Friends Support Ivey-Ellington House

Some photographs courtesy of Joe Lipka Photography (all rights reserved)

The Ivey-Ellington House (310 South Academy Street, Cary; formerly 135 W. Chatham Street, Cary)

The Ivey-Ellington House, built in the 1870s, is a rare example of Gothic Revival cottage architecture in Wake County. Its architecture and its history make it historically significant.

The Ivey-Ellington House formerly was one of four Cary properties individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This distinction is granted to properties that have a unique historic and architectural character and are deemed worthy of preservation for their significance to the cultural heritage of the nation.

What maDe the Ivey-Ellington House worthy of National Register of Historic Places Designation?

Its architecture and its place in history. Built in the early 1870s, the Ivey-Ellington House is a rare surviving example of a Gothic Revival-style home in Wake County. It features a steeply pitched roof, board and batten exterior, and pointed windows. During the 1890s the front yard was said to have served as a campsite for people driving cattle from Chatham County to Raleigh.

The National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Ivey-Ellington House tells us this about its place in history:

Located near the former Raleigh and Chatham Railroad and constructed in the 1870's, the Ivey-Ellington House demonstrates the diffusion of styles and ideas from urban to rural areas. It exemplifies national trends in housing reform and the popularity of architectural pattern books in the late nineteenth century.

Where Can I Learn More About the History of the Ivey-Ellington House?

This blog entry is a brief history of the Ivey-Ellington House. This information from the Town of Cary includes details about the recent history of the house.

What has been done to preserve the Ivey-Ellington House?

Over the years, the Friends of the Page-Walker advocated for the preservation of the Ivey-Ellington House via written communications, meetings with Town staff, speaking before Town Council, collaborating with other organizations and raising public awareness. In November 2011, the Town of Cary recognized the importance of preserving this property and acquired it, an important step toward securing its future.

In the late 1990s, a private development was envisioned for the corner of Harrison Avenue and West Chatham Street that would ultimately affect the Ivey-Ellington House. The Friends worked diligently to encourage the developer to lessen the impact and retain the house on its original site; unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful. The development plan, approved by Cary Town Council in December 2019, provided for relocating the Ivey-Ellington House. Although details about the relocation were not included in the development agreement, the Friends successfully worked with Town staff to draft a resolution that affirmed the Town’s commitment to preserving the Ivey-Ellington House; the resolution was unanimously approved by Town Council on December 12, 2019.

On February 20, 2023, the Ivey-Ellington House was moved from its Chatham Street location to the old library site on South Academy Street.

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht's blog of April 23, 2022, included the following status report from the Town Manager:

Given several factors, including the desired setting, historic context, and existing infrastructure, the southern portion of the former library site on Academy Street has been identified as the new location. The relocation will not interfere with existing infrastructure, including Charlie Gaddy Lane, parking, and utilities. Consistent with the adjacent structure, the Ivey-Ellington will be set back from the street and existing mature trees will remain. The remainder of the former library site will continue to be programmed with art and other activities until the Downtown Park is completed.

Although Cary will forego individual National Register designation [for the Ivey-Ellington House], the new site is located in the Downtown National Register District. Public investment will continue to preserve and rehabilitate the house using the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. The Ivey-Ellington House is a valuable part of Cary’s history and can be further honored through designation as a Local Historic Landmark.

What Happened With the National Register of Historic Places Designation?

Unfortunately, the town learned that the Ivey-Ellington House was no longer eligible for National Register of Historic Places designation following its relocation. However, as a Town-owned property, its preservation is assured, and additional preservation measures such as local landmark designation could be pursued.

What’s next for the Ivey-Ellington House?

The Town of Cary has restored the house and announced that it will serve as offices for the Downtown Cary Park staff. A ribbon cutting and public open house for the newly restored structure was held on May 18, 2025.

This information from the Town of Cary chronicles the Ivey-Ellington House relocation and rehabilitation.

What do you love about the Ivey-Ellington House?

Share your thoughts with us! info@friendsofpagewalker.org

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