The Fabius Briggs House: A Crumbling Raleigh Relic [Updated]
For more than a century rain has been mulling over a way to make a home inside the once regal house on the corner of Ashe Avenue and Hillsborough Street. The house, often referred to as the “Green House” or “The Jackpot House”, drops slate roof tiles as if it were inviting its wet foe inside for an extended stay. The perimeter of the house is littered with malt liquor bottles, window glass, and broken slate.
A story accompanies every house that man inhabits. Much like children, we give these organized piles of lumber and stone an identity of their own when they become the structural shadows of their past residents. The Jackpot House wears its history in plain view. Its weathered green asbestos siding, peeling paint, gray wood, and cinder block appendage tell a vague story of neglect and abuse.
During the late 1800s and crossing over into the first few years of the 1900s, residential development crept onto Hillsborough Street, and the tract along Ashe Avenue between the railroad tracks and Hillsborough Street was in the process of being sectioned off for development. It was during this time the Jackpot House was constructed.
Wake County tax records indicate a build date of 1915. However, city directories and deed research suggest an earlier date of around 1902. The Queen Anne-style architectural details such as the hipped roof with lower cross gables and the gabled dormers also suggest this earlier build date. Porches are very significant in dating a residential structure, but sadly only a small portion of the original porch still exists. It is very likely that the original building had an asymmetrical porch that ran the width of the house and along half of the left side. The portion that exists today is a good indicator of how the original appeared, but it is still difficult to imagine what this house looked like with a lawn and a front porch.
If the house had any dignity remaining before the Jackpot was built, it was lost when the porch was removed. As journalist Michael Dolan once said, “a house without a porch is like a man without eyebrows”. Sifting through its catalog of structural scars reveals a more accurate picture of how this structure came into its own identity, and leads to more questions that beg deeper investigation and further speculation.
It is believed that the house was built for the family of Fabius Briggs, a son of Thomas H. Briggs, the founder of Briggs Hardware. In 1874, the Briggs Hardware building on Fayetteville Street was Raleigh’s tallest building and remained so for three decades. The Briggs family has deep seated roots in Raleigh and the family business continues to operate today. The Fabius Briggs family lived at 1301 Hillsborough Street until around 1927. By 1929, the Great Depression brooded over the city, and in 1932 the Raleigh Building and Loan Association acquired the house through foreclosure. It likely spent a time unoccupied, and was eventually rented to a Raleigh lawyer, and then to the Sigma Nu fraternity for ten years.
By 1944, the once palatial residence had been humbled and abused by its tenants. It had lost its innocence, status, and shine. It was around this time that a Greek family by the name of Kledaras bought the Briggs house, which they would own for the next 60 years. In 1949 an architect unwittingly drafted the fate of the old house alongside plans for three storefronts: a dry-cleaners, The Brite Spot Restaurant, and a contractor and building estimator.
Present day, store fronts
One might wonder why someone would destroy any outward aesthetic appeal of a turn of the century Queen Anne house by attaching an ugly cinder block building. Simply put, in the mid 1950s this style of architecture was out-dated and all too common. In the eyes of a 1950s Raleigh resident, 1301 Hillsborough Street was a throwback to a time that was becoming increasingly hard to identify with. In recent years, the Garland Jones building in downtown Raleigh gained attention for its modernist exterior and was considered ugly and outdated by many Raleigh residents. The revolving door of architectural trends had come full circle. The Raleigh residents who designed and built Garland Jones were also razing and turning their collective noses up at gaudy, ornate turn of the century architecture. We are simply mirroring the actions of our ancestors with a new aesthetic ideology.
By the 1960s, the three storefronts and a rooming house occupying the Briggs House itself had been open for more than a decade. The 1970s proved to be a rough time for the house and its appendage. The Brite Spot restaurant became an aptly named strip club bearing the same name. The house, virtually abandoned at this time, naturally became a place for patrons of the strip club to get “privacy”. The house had become a den of iniquity, and would remain so for some years to come. When the city cracked down on strip clubs in the late 1970s The Brite Spot closed. The cinderblock building was then home to a long list of bars and other establishments, while rooms in the house were rented out — or left abandoned.
