Neighborhood Series: Chapel Hill, DOWNTOWN
Original content by Carl Johnson
We start a new Neighborhood Series, this time looking into the heart of Chapel Hill, Downtown! Filled with history, basketball, night life, and the University, Downtown Chapel Hill is a much sought after area. From the historic Gimghoul Castle to student housing, Downtown has what you are looking for in a neighborhood. Let’s take a look at some notable communities within Downtown Chapel Hill!
The Town of Chapelhill.org map below shows the area surrounding the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s main campus which are three prominent historic districts that are an integral part of the area's legacy as well as life today: Cameron-McCauley, Franklin-Rosemary, and Gimghoul!
Original content by Carl Johnson
We start a new Neighborhood Series, this time looking into the heart of Chapel Hill, Downtown! Filled with history, basketball, night life, and the University, Downtown Chapel Hill is a much sought after area. From the historic Gimghoul Castle to student housing, Downtown has what you are looking for in a neighborhood. Let’s take a look at some notable communities within Downtown Chapel Hill!
The Town of Chapelhill.org map below shows the area surrounding the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s main campus which are three prominent historic districts that are an integral part of the area's legacy as well as life today: Cameron-McCauley, Franklin-Rosemary, and Gimghoul!
Cameron-McCauley Historic District
Located just west of the campus, Cameron-McCauley is a neighborhood that was started in the mid-1800’s, with the oldest homes found on Mallette Street. Some of the most notable structures in the area are The Webb House, which was built using materials from the University’s first presidential house, though Swain Hall stands in its spot today. The picturesque stone walls winding through the neighborhood were constructed in 1845. The population of the area swelled in the 1920’s, thanks in part to the City Beautiful Movement. This influential campaign pushed for nature and beauty within the city, leading to homes built during that time to have large yards and unique landscapes. Today, you can find that the Cameron-McCauley area is home to a blend of full time residents, students, and faculty. Everyone who passes through the area can see its historic charm which was designated as a Historic District in the 1990s.
Franklin-Rosemary Historic District
Noted as the area's first designated Historic District in 1976, Franklin-Rosemary is closely tied with the growth of the University dating back to 1795. This area has a variety of detached and multi family homes, as well as UNC residences. As seen in the photo below of a current listed home, the welcoming southern-style large front porches are common in the homes of Franklin-Rosemary, though the growth of the neighborhood over the years has created a variety of home styles. Large trees and stone walls wrap around the streets bringing you back in time, while the modern commercial district of Franklin Street brings today's trends closer to home!
Located just west of the campus, Cameron-McCauley is a neighborhood that was started in the mid-1800’s, with the oldest homes found on Mallette Street. Some of the most notable structures in the area are The Webb House, which was built using materials from the University’s first presidential house, though Swain Hall stands in its spot today. The picturesque stone walls winding through the neighborhood were constructed in 1845. The population of the area swelled in the 1920’s, thanks in part to the City Beautiful Movement. This influential campaign pushed for nature and beauty within the city, leading to homes built during that time to have large yards and unique landscapes. Today, you can find that the Cameron-McCauley area is home to a blend of full time residents, students, and faculty. Everyone who passes through the area can see its historic charm which was designated as a Historic District in the 1990s.
Franklin-Rosemary Historic District
Noted as the area's first designated Historic District in 1976, Franklin-Rosemary is closely tied with the growth of the University dating back to 1795. This area has a variety of detached and multi family homes, as well as UNC residences. As seen in the photo below of a current listed home, the welcoming southern-style large front porches are common in the homes of Franklin-Rosemary, though the growth of the neighborhood over the years has created a variety of home styles. Large trees and stone walls wrap around the streets bringing you back in time, while the modern commercial district of Franklin Street brings today's trends closer to home!
Gimghoul Historic District
Stunning architecture and design will be among the first words to pop into your mind as you walk the wooded streets of Gimghoul! The Gimghoul neighborhood was built in the late 1930s to the late 1940s, spans only 35 acres, and features mainly Colonial Revival style homes. This neighborhood was developed alongside the Order of the Gimghoul fraternal society of the University of North Carolina. The most noteworthy feature of the Order is the Gimghoul Castle, pictured below, which was constructed in the 1920s as a meeting lodge.
Stunning architecture and design will be among the first words to pop into your mind as you walk the wooded streets of Gimghoul! The Gimghoul neighborhood was built in the late 1930s to the late 1940s, spans only 35 acres, and features mainly Colonial Revival style homes. This neighborhood was developed alongside the Order of the Gimghoul fraternal society of the University of North Carolina. The most noteworthy feature of the Order is the Gimghoul Castle, pictured below, which was constructed in the 1920s as a meeting lodge.
Northside
The Northside neighborhood of Downtown Chapel Hill, was historically an African American predominate community. The Northside is home to the Hargraves Community Center which saw visitors such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The area covers 188 acres and has seen a decrease in homeownership but an increase in demand for student rentals. This area is home to detached properties that are often priced below the average cost of living throughout Chapel Hill so many owners get a better price renting the unit out than selling it. The town has taken action, the Northside Neighborhood Initiative, to try to preserve the community and keep families in the area while promoting its mix with student residents.
Franklin Hills
The neighborhood of Franklin Hills features a mix of places from newer constructed large sized detached homes to a few rows of Townhouses from the 1980s. Most units in the area are priced high end and have a variety of architectural designs. You can find beautiful tree lined streets in Franklin Hills as the neighborhood backs up to the Bolin Creek Trail.
Laurel Hills
Construction started in Laurel Hills in the 1950’s, featuring large detached homes. Laurel Hill is picturesque with its full trees, two ponds, and Crabtree Creek. The neighborhood is also close to Laurel Hill Park and the Crabtree Creek Greenway, making its close downtown location great for someone looking for outdoor activities. The local HOA boasts of its community ties, and hosts many parties throughout the year, as well as a Garden Club to keep the area beautiful!
Tenney Circle/Hidden Hills
The Tenney Circle/Hidden Hills neighborhood is mainly comprised of detached structures in the median price range as well as a variety of apartment complexes. The properties in Tenney Circle were constructed over a long time span from the 1940s to the 2000s. The area has a great balance of college student rentals and family owned houses. A good walkable neighborhood with options of nearby public transportation make Tenney Circle/Hidden Hills a nice community for people who work in Chapel Hill looking for an easy commute.
Carl Johnson Real Estate would be honored to assist you with helping you buy or sell your home in the Chapel Hill area. Contact us today at (919) 880-0904 with any questions. To learn more about the our work in the area, click here.