Dr. Robert H. Greene House
2009 Preservation Award Winner
Award: Honorable Mention Preservation Residential
Owner: Thomasina
Massey/EMANSER, LLC
Builder/Developer: D. R. Schwieman, Inc.
Architect: Robert L. Stevenson
Dr. Robert H. Greene House is located at 2001 Oaklawn Avenue in Charlotte. The house is part of the McCrorey Heights neighborhood, and is surrounded by other early twentieth-century homes. Built in 1936, it is among the oldest and largest houses in the neighborhood. It is arguably the best preserved and most architecturally significant house in McCrorey Heights. Its high degree of integrity is due in part to a recent sensitive renovation and to the preservation of its original lot dimensions, despite a widening of Oaklawn Avenue.
With the loss of many houses in the Uptown area, Charlotte is left with few examples of substantial homes that represent the professional class of the African American community prior to World War II. This property was purchased by EMANSER, LLC in August 2007. The property had been vacant for several years and fallen prey to vandals who had removed numerous items such as the mantel, glass door knobs and plumbing fixtures. Renovations were extensive, such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roof, painting, floor refinishing, and an additional 231 heated square feet added with the inclusion of the enclosed sun porch. The building was designated as a local historic landmark by the Charlotte City Council in 2009.