NC-car-guy Posted August 14, 2019 Share Posted August 14, 2019 Kinda off topic but you've all seen pics of my 54 century and @Pinhead63s 63 special at the Catsburg store here in Durham. I've always said this store would soon be gone and I would try to save it. I wasn't wrong. Due to development it's slated to be demolished, but can be had for free if a "caring owner" will move it within the local area only and keep it mostly intact and publically visible. I have the acreage, road frontage, and am only 6 miles away. I submitted a proposal..... Was selected as a "finalist" and have a couple meetings to attend. Anyone have any tips? 😀😀😀 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Schramm Posted August 14, 2019 Share Posted August 14, 2019 (edited) I would start by calling a house moving service to get a base line on moving cost. Next would consider taking down the roof, walls in units and moving them as an assembly. Just a thought without seeing the structure. Edited August 14, 2019 by Larry Schramm (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted August 14, 2019 Share Posted August 14, 2019 Watch a couple of episodes of Barnwood Builders to see how they label each piece of lumber before taking things apart. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted August 14, 2019 Share Posted August 14, 2019 reneg on the agreement? Just looking at the structural damage and thinking it won't stay together while being lifted for the rolling trucks. But not too much can be seen in one picture. Maybe it's better inside than it looks? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted August 14, 2019 Share Posted August 14, 2019 Much depends on the foundation and the interface between the frame and it. A lot also depends on the route and clearances between it and you. The job can be easy peasy to a God awful night mare. Keep in mind anything is possible it's a matter of how bad do you want it. Only an experienced house mover can can give you a valid estimate of the feasibility, methods and cost. To my eye it's well worth saving if you have deep enough pockets............Bob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 14, 2019 Author Share Posted August 14, 2019 (edited) Ive already spoken to the building mover of choice. Its a slab foundation. We'd take the two stories apart and the porch off. Move in 3 pieces. No utility interruptions. Price less than a low-optioned new Buick including reassembly. Edited August 15, 2019 by NC-car-guy (see edit history) 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted August 15, 2019 Share Posted August 15, 2019 Once you have it, what are you going to do with it ? Are you ready to run a business out of it ? Does it have to pass code before you do ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 15, 2019 Author Share Posted August 15, 2019 2 hours ago, Bill Stoneberg said: Once you have it, what are you going to do with it ? Are you ready to run a business out of it ? Does it have to pass code before you do ? Well. When these things present themselves ..... Gotta get ready right? More that likely a rentable community space. Yes the foundation, electrical, and plumbing will have to pass code, its only 720 sqft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted August 15, 2019 Share Posted August 15, 2019 15 hours ago, NC-car-guy said: Due to development it's slated to be demolished, but can be had for free if a "caring owner" will move it within the local area only and keep it mostly intact and publically visible... Was selected as a "finalist" and have a couple meetings to attend. If it's due to be demolished I don't understand why there are any conditions whatsoever on somebody taking it. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted August 15, 2019 Share Posted August 15, 2019 (edited) 14 hours ago, NC-car-guy said: Ive already spoken to the building mover of choice. Its a slab foundation. We'd take the two stories apart and the porch off. Move in 3 pieces. No utility interruptions. Price less than a low-optioned new Buick including reassembly. That is still a lot of money. It's very cool, but for less money you could probably build something like it with brand new materials, especially if you are going to change the look. However, just like old cars, we don't usually save them because it's a financial investment. The enjoyment has to be worth something to you! Edited August 15, 2019 by lancemb (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 15, 2019 Author Share Posted August 15, 2019 (edited) 19 minutes ago, lancemb said: That is still a lot of money. It's very cool, but for less money you could probably build something like it with brand new materials, especially if you are going to change the look. However, just like old cars, we don't usually save them because it's a financial investment. The enjoyment has to be worth something to you! Right. It is a local landmark and has an interesting history. The caveats came when it hit the news media and popularity was renewed and then the current owner decided to contibute 5k towards whoever "saved" it. Edited August 15, 2019 by NC-car-guy (see edit history) 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted August 15, 2019 Share Posted August 15, 2019 I googled it and there is some cool info. You didn,t mention it had gas pumps, which make it an old gas station. Which makes it an apt subject for discussion. If it were 6 miles from me it would be