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TRYON—To preserve the legacy of legendary musician Nina Simone, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has undertaken extensive restoration and revitalization efforts for the icon’s childhood home. 

Melissa Jest, the senior manager of Preservation Projects at the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust, recently spoke with the Bulletin about the organization’s recent hiring of a contractor and commitment to creating an interpretive space that will inspire and educate future visitors. Jest works with communities wherever the organization has a physical project and helps guide it into the future, including the Nina Simone house at 30 East Livingstone Street.

“We were lucky to get a contractor of the caliber of Every Angle Inc. out of Marshall, NC, to lead the restoration process,” said Jest. “There are so many facets besides preservation and repair, like getting it ready for visitation and creating an interpretive space where future visitors can come and be inspired. 

“Nina was also innovative, and we want this site to be the same. Every Angle Inc. is experienced in metal work and will install an ADA-compliant ramp that will not interfere with the original structure built, which was between 1918 and 1920. They will also use geothermal heating and cooling to moderate the temperature, so visitors are not bothered by a noisy HVAC.”

Jest said that the contractors and subcontractors were slated to begin their work on August 5. 

“One of their first steps will be to redo the exterior siding to rewire the house, add Wi-Fi, and add electricity so as not to disturb the inside of the home. That way, visitors are actually putting their hands where Nina and her family members placed their hands.”

Jest explained that the plan and design will be similar to what has been done at other historic landmarks, including the Philip Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut, or the Lincoln House in Washington, D.C.

“The Nina Simone house is owned by Daydream Therapy, LLC., a collaboration between four New York artists that launched to save the residence, which was languishing and had not been lived in years when they discovered it was up for sale,” Jest said. “We and the owners see a day where artists can come to record and play music, paint, and create on the grounds. The goal is for the house to be an interpretive site where visitors are not told a story but can let their own personal experiences inform them. Simple places can inspire and get us to act when you carry what you experienced home.”

Jest concluded by saying that the Eastside community is where the seeds were planted which led Eunice Waymon to become Nina Simone. 

“The Eastside community was her safe haven. She was innovative in many ways. She wanted to be a classical musician, but her life took a different course, and she ended up playing in other venues, which led to her becoming the icon she is today,” explains Jest. 

“The Town of Tryon played an important part in making her who she was and has been a fantastic partner to work with, especially the Eastside Community, Tim Daniels, the TDDA, and the neighbors on Markham Road. We thank them for their patience with the project. We also want to hear from the community ideas for interpretations of signs, businesses, and ways to guide folks to the property.”

For more information on the project, visit savingplaces.org/places/ninasimone.