112 N. Elm Street Lumberton, NC

(former) Lumberton Municipal Building
112 N. Elm Street Lumberton, NC
Price: $50,000
Square Feet: 7,520
Year Built:1917


Property Description
A dignified assemblage of classical elements, the former Lumberton Municipal Building (Old City Hall and Fire Station) was built in 1917 during a period of economic expansion in this important 19th century trading center. Sited on a prominent corner in downtown Lumberton, the building is just a block and a half from the Lumber River and Riverwalk, and near the History Museum, the historic Carolina Civic Center, and more.

The building is a two-story brick veneered edifice with an ornately designed Palladian front entrance on one side and two garage bay openings for firetrucks balancing out the other side providing a sense of symmetry. The double-leaf front door with fanlight is flanked by sidelights and Corinthian pilasters supporting an entablature and open pediment. An elaborate historic iron light fixture remains above the fire truck bays. Windows on the first floor along the street include single and tripartite arched openings of nine-over-one sash topped by keystones. Second floor windows are nine-over-nine sash with keystones. The first and second floors are divided by a stuccoed string course. Other exterior features include four interior chimneys, cornice modillions, a hipped slate roof crowned by a wood balustrade surrounding a classical octagonal cupola. Interior features include an attractive pressed metal ceiling in the front conference room area, staircase with balustrade, tile floors and chamfered posts separating the garage bays.

An early postcard indicates that the building was originally a more domestic-scale building five bays wide and five bays deep. The Old City Hall was expanded into its current size in the late 1940s with an addition that seamlessly maintained its stately details and proportions.

After serving as city offices, the library and fire station, there were plans to use the Old City Hall as meeting space and exhibits by the fire department. Some renovations were initiated and although new windows were installed, several of the historic windows were kept and are stored on-site. The interior is divided into large and small spaces including several bathrooms.

The Old City Hall and Fire Station is in good structural condition and can serve a variety of purposes including commercial and/or second floor loft apartments. It will require basic restoration and repair to the roof balustrade and cupola, along with interior and exterior rehabilitation as needed for its proposed use. The Old City Hall is a contributing structure in the National Register Historic District and is eligible for preservation tax credits.