a no brainer.....bob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 15, 2019 Author Share Posted August 15, 2019 9 minutes ago, Bhigdog said: I googled it and there is some cool info. You didn,t mention it had gas pumps, which make it an old gas station. Which makes it an apt subject for discussion. If it were 6 miles from me it would be a no brainer.....bob Lol. Right? Sorry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 15, 2019 Author Share Posted August 15, 2019 More info: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catsburg_Store https://www.opendurham.org/buildings/catsburg-country-store https://abc11.com/realestate/historic-durham-country-store-free-to-anyone-willing-to-move-it/5465074/ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted August 15, 2019 Share Posted August 15, 2019 I say go for for it. Of course i love to spend OPM. A hang over from my days with an expense account......😊....bob 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 15, 2019 Author Share Posted August 15, 2019 Lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 15, 2019 Author Share Posted August 15, 2019 Here is where I live, and would plunk the store.... this says 1914, but my records show the back of my house to be late 1800s and the front (2 story part) 1909. http://www.opendurham.org/buildings/2303-fletchers-chapel-rd 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted August 15, 2019 Share Posted August 15, 2019 (edited) Oh YEAH! I can see you lazing in that porch swing. Sipping a mint julep. Old Red your faithful coon dog lazing by your side. You, gently stroking his ear as you "sit a spell" and spin stories about the old store and it's moon shining sheriff to rapt visitors. Caint you jess smell them magnolias?.........Hmmmm?............Bob Seriously. Way beautiful home. You are blessed............Bob Edited August 15, 2019 by Bhigdog (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
50jetback Posted August 15, 2019 Share Posted August 15, 2019 Give Mr EARL a call - He's looking for a new project!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 15, 2019 Author Share Posted August 15, 2019 1 hour ago, Bhigdog said: Oh YEAH! I can see you lazing in that porch swing. Sipping a mint julep. Old Red your faithful coon dog lazing by your side. You, gently stroking his ear as you "sit a spell" and spin stories about the old store and it's moon shining sheriff to rapt visitors. Caint you jess smell them magnolias?.........Hmmmm?............Bob Seriously. Way beautiful home. You are blessed............Bob Thanks. She photographs well. Lots of work still to be done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted August 16, 2019 Share Posted August 16, 2019 Buick Gardens, North! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted August 16, 2019 Share Posted August 16, 2019 3 hours ago, NC-car-guy said: Here is where I live, and would plunk the store.... this says 1914, but my records show the back of my house to be late 1800s and the front (2 story part) 1909. http://www.opendurham.org/buildings/2303-fletchers-chapel-rd Oh man! That is magnificent, Matt. Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted August 16, 2019 Share Posted August 16, 2019 @NC-car-guy Wow! What a nice place! That front door is VERY nice! The store would look great there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Roth Posted August 18, 2019 Share Posted August 18, 2019 Go for it - We'll plan to visit, and maybe bring along some "Fixin's" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
38Buick 80C Posted August 20, 2019 Share Posted August 20, 2019 So I'm one of those nasty developers that wants things like this out of my way (somewhat tongue and cheek as I love stuff like this, but business is business). But I don't want bad press I want positive press. If you can find a way to get the historical society involved, (possibly fund some of the move) and the historical society gives their blessing and gives the developer good press, then you have an ACE to play. As a nasty developer I've paid to move something like this to avoid the bad press at a cost of $50K, but it was worth it. In my case I HAD to do it because NCDOT didn't want the bad press either and I needed them to build me a road. SOOOO you may have more leverage than you think but don't overplay your hand either. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KongaMan Posted August 20, 2019 Share Posted August 20, 2019 1 hour ago, 38Buick 80C said: So I'm one of those nasty developers that wants things like this out of my way (somewhat tongue and cheek as I love stuff like this, but business is business). But I don't want bad press I want positive press. If you can find a way to get the historical society involved, (possibly fund some of the move) and the historical society gives their blessing and gives the developer good press, then you have an ACE to play. That can be a double-edged sword. Sometimes a historical society equates involvement with ownership or control. Next thing you know, they're telling you what you can and can't do with it. And for that reason, think twice about getting it listed on any type of historical register. You may find that doing so comes with all manner of restrictions on usage, restoration, etc. And check it out real well. Nostalgia notwithstanding, you may find that you just paid out the wazoo for a pile of scrap lumber. