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 Constructed
in 1926, the Stuart Motor Company Building has long been a fixture
in the heart of downtown Kernersville. The building's brick and
steel beam construction is an outstanding example of the functionality
and utilitarian construction of 1920's-era commercial buildings.
The building originally housed Stuart Motor Company - an automobile
showroom, garage, and service station - and was constructed by Mr.
Ned R. Stuart, Sr., one of Kernersville's most noteworthy figures.
The original construction also featured a suite of apartments on
its second floor, which served as a home for Mr. Stuart and his
family.
Mr. Stuart served as the Town of Kernersville's first Fire Chief,
its Civil Defense Director, building inspector and as a member of
the town's Board of Alderman. "Mr. Ned," as he was known
by townspeople, was once described by long-time Kernersville News
Editor John Staples as one of the town's most rugged individualists,
and also one of its most friendly citizens. The Stuart Motor Company
building also served as a makeshift fire station in the early years
of the Kernersville Fire Department, as well as meeting place for
the men of the town.
The East Mountain Street face of the building was renovated in
1987, and the building was placed on the National Historic Registry
in January, 1988.
In 2007, the rear two-thirds of the building, including the portion
that once housed Stuart Motor Company's garage, was renovated and
is now the home to Coltrane, Grubbs & James, PLLC. The firm's
offices make use of the building's original brick interior walls.
The open interior leaves exposed the massive steel girders as well
as the original skylights and garage door. Architectural design
was by Owen Architecture, and the interior design was by Workplace
Strategies. R.P. Murray, Inc. of Kernersville was the general contractor.
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