The Shaw House, built in the 1920s and once home to former mayor Victor Shaw, has long been an iconic piece of Charlotte’s architectural history. The (rundown) Plaza Midwood home was at risk of being sold as a teardown until a dedicated group of preservation-minded professionals recently gave it new life.
Rob Haney of the TerraNova Group, along with Dickens Mitchener REALTOR®/Brokers Winnie Simmons and Gabi Culpepper, saw potential beyond the deterioration. Together, they transformed the historical property, both honoring its roots and adapting it for modern living.
Collaboration That Preserved History
The restoration was a true labor of love. “What makes the Shaw House stand out is the fact that they chose to restore a historic home. Charlotte is known more for raising homes and building from scratch,” Culpepper explains.
Instead of a teardown, the team took a preservation-first approach. They brought the Shaw House up to today’s standards while honoring its original character. Their collaboration resulted in a home that not only functions beautifully for modern life but also anchors the neighborhood in its original architecture.
In Charlotte, a city that expands by 117 people a day, there’s tension between preserving historical housing and increasing much-needed density. Eight new cottage residences were added to the homesite, but the Shaw House still stands proud as a reminder of Charlotte’s rich history.
“We need housing desperately, but it is really nice to increase density and preserve history all at the same time,” Simmons says.
A Model for Restoration in Charlotte
The Shaw House is now a shining example of what can be accomplished when history is preserved with care and creativity. Original features were thoughtfully retained, while updates were made to reflect the expectations of today’s homeowners. This approach offers a compelling alternative to demolition and new construction, one that respects the past while making space for the present.
At Dickens Mitchener, we are proud to support projects like this, which demonstrate that good design, smart planning, and a love of Charlotte’s neighborhoods can result in truly remarkable homes.
Watch the video “Shaw House: The Anchor Home” for an inside look at the results of this incredible preservation effort.
