The Norville House
In 2006, the Historic Shelby Foundation purchased the Norville House located at 201 Maple Street.
At the time of acquisition, it was one of approximately twenty modest homes in a foreclosure property portfolio—and the only one that still retained its original historic character. Despite the neighborhood’s troubled nature, the board committed to saving the home from unsympathetic renovation or demolition. The purchase price was $5,000.
Following its purchase, modest repairs and renovations were undertaken, and the house was made available for rent. Multiple tenants have come and gone. In the early years, divinity students from Gardner-Webb University lived in the house and provided outreach and ministry in the neighborhood. Later tenants rented the home at below-market rates, and more recent boards maintained this approach. For years, Jim Kunkle generously provided oversight and maintenance of the propery and tenants. Over time, however, deferred maintenance and limited investment led to deterioration.
Located in a historic Shelby neighborhood, the Norville House is a circa-1910 vernacular structure with Gothic Revival details.
It features a steep hip roof with a prominent front gable and centered window, an asymmetrical front façade with two front doors (a design meant to simplify shift workers’ schedules), and a handsome front porch. Other details include large original 2-over-2 double-hung windows on the north and south elevations, a rear porch (partially open and partially enclosed), and a remodeled kitchen/bathroom ell. Inside, you’ll find central back-to-back fireplaces in the front rooms, 10-foot-high tongue-and-groove painted pine ceilings and walls, pine floors, simple mantles, and Victorian moldings and trim.
“The house is a simple five-room balloon frame, full of character despite its modest size... Its tall windows flood the rooms with light, and the double front doors—unusual for a house this size—hint at a time when working families needed practical solutions... With its deep porches, central fireplaces, and pine-paneled interiors, the Norville House still tells the story of early 20th-century working-class life in Shelby.”
Following at least a year of discussion and deliberation, the current board has determined that serving in the role of long-term landlord is not in the best interest of the organization. The decision to sell the property with protective covenants has been made. The Property Committee and board are currently considering rehabilitation options. Board president David Stone is preparing floor plans and cost estimates for consideration. In the meantime, volunteer workdays and an Eagle Scout Community Service Project have focused on stabilization, cleanup and clean out efforts to benefit the property. A decision by the board as to next steps is expected in the coming months.
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The Norville House requires complete rehabilitation, including : roof, HVAC systems, plumbing and electrical upgrades, new kitchen and bathroom(s), winterization and energy efficiency work, foundation and structural work, carpentry repairs, painting, drainage and landscape improvements.