The charming Paul Ligon House built c.1950 is in the East Durham Historic District near recently rehabilitated Victorian homes. Built for local tradesmen employed by area tobacco and textile mills, the home is a Post-WWII Minimal Traditional-style cottage. Due to its quaint size, this is an ideal project for the do-it-yourself folks looking to retire or those just starting out. The exterior features a large stylized chimney, front gable porch entry, and original windows. The interior is a compact yet sensible floor plan with a living room, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and one full bath. Original wood floors are throughout the home. The surprisingly spacious living room features a fireplace with classic mantel. The living room opens into the dining room which features attractive, paired windows. The full-height cabinet with shelves in the hall provides nice storage. The kitchen opens into the enclosed porch with awning windows on a deck extending 3/4 of the length of the rear of the house. It is an ideal space for enjoying the outdoors over your morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea. The nice-sized lot is shaded by mature plantings. The house is in good condition with basic repairs and cosmetic updates needed. The original Cove-style novelty (or German) siding has been covered in vinyl which will need to be removed.

The East Durham National Register Historic District, just a few blocks east of Downtown, was developed as a neighborhood with middle-class housing between the 1890s and 1940s by the Durham Land and Security Company. Convenient to Duke, NC Central University and Research Triangle Park, the ideally located neighborhood provides an excellent mix of affordable, quality historic homes. Contributing properties in the historic district are eligible for historic rehabilitation tax credits. As it is located in the East Durham National Register District, it is eligible for historic preservation tax credits.

Durham, North Carolina, the City of Medicine U.S.A., is located about halfway between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the pristine beaches of North Carolina's Outer Banks. With 187,000 residents (223,000 in the County), Durham ranks fourth on the list of largest cities in the state, yet still maintains the friendly character of a small town. Both residents and visitors alike enjoy the host of cultural, historical, educational, and natural amenities that Durham has to offer. For more information, visit www.ci.durham.nc.us or www.durham-nc.com.

About Project RED: Project RED is Preservation North Carolina, Preservation Durham, neighborhood residents and community advocates working together to help build a diverse, vibrant and affordable East Durham by preserving the neighborhood’s wealth of early 20th-century homes. PNC and PD have committed to renovating and selling eight to twelve vacant historic houses and encouraging the private construction of eight to twelve new houses. The houses will be affordable for service workers, public employees, and first-time homeowners. All of the historic Project RED homes will be sold with protective covenants and eligible for historic rehabilitation tax credits as well as other financial incentives.