Built in 1915, the Duke Mansion is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places and is simply a sight to behold.
Many of our most elite social leaders have called Charlotte
NC Myers Park- Duke Mansion home and have contributed significantly to
Charlotte's history. Southern Pubilc Utilities' former president, Zebulon V. Taylor built 'Lynnwood' on 14 acres in Myers Park and called it home for four years. James B. Duke, founder of Duke Power Company (formerly Southern Public Utilities) purchased and tripled the size of the home to its current size of 32,000 square feet. During James ('Buck') Duke's ownership, many lasting legacies were created on the grounds including Duke University, Duke Power Company and the Duke Endowment.
The
Duke Endowment was created in 1924 and by 1925, at the time of Buck
Duke's death, more than $100 million had been established in the
Endowment! That same year, a local radio station
(WBT) owner,
C.C. Coddington, who also owned the local
Buick dealership, purchased the home and lived there until his death
three years later. Martin L. Cannon, son of the founder of Cannon Mills, purchased the home in 1929 and renamed it "White Oaks." The Cannons were very active in Charlotte's community and some of Charlotte's prominent buildings are named after the Cannons. Among them, Cannon Campus of Charlotte Country Day School and the Cannon Research Center at Carolinas Medical Center. The Cannons, opened White Oaks up as an 'official guest house for special visitors,' starting the tradition of the elite 'bed and breakfast that it serves as today.
In 1949 the Cannons bequeathed White Oaks and three acres to Myers Park Presbyterian Church and in 1957, Henry & Clayton Lineberger purchased the home from the church. The Linebergers were a textile family from Belmont and spent years restoring the home and grounds to their original splendor.
In 1966, the entire third floor was gutted by a large fire and the Linebergers again, spent years restoring the gorgeous home. At Mr. Lineberger's death, in 1976, the home was left to the Duke Endowment. The home was then protected as a community 'treasure' by becoming a community conference center, only to be purchased one year later by developer William Allan. The Mansion was then converted into condos until 1989.
Rick
& Dee Ray (Raycom Sports) then purchased the home and restored
it to its original splendor once again. Now known as the
'Grand Dame of Myers Park' the home is now permanently protected as a
nonprofit and in 1998 became an Historic Inn and Meeting Place.
In 2000, Duke Energy donated a $4.5million gift to transform the home and help the foundation become debt-free. There are now 20 rooms available for guests and the grounds are simply breathtaking! The Duke Mansion celebrated her 90th birthday in 2005.
Today, the most extraordinary of weddings and meetings are held here on the grounds; the Mansion has a full staff of event planners and chefs and the rooms are lavishly furnished for your incredibly luxurious overnight stay! You simply must visit 'The Mansion;' envelope yourself in the splendor that is rich in our wonderful Charlotte history!
About the author:
Debe Maxwell is a Charlotte
Residential
Real Estate
Broker, Certified Neighborhood and Relocation Specialist who leads a
team that can assist
you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in Charlotte NC or
any place in the country by connecting you with a relocation
professional in your destination of choice. Our team of
professionals throughout the country ensures that you
enjoy
a smooth transition to your new area. These professionals are experts
in the field of relocation and can serve many purposes beyond a simple
home search. The destination service is of no cost to you! Please visit
www.TheMaxwellHouseGroup.com
or call 704.491.3310 for your relocation and/or your local needs.
HELEN
ADAMS REALTY - Debe@DebeMaxwell.com
Copyright © 2008 By Debe Maxwell, All Rights Reserved...*Charlotte NC MYERS PARK-The Duke Mansion*
Comments(5)