Fireplace, main floor
A beautiful oak staircase runs along the left wall and turns up at a right angle to the second floor. Walking up, dark wood surrounds you. Waist-high rail and stile paneling runs the length of the wall opposite the banister, worn smooth by thousands of hands. The steps have become concave, and the walls seem to ache with age.
The future looks bleak for the Briggs House. Recently condemned by the city of Raleigh, its days are numbered — unless it is either brought up to code, or moved. Preservation North Carolina (PNC) is working to save it; however it seems the only way to preserve the house is to move it. This option would require a tremendous amount of effort and money. The gleaming question is whether it is worth all the trouble. History buffs and architecture geeks would certainly chime in with a resounding “yes”, but sadly the majority of people would remain apathetic to its destruction.
Whatever the future holds for this old structure, one can confidently attest to its long life and steadfast nature. Personally, I take comfort in knowing that I’ll be here in 30 years, telling a new generation of Raleigh residents — “There once was a wonderful old house that sat right there” — the very words that I find so fascinating today.
[Post updated April 30, 2011]
Definitive plans for the Briggs house have been increasingly hard to come by. What we do know is that the house is still on-site and is still racking up reprieves to its ultimate destruction or, optimistically speaking, its relocation. A fourth 90-day extension was granted by City Council earlier this month, and it will probably be the last. Following the demise of the Jackpot last Fall, the structure has fallen victim to increasing vandalism, specifically to the interior. The exterior is gradually crumbling as well, and nearly all the windows have fallen out. Hopefully some sort of resolution will come soon, so the house can either be moved or carefully dismantled to save its valuable interior artifacts.
Recently, Goodnight Raleigh reader W.E Carter sent us a revealing photograph from 1941 picturing the brothers of Sigma Nu fraternity. This photo is an amazing documentation of the Briggs House, to say the least. The photograph shows what we’ve all been hoping to see — the long-lost front porch. The paired double-columns and the buff-colored brick plinths are typical of the Queen Anne-Neo-Classical-Colonial Revival transition style house so popular in Raleigh at the turn of the 20th century. The porch details should be familiar to discerning eyes, as part of the original wrap-around porch still remains on the left side of the house.
Goodnight Raleigh will keep our readers posted on any new information we may learn about the ultimate fate of the Fabius Briggs House.
Sigma Nu brothers pose in front of the Fabius Briggs House in 1941. Mr. Carter’s father, Wilton E. Carter, Sr., is the young man seen third from the left, top row.
Below are some parting shots I got of the interior a few days ago.
Detail of the incredibly beautiful stair hall paneling.
Doors to nowhere?
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10/30/2009
Beautiful, Ian. I’ve been waiting for this piece. I couldn’t believe you didn’t have all the answers a couple of months back. I knew you’d be getting them soon. I’m glad you’re writing now. You’re really good at it.
10/30/2009
Thank you! This house has always intrigued me. Wonderful job. I always wondered what the interior looked like. It is both beautiful and tragic.
I’ve wondered if the southern wing of the Carter Building (14 Glenwood) is another instance of a once-grand house wrapped in cinderblock. A hipped roof with cross gables is clearly poking out the top of the building.
10/30/2009
Nicely written, Ian. I love the accompanying photos. I hope that at least parts of the house can be salvaged if the whole thing cannot be moved/restored/whatevs.
10/30/2009
Is that a hand/fingers I see on the staircase? Kinda creepy!
Wonderful article!
10/30/2009
I grew up here in the sixties/seventies. If for only as a sort of memorium to what was lost, this ghost should be saved.
Peter
10/30/2009
So interesting – been curious about this house for many years.
