James Reed Lane - creating through-block pedestrian linkages

  

Old Pool Hall
Demolished in 1990's for creation of a

mid-block pedestrian park

James Reed Lane
under construction

  

James Reed Lane - Today
300 Block of Pollock Street





In 1994, when Swiss Bear heard the owner of the old pool hall was considering selling it, with approval from  the Municipal Service District Advisory Committee and the City, Swiss Bear Board member Stewart Smith approached the owner  and worked out an agreement for the City to purchase the building. Acquiring the property was a long term goal as creating through-block pedestrian linkages  was recommended in the 1977 Revitalization Plan and the 1990 Urban Design Plan. This small one-story building was in poor repair, without architectural distinction and its removal would allow a dramatic direct view of the steeple of the Episcopal Church, mirroring the view of the First Baptist through Church Alley.

Swiss Bear hired Allison Platt & Associates to design a plan for the space with plantings, old brick from the streets of New Bern, street lights, benches and a three-tier fountain. Following demolition of the old building by the City, the project was put on hold as the MSD funds  (an additional tax paid by downtown property owners for public improvements) were committed for streetscape improvements to the 100/200 blocks of Middle Street.

Swiss Bear met the challenge to move the project forward and worked to raise funds and find an appropriate name for the mid-block pedestrian park. Reverend Edward Sharp, Christ Episcopal Church had been a strong supporter of the revitalization effort and Swiss Bear. When I asked for his assistance to recommend a name for the park, he spent a great deal of time researching the project. Through his efforts, the New Bern Board of Aldermen approved our request to name the park James Reed Lane in memory and honor of this 18^th century pioneer in public education. After 230 years, the Reverend James Reed, first rector of Christ Church received belated public recognition for his role in establishing in New Bern, North Carolina’s first incorporated school in 1764.

The City agreed to provide the labor for development of the space if we could raise funds to pay for construction materials, streetlights, benches and planting materials. We initiated a campaign and successfully raised $60,000 with Reverend Sharp’s support. Additional funding for the beautiful three-tier cast iron fountain was contributed by Dr. and Mrs. Harry MacDonald in honor of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.J. MacDonald. John C. Thomas constructed the abstract wood wall hanging and donated and placed the brownstone plaque in the sidewalk that recognizing the MacDonald’s contribution. Contributors to the project are listed on a bronze plaque on the  brick wall facing the park.  

The dedication celebration, held February 25^th was well attended. In addition to remarks from Reverend Sharp, the Swiss Bear Director and Chairman,  Patrick Dorsey, North Carolina Secretary of Cultural Resources was the keynote speaker.

This mid-block pedestrian park is another amenity  that enhances the “walkability and sense of place” of our historic downtown.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director