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 20, 2019 Author Share Posted August 20, 2019 1 hour ago, 38Buick 80C said: So I'm one of those nasty developers that wants things like this out of my way (somewhat tongue and cheek as I love stuff like this, but business is business). But I don't want bad press I want positive press. If you can find a way to get the historical society involved, (possibly fund some of the move) and the historical society gives their blessing and gives the developer good press, then you have an ACE to play. As a nasty developer I've paid to move something like this to avoid the bad press at a cost of $50K, but it was worth it. In my case I HAD to do it because NCDOT didn't want the bad press either and I needed them to build me a road. SOOOO you may have more leverage than you think but don't overplay your hand either. Well I'm not the only interested party. A historical group is already involved which is why I'm their top choice (keeping it local, not totally disassembling it, etc) but no desire for designation. I doubt I could get more money out of the current owner as he has options. He's also no stranger to bad press, and the news is already following this. We'll see 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
38Buick 80C Posted August 20, 2019 Share Posted August 20, 2019 i said nothing about designation... just their blessing is all 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 23, 2019 Author Share Posted August 23, 2019 So today was the big meeting. According to the owner the #1 priority is timeline ....end of September he wants it gone. There were clearly people there with much more money and clout than I. It was a fun thought while it lasted. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted August 23, 2019 Share Posted August 23, 2019 1 hour ago, NC-car-guy said: There were clearly people there with much more money and clout than I. It was a fun thought while it lasted. Sorry, but also thinking they saved you a lot of trouble. 😉 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 23, 2019 Author Share Posted August 23, 2019 3 minutes ago, JohnD1956 said: Sorry, but also thinking they saved you a lot of trouble. 😉 Lol if trouble was an issue I'd have stopped about 24 cars ago..... 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted August 23, 2019 Share Posted August 23, 2019 4 hours ago, NC-car-guy said: So today was the big meeting. According to the owner the #1 priority is timeline ....end of September he wants it gone. There were clearly people there with much more money and clout than I. It was a fun thought while it lasted. Count your blessings Yung Mi. Rita and I spent every weekend and most weeknights for 5 years restoring an old dilapidated Queen Anne Victorian only to have a close by Ford dealership buy the railroad property in front us and turn it into a car storage lot. We ended up selling it for a loss, buying our current property and came very, very close to moving an old house to it. After putting pen to paper and also realizing what we were about to embark on in the way of work, we dismissed the idea. We lived in a rented double wide two years while I drew up plans for our current Victorian Farmhouse and I spent weekends and vacations demolishing and reclaiming lumber, flooring, beadboard, victorian corbels and other trim work for it. One of the houses we demolished was the house we had considered moving. The mantlepiece you have seen in the living room came from it. We never regretted walking away from the house moving project. I think the one old house you already have plus a fun Buick project every now and then will be enough to keep your mind and hands busy enough in the coming years. And it will be interesting to hear if the old store truly does get moved. I'm thinking it will likely be deconstructed and pieced out. Keep us posted. 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted August 23, 2019 Share Posted August 23, 2019 5 hours ago, NC-car-guy said: Lol if trouble was an issue I'd have stopped about 24 cars ago..... Nice to have someone around that makes my 20 look amateurish. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted August 23, 2019 Author Share Posted August 23, 2019 1 hour ago, Thriller said: Nice to have someone around that makes my 20 look amateurish. Lmao. I don't have 24 at once. That's @MrEarl 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted August 24, 2019 Share Posted August 24, 2019 Dreams are one thing, reality another, I've always had a problem keepin the two straight. Don't be like me. It' gets hard selling dreams. It's getting to be all about maintaining now for me. Listen to Aunt May 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 So?......up dates please......bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted September 11, 2019 Author Share Posted September 11, 2019 3 minutes ago, Bhigdog said: So?......up dates please......bob My grandma is very ill recently (92) and my family is reckless and fighting over her care etc so I've been running home on weekends as much as possible. Ive also been on the phone many late nights, I'm so distracted I worry about my employment so I withdrew my interest in this project. I do hope it finds a good home and offered my help if needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 First things first. Sincere best wishes.......bob 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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