10/30/2009
Awesome post and really awesome pics. Even if the thing gets torn down (likely) this post will exist until the internet gets torn down. Thank god for that.
10/30/2009
So glad you wrote about this house. Would love to see additional interior photos. Always thought it was a shame to deface the house and then let it deteriorate. As one who has restored a similar old house nearby, I would hate to see this house lost!
10/30/2009
Nice work, Ian! I was afraid it wouldn’t get written! Still jealous you got to go inside.
10/30/2009
This house was supposed to be an atists co-op a few years ago…i think that it should be saved!
10/30/2009
Amazing writeup and pictures. The interior looks amazing–hard to believe so much is still there after decades of mistreatment. I hope Preservation NC has some luck getting the house moved, or at least delaying its deconstruction.
Yes…what is that on the lower staircase railing? Was someone there when you took that picture?
L
10/30/2009
And this is why I love your blog! I’ve always wondered about the sad green house; what it used to be and how it got to be so gross on the outside. OH to be able to save it!!! I wish I had the means to do so…
10/31/2009
Hey, man, you got a dollar? Bring me some Orange Driver.
10/31/2009
I don’t know if its the orange driver talking but the photos are really good. By the way, DO NOT EVER come into my house again! Willie and I live there and dont appreciate trespassing
11/01/2009
Great post! but no mention of the “ghost”? as I remember the story was that when it was a rooming house one of the transient state fair workers fell asleep with a lit cigarette and burned to death. I got a late night tour from one of the bartenders (during the Bourbon St days) and was shown what (after a few beverages and in the middle of the night) looked like the charred outline of a body – SPOOKY!
Even in the middle of the night in the dark the details of this place were amazing. I hope that it won’t be demolished.
11/01/2009
I drive by this house all the time and always have wondered about its history. I guess becoming a frat house was the first nail in the coffin (like Elizabeth Lawrence’s old house). It is beautiful inside and it is hard to imagine that those with the power to save it are going to tear it down.
11/02/2009
Beautifully done Ian.
11/02/2009
Did anyone else notice the half invisible hand on the banister railing in the last picture?? Is that real or doctored? The article was great by the way – very intriguing.
11/02/2009
Ian, excellent article! I’m glad so many of the commenters are interested in seeing this house saved. There is a lot of quality left in it, and we are going to do our best to see it saved. If anyone has any bright ideas or wants to help out, drop me a line.
Thanks!
Elizabeth Sappenfield
Preservation NC / National Trust for Historic Preservation
esappenfield@presnc.org
11/02/2009
Have lived within a mile of this house for almost 20 years now and pass it almost daily. I always wondered what the story was and again- your site comes through with a great article. Keep up the good work and let us know about any plans on this fantastic piece of Raleigh history.
11/02/2009
What’s up with the hand on the railing?
11/02/2009
The hand on the railing is the result of a long exposure. The hand was removed halfway through the exposure.
11/02/2009
Ian, as you can see from the above comments, so many of us have wondered about this historic gem that appears to be slipping through our fingers. Thank you so much for the insight into its history. Googling can only get you so far answering questions about pieces like these. Maybe Raleigh needs a site to commemorate Raleigh’s architectural treasures lost to apathy or bad executive decision making. It could showcase pieces such as the Garland Bldg, as you mentioned, The Catalano House (possibly getting rebuilt?), Isaac Hunter’s Tavern (now a Hilton…), etc. Perhaps the sheer volume of incredible losses would raise awareness around us.
Once again, thanks again for the terrific research, insight, article!
11/02/2009
I worked in that place for years. My boss was the owner of the Brite Spot. I have seen some crazy stuff in the front and the back of that place. It is nice to see the interest in the place. There is/was some amazing woodwork in there.
11/02/2009
Wonderful article Ian! I too have been waiting to see this house written about on Goodnight Raleigh. What a long strange trip this house has had. I can only hope that it is not drawing to an end so soon. Thank you for shining a light on this little piece of Raleigh.
