402 Clay Street

35.981742, -78.880652

402
Durham
NC
Cross Street
Construction type
Neighborhood
Building Type
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402 Clay, ~2005

402 Clay, the parcel, was originally part of the Cheek Farm, subdivided by H. A. Foushee and wife Annie H. in 1905 and sold off as individual lots. The 402 Clay parcel was sold to to E. C. McCall on Feb. 3, 1906 for $350. McCall was a clerk with the Durham & Southern Railway Co who previously lived at 201 Vivian Street - it appears that he and his wife Bertha built the house at 402 Clay in 1907 and moved there within the year.

They did not live in the house for long; on 02.26.1912 the McCalls sold the house to James W. Cates and his wife Effie. Cates is listed as a "mill hand" at the Durham Cotton Mfg. Co in 1915, although in the census he is listed as an "overseer" - it seems likely he would have had a position that afforded him a bit more money to be able to afford a house the size of 402 Clay. They, too, did not live in the house for long, selling it to the Durham Cotton Mfg. Co. on 06.14.1919. for $2800.

I didn't trace the city directories after this point; by the 1990s, the house was in the hands of one of Durham's various abandoned historic housing collectors. In the early 2000s, Preservation Durham acquired an option on the property, but it is no longer under option.

402Clay_011122.jpeg

01.22.11


05.08.11

I've always loved the configuration of this house, with the front entrance on the short side, wraparound porch, and projecting bay. It's certainly well worth $27K - I'm not sure why no one has snapped this up, given the other momentum on Vale Street.

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35.981742,-78.880652

Comments

I totally agree, what neat house. Seems it's come into disrepair in a relatively short period of time. May not need as much work as appears, but then again, you never know about the inside. For that price, I'm surprised nobody has purchased it.

This house was listed with Preservation Durham for a number of years, but, if you check our listings on our website (http://preservationdurham.org/epf_new/?page_id=38), you will see that it is no longer listed with us. The property does need quite a bit of work both inside and out, but it could be a great home for someone willing to take it on, and we hope to see that happen.

Sean Stucker
Assistant Director, Preservation Durham

Thanks for the update, Sean. Looks like you've updated your EPF page in the weeks since I wrote this, as it was still listed ~a month ago. Fixed.

GK

I know you people do not live in this neighborhood. I do Get the drugs out Get the gangs out and it might sell!!!!!

Greetings All - I was very seriously considering buying 402 Clay St last year. Went as far as investigating various financing options, grants, found a contractor well versed in historical restorations, even approached an architectural firm doing bespoke restorations, submitted a letter of interest to Preservation Durham along with a portfolio made up of floor plans, samples of flooring, 1900's color samples, etc. Alas, it just wasn't meant to be. I could easily qualify for a new home but banks were extremely difficult regarding restorations. The uncertain economic outlook a year ago didn't help :). If I had to do over, I would leave the banks out of it. Save my monies and go for it. I have already built up valuable contacts - contractors, materials suppliers, skilled artisans, etc. I have a powerful vision for the look & feel of this property - hard to extinguish such creative aspirations. One of my friend even christened her "Victoria" - for the period she was built!

HI Mo, Well, my name is Victoria, and I have been looking into this property myself. Could you tell me what quote your contractor gave you to do the work required to live in this beauty? Thank you! V My email: vashdown@hotmail.com

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