A publication of Historic Downtown Wilson, Wilson NC
012 inter 2 W / l l a F
– No. 4 Vol. 12
Destination: Downtown Economic Development Why Whirligigs? In the last edition of Destination: Downtown Economic Development, we explained how the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Project (VSWPP) goes far beyond saving a world renowned local artHenry ist’s iconic Walston works and creating a world-class public park in Historic Downtown Wilson to serve as both a “commuKimberly nity living Van Dyk room” and an international tourist destination. We discussed the larger purpose for this project being a powerful creative economic development engine for the creation of jobs, the redevelopment of downtown property, the attractor of entrepreneurs, and an innovative educational tool to teach science, art, sustainability, history, and beyond. Hundreds of Wilsonians, now intimately involved, know how the project, which began as a grassroots movement has become quite complex and sophisticated and has gained national recognition in creative placemaking and creative economic development. We promised each newsletter to delve a bit
more in-depth about different aspects of the project. Last time, we discussed the Economic Development and Educational aspects. This time, we are going to focus on Park Design and Fundraising.
Park Design In the fall of 2011 and the winter of 2012, hundreds of Wilson community members helped create a compelling Conceptual Design of the park along with Durham-based landscape architects Lappas + Havener. A Conceptual Design was unveiled after this process in February 2012. Since then, a diverse group of volunteers and experts – called the VSWPP Design Team – along with Lappas + Havener, have been meeting twice a month to flush out the details of this concept, bringing it closer and closer to becoming reality. This group is charged with complex questions such as the design of the water feature, the look and placement of outdoor furniture, the design of the stormwater management system, the design and functionality of the shade structure and stage, the size and shape of the large green space that will double as a natural amphitheater, and more. Much of this interesting work is challenging, such as choosing and pricing various materials out of which the park could be built, how to create a park that is both engaging and has a high level of public
Several whirligigs are in the process of being renovated at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Repair and Conservation Headquarters located at the corner of Lodge and Barnes Streets in Historic Downtown Wilson. Times photo
safety, and how to light the Whirligigs to recreate the “night time magic” so many fondly remember. We also have a VSWPP Curatorial Team that is working with the VSWPP Design Team to fine tune the placement of the Whirligigs inside the park. They have to contend with issues such as where to place each Whirligig for maximum inspirational visitor experience, sensitivity to the original artist’s intention, and safe distances to place them in proximity to each other
and to other elements in the park. If you have noticed some “dirt moving” on the site of the future park, we have just completed geotesting. The final Design Development will be presented to the Wilson community later this fall at the VSWPP Repair and Conservation Headquarters. Everyone is invited, so stay tuned for more information on this event; then mark your calendar, invite your friends, and we’ll see you there!
See Downtown, Page 2
Historic downtown vision A crossroads of charm and innovation, Historic Downtown Wilson is the heartbeat of a diverse community where arts, culture and unique businesses draw people day and night. Find us on Facebook at “Historic Downtown Wilson”
Boykin Center powered by Greenlight Crossroads of Charm and Innovation A growing energy and excitement is happening in downtown Wilson. There is a new look, a new focus and a vision of what was, but, even better, what is to come. Wilsonians value their history deep in tobacco and cotton, antiques and barbeque. It was a way of life that molded character and created long-standing memories. One can see this heritage proudly showcased in downtown stores such as ReCollections by Wilson Hardware and James Gray & Company. ReCollections by Wilson Hardware features artifacts from Wilson’s past such as vintage signage and hardware, pottery, and tobacco-based décor. James Gray & Company offers a piece of history in the form of Raines & Cox framed photographs. Dating from 1947 forward, the black and white pictures depict nearly every facet of Wilson life from weddings, to schools, to street corners, to the tobacco industry.
As time moved forward, many of the things changed that defined life as Wilsonians knew it. One of Historic Downtown Wilson’s most recognizable buildings played out those transitions through the decades. When the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. Through good, and not so good years, the theatre evolved with the times, serving as a performing stage for traveling Vaudeville acts, silent movies, newsreels, “talkies”, morning cartoons, 3D movies, and even X-rated shows during the 1970’s when downtowns waned as businesses moved to malls. The City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. The reno-
vation project was well under way when, in 1995, the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity while many other groups and individuals shared the credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center in January of 1998. As our world has become more and more technology-based, with new requirements and expectations, The Boykin Center has yet again undergone a transition. In August, high-speed fiber optic broadband was installed in the city’s cultural “gem” by Greenlight, Wilson’s community-owned network which provides video, high speed internet, and phone with local service and support. “These improvements bring joy to everyone entering the door of
See Greenlight, Page 5