Built the Biltmore

December 26, 2016 by MY in Out of Town

George Washington Vanderbilt constructed the opulent Biltmore Estate between 1889-1995 in Asheville, NC. At nearly 179,000 square feet of floor space, the expansive home boasts 250 rooms including a gym, indoor pool, and bowling alley. It remains the largest privately owned home in the United States, and is open to the public for tours.

Standing left to right: Edward Burnett, Richard Morris Hunt, George Washington Vanderbilt (original owner of the Biltmore Estate). Sitting left to right: Frederick Law Olmstead (landscape architect who also designed New York City's Central Park) and Richard Howland Hunt (architect). Details here.

(photographs taken at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC; historical photos are images displayed at the Biltmore Estate.)

Street Portrait: "In Provence" Alison

Provence Restaurant

June 12, 2014 by onfranklin&main in Street Portraits

Server at the French/Mediterranean restaurant Provence in Carrboro. She has lived in the area for about ten years and at one time performed on local stages. "I abandoned theater for being a regular person." Alison rhapsodizes about working at the restaurant which from the street looks like a cozy home with an inviting garden bedecked with a purling fountain, stone ledge and a giant rooster. "We are like a hidden gem. It's a little oasis here."

Perhaps it's because she has perspective.

Prior to working at Provence she answered phones for the Town of Chapel Hill Public Works department (as in trash collection, pothole repair, etc. ). "I like serving here. People are real nice. At my old job, people just wanted to call in and yell at you."

(photographed at Provence restaurant on weaver Street in Carrboro)

"Me Gusta el Ambiente" Justin

June 11, 2014 by onfranklin&main in Street Portraits

From Guatemala and lives in Chapel Hill. He's been here seven years and works as a prep cook at Sakura Xpress on Columbia Street. "Me gusta mucho aquí. Me gusta el ambiente y el trabajo." ("I like it a lot here. I like the atmosphere and the work.")

Though he still has family in Guatemala and some here in Chapel Hill, he'd like to have his own one day. "Yo quisiera ser padre y tener familia...No quiero ser sortero." ("I'd like to be a father and have a family...I do not want to remain single.")

(photographed behind Sakura Xpress on Franklin/Main Streets in Chapel Hill)

"Sharing" Barry

June 01, 2014 by onfranklin&main in Street Portraits

Barry is often seen perched alongside a Franklin Street sidewalk. Says he's been in a wheelchair for 15 to 20 years and is usually alone. "I'm cautious." When he describes his story of how an assault led to his condition, he punctuates it with: "God don't like ugly." What he misses most? Gardening.

While I was taking his portrait he repeated how hungry he was. He asked if I could cross the street and buy him a Filet-O-Fish, small fries ("don't come back with a large one"), and an orange juice. I did, handed him the bag of food, and continued on. When I walked back to my car, I thought I saw someone else walking by holding the McDonald's bag I had bought for Barry. So I approached Barry: "Are you giving away the food I'm buying for you?"

"I gave him half," he acquiesced. "You have to share out here."

(photographed on W. Franklin Street between Kenan Street and Basnight Lane in Chapel Hill)