11/03/2009
Great job! That staircase is quite impressive.
11/03/2009
Awesome read. Great investigative work on digging up the research, which really makes the photos that much better.
Also, I’m really glad I didn’t see the staircase photo (and “ghost hand”) before Halloween. Nice!
11/03/2009
With the house condemed, what is the fate of the Jackpot? Honestly only been in there once and had to leave because of the smoke (I’m one of those recent transplants from the northeast that can’t wait for Jan. 2, 2010). I’m not sure I’m hipster enough for the place anyway … but the question remains … does the condemnation apply the commercial structures in front of the house, too?
11/04/2009
My grandmother owned the “Green House” as we called it for many years and ran it as a boarding house. There are many great stories that I remember from my childhood. I can remember being both fascinated and frightened by the sheer size of the structure as a small boy. The giant winding staircase seem to lead to the heavens. The tall ceilings appeared to be 30 feet high. I truly hope (for sentimental reasons) that the house is saved. It really is one of Raleigh’s unique structures.
11/04/2009
Tom H – you don’t happen to have family photos of the house (or people with the house in the background), do you? We will need photos of the house – preferably before the construction of the commercial building in the 1950s – to reconstruct the porch and front rooms.
Thanks!
11/04/2009
Goodnight, Raleigh! has learned that the Raleigh City Council supports the efforts of Preservation NC to save the Fabius Briggs House. At the council meeting last night the administrator of the Inspections Department suggested that the best remedy is to wait until December when they will come forward with the repair or demolition order (part of the standard process). At that time the Inspections Department will recommend a 120-day extension. It is hoped this will give PNC and its partners more time to develop a sound plan of action to save the structure from demolition.
One commenter has asked why, if the house itself is condemned, then why not the Jackpot building as well. According to the housing inspection administrator in the City of Raleigh Inspections Department, the Construction Division of Inspections would process any building case activity for 1301 Hillsborough (the Jackpot) due to it being a commercial building. The Housing Division has an unfit housing case associated with 2 Ashe Avenue (i.e. the Briggs House) that is located directly behind the Hillsborough Street building. Technically, then, the Briggs House has not actually been ‘condemned,’ but has been found at the present time to be ‘unfit for human habitation,’ apparently a ‘lesser’ offense.
11/06/2009
I’m really glad to hear the city’s looking at saving this. Jasmin’s right above, the house was an art co-op/studio for a while recently (well, maybe 10 years ago); I remember going to openings. The other day I was riding by in the morning and watched two drunk guys fighting on the side porch. I think it ended ok, though; as I rode off one of them was pushing the other to the ground in a headlock while saying “I love you man” over and over again. Another great post, Ian, thanks!
11/06/2009
Awesome article! I did not know anything about the building prior to the aughties, other than experiences hanging out in its attic studios and a pretty wild new years party that kicked off 2007.
11/08/2009
Cheers for this post. I am contemplating undertaking the restoration of a 100 yr old Victorian in East Durham. Amazing how I now notice architectural gems all over the place. If this gorgeous building does get demolished, will the treasures contained within get salvaged? I might have a home to preserve them if need be. I will watch this space for updates…
11/14/2009
I live across the street and am ready to see this thing come down. Such a low spirit. It’s sad really.. If only it was kept in better condition.
11/15/2009
Beautiful writing Ian. It is a fitting tribute to one gem of a house. I had no idea that it looked like that inside. The fireplaces are amazing!—its so sad to me that these houses often fall victim to teardowns.
I love the starry night picture of the roof too!
Renee
11/29/2009
I haven’t been in Raleigh in almost 40 years, so I looked up the address and was stunned to see that the house was so close to Ashe Ave. Does anyone know what happened to the stone house on Ashe, a few houses off Hillsborough? I can’t believe that I don’t recall this house, or at least the bar attached to it. But I remember well when Ashe Ave was the closest thing Raleigh had to Haight Ashbury! Good luck to preserving the house – the inside is stunning. If the house must be demolished, I imagine a non-profit called Southland, which works with PresNC will try to salvage as much as possible. The stairs are beautiful.
