Owner and preservationists seek landmark designation for Morley and Carroll Care House in Raleigh

The Raleigh City Council on Nov. 4 conducted a public hearing on the nomination of the Morley and Carroll Care House at 2204 Barfield Court for Raleigh historic landmark status. City staff said the 1962 house was designed by Raymond Sawyer, a North Carolina State University School of Design graduate, and retains a high level of integrity: original exterior, windows, doors, fireplaces and much of the interior hardware.

Planning staff noted defining features that include a post-and-beam framework, extensive glass walls that connect the interior to the natural site, natural materials and an open floor plan. The staff report says original blueprints and Sawyer—s sketches are archived in the NC State University Library and that the house is one of a diminishing number of Sawyer residences surviving in Raleigh.

Owner Rob Smart, who submitted the application, praised the house—s design and said preserving the property is his motivation: "Our motivation is to preserve the house as Raymond designed it and also to contribute to Raleigh's modernist house legacy," he told council. Preservation advocates in the public record urged the council to protect modernist residential resources as part of the city's architectural history.

After public comment and questions, the council moved to refer the nomination back to the Raleigh Historic Development Commission for consideration of state comments and hearing input; the motion passed unanimously.