339-341 W. Main was built in the 1920s as part of a row of structures replacing earlier frame establishments and industrial uses, such as Seeman's Carriage Works. The area between Corcoran and L & M rapidly took on a retail focus during this era, as the 'core' of downtown to the east focused more on the office and government sectors.
(Courtesy Duke Archives)
Above, mid-to-late 1920s picture showing the completed row of buildings along the southern 'point' of Five Points. One earlier-generation structure remains, set back slightly from the street - more typical of the previous structures. It would be replaced by the Snow Building by 1930. 339-341 is immediately to its right, with the ornamental 'points' atop the cornice.
By the 1950s, 341 was home to "Freedman's." The smaller 339 storefront had a larger built-out 'shelf' as part of the cornice, and was occupied by the Five Points Loan Company.
01.02.53 (Courtesy Herald-Sun)
Interior of the Five Points Loan Company, 01.02.53 (Courtesy Herald-Sun)
339-341, 1990s
(Courtesy Herald-Sun)
This row of structures remains the best-preserved historic architecture in Durham - actually continuing for more than a block without a parking lot.
2007, during a streetscape project to return Main and Chapel Hill Streets to their original two-way configuration.
As of 2011, 339 West Main is home to Center Studio Architecture, and 341 a beauty salon.
339-341 West Main, 09.10.11
Comments
Submitted by Andrew Edmonds on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 1:25pm
The files at the NC State Historic Preservation Office call this the Freedman's & Riddick Printing building.
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