11/29/2009
The only time I was ever in this house was in 1980 to visit David Sedaris who, at the time, was waiting tables at The Breakfast House across from the Bell Tower. I do not know how long he lived there.
12/14/2009
this is exciting. maybe they will find the remainder of the Briggs treasure in the backyard. in case you didnt know, Loyalist Briggs family buried gold in 1778, waiting for this revolution thing to blow over. Some was found in 1866, the rest, .well, its somewhere.. still waiting.
04/18/2010
In early 2007 I fell in love with a boy working in Raleigh at his DJ night. He played in a garage rock band and they used to practice in this house. In his little room he had pinned up record cover all over the walls and had his turn-tables to host many a late dance parties after the Jackpot would close. We fell in love in three short weeks, in that very room on an old white vinyl couch we would stare at each other for hours, listening to records, the ghosts in the house, smiling. I would have to dash into the old bathrooms holding my nose, and buy water to bring in from a nearby convenience store. Living in Carrboro at the time, I had never really spent much time in Raleigh, and so my introduction to the city was one of romance and excitement, especially at night, especially at that old house where he stayed.
04/22/2010
I rented a studio in the Green House for 3-4 years and spent a great deal of time there with the ghosts and animals keeping things interesting. The house created many wonderful memories that I will always laugh about. I hated to leave this wonderful house, but problems always arising, not getting fixed forced me to leave. The pigeons, bats, wasps, birds and bums were nowhere near as bad as the crumbling foundation and the giant ever growing hole in the back bedroom roof. The idea of repairing the house is great, but needs to start yesterday. The hole in the roof allows a great deal of water to run down the structure beams every time it rains. I can only imagine what it looks like in that room now. The rest of the house was in fairly good shape that a coat of paint could be all that is needed. Now if someone is considering the repair over the wrecking ball, a tarp over the hole should be the first on the list until the city makes their decision. Also this IS A HISTORICAL SITE which should remain in Raleigh for we are losing more and more of the history of the capital city every day. I am glad to see this article on the place. It is well worth the time that it took to find it. Thanks!
04/24/2010
Speaking of banister worn smooth by thousands of hands, there is a ghostly hand at the bottom of the railing and something else about to grab the first railing post. Looks interesting.
05/05/2010
Many thanks for this story; I’m one of the many who have wondered about this house too. I pass it almost every day (I live nearby.) If there’s an effort to raise money to save it, please let us know. Those interior photos are impressive. I figured the interior would be as beat up as the exterior. BTW, are any parts of it still rented out to artists/bands/etc?
06/26/2010
i noticed the hand too on the rail but did you all notice that there is a second hand wrapped around one of the small post below it? Is it exposer? or over lapping pictures? Or could it be a past resident who just didn’t want to leave this gorgeous house?
06/26/2010
yes! prob not. prob not. who knows?
07/23/2010
What is the status of this house and where is the proposed relocation? Thanks!
07/23/2010
Here’s the latest update from the Urban Issues Office of Preservation NC on the current status of the Fabius Briggs House: “We are working on vetting potential relocation sites and determining how much the whole project will cost. The current extension of time from the city (i.e. a stay of demolition) runs to early October. We have a couple of interested potential buyers.” Or as the director of the Urban Issues office puts it — “…still some interested parties kicking the tires.”
For more info on this and other Triangle area historic properties being offered by Preservation NC –
http://www.presnc.org/index.php?option=com_estateagent&Itemid=80&act=cat&task=showCE&id=4
08/02/2010
EXCELLENT ARTICLE AND ACCOMPANYING PICS! Here’s an idea on tracking down what the porch looked like – if someone was really deadset on “beating the bushes”, one could start by contacting Sigma Nu Fraternity (HQ in Lexington, Va)to see if they had pics in their archives (quite possible) – or at the very least, they could put you in contact with a local Sigma Nu Alumni Assoc rep who could quite possibly knoiw someone, who knows someone…who has an old pic of the house. That’s highly likley but will take time, dedication and patience. Certainly, pics would have been taken of this grand old girl back then. Good luck…and if I win the Powerball, there may be a bidding war!
