MATTHEWS, N.C. – Beginning next week, Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity (GMHFH) will begin necessary repairs and preservation of the historical Rowland-Clay house, built ca. 1929. The repair and preservation work will be completed as part of GMHFH’s Home Preservation and Aging in Place Initiatives. Their Home Preservation Initiative aims to maintain existing affordable homeownership, prevent homeowner displacement, and assists homeowners to live in safe, healthy homes. Their Aging in Place Initiative aims to help older adults make the repairs and modifications necessary to remain in their affordable homes with comfort and dignity.
Rowland-Clay Home in Tank Town
Work will include repairing the roof and rafters, installing piers to lift falling sections of the house, installation of an accessible shower, and repairs to the drywall, floors, and crawl space. All repairs will be completed at no-cost to the homeowner through GMHFH’s Critical Home Repair Program, which works with limited-income homeowners to address essential repairs that will alleviate health and safety issues. Funding for this program is generously provided by the Town of Matthews, The Community Development Block Grant, Mecklenburg County, and individual Habitat supporters.
The Rowland-Clay home was judged by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Landmark Commission as having historical significance based on three characteristics. It is:
- One of only four houses that remain to demonstrate the architecture of Tank Town, a rural community settled by freed slaves in the 1860’s.
- Only one of the four Tank Town homes that is built in the Craftsman style, which demonstrates the strivings of rural African American workers in the first half century after emancipation.
- An important remnant of a rural community, and way of life, that no longer exists in Mecklenburg County.