08/05/2010
Beautiful house. If I lived in NC, I would be very interested in it.
What is with the disembodied hands in the last picture?
02/24/2011
I have a photograph of the Sigma Nu brothers in front of the house in fall, 1941 or spring, 1942. Not so much of the house as photo is made of the group of 27-young men. The front porch was a wrap-around design with a corner of front room to porch with three large windows in a octagon design. House probably had 12′ ceiling as front porch windows are at least 3′ by 7′ high.
02/24/2011
WE Carter, I am VERY interested in this.
We’ve been looking for a picture of the front porch for quite a while now. If you’d be willing to share it, I’d be very grateful!
IFGDunn@gmail.com
02/25/2011
Send me your email to wecarterjr@gmail.com and I will send you the two photos from 1941 and 42.Photos just show portion of front porch as photo is a group picture of the Sigma Nu fraternity.
02/25/2011
Ian, please post any additional photos of the front you find. Would love to see how it looked. With those fabulous stairs, would love to see the building restored. Hope Preservation NC can help.
04/26/2011
Any updates on the current status? We’re well past October and it’s still standing (or at least it was the last time I passed by, a couple of weeks ago) but I’ve not heard any news recently. Seems the impending redevelopment of the blocks adjacent to the Bell Tower and to University Towers have occupied most of the news coming out of that area lately.
Also, I too would love to see those pictures of what the front porch looked like.
04/30/2011
Chris M. and Nancy,
Post has been updated. We will continue to update as new developments unfold. Thanks for reading!
07/05/2011
I was wondering if the Briggs house is still standing and if it is still available. I e-mailed the Preservation Society a couple of months ago about the Briggs house, but never heard back from them.
I know that it would take a good deal of time,and yes, money too, but if at all possible, I think that this would make a lovely home to raise my grandchildren in.
07/07/2011
The Briggs house is still there, but I don’t know what’s going on with it. It is now all boarded up with plywood including the night club in front.
07/10/2011
Local painter Kenneth Eugene Peters recently did a painting of this house that is great, check it out http://kennetheugenepeters.com/Pentimento_Fabius_Briggs_House_Painting.html
07/10/2011
Ok, since it is still standing, I would take it to mean that it is still available. What is the best way to get in touch with the people that are actually selling the house? I know that it is to be moved to another site, but I neither mind or care. I want to buy it if I can.
07/11/2011
Contact Jason Queen at Preservation NC. He’s been trying to work with the owners.
07/11/2011
Unfortunately, we are coming up on the final deadline this month.
07/11/2011
I just sent Preservation NC an e-mail requesting the necessary information for the purchase of Briggs House if it is still possible.
While there are several factors to be looked at, especially the timeline and what kind of work will be necessary, if this can be done it will be well worth it.
07/12/2011
G. Olsson – Please send me your request directly. jqueen@presnc.org
07/24/2011
Did any one notice the transparent hand on the rail of the staircase besides me.
11/15/2011
Did anyone notice the fresh bouquet of flowers seen through the banister under the hand. Demolition has started of the Bolton buildings across the street and I believe the Jackpot and Green House will be gone by 11-30-2011.
12/01/2011
Those flowers are the same ones on the red-tiled mantel in the “Main floor fireplace” photo above. I presume they are silk, but you never know…
The Bolton and Stoudt buildings are completely gone at this point. (12/1) Removal of the Asbestos siding, windows, etc. has commenced on the Briggs house but as of this afternoon the old girl was still standing. That will probably not be the case very, very soon though.
12/05/2011
Gone today. RIP Briggs House.