Triangle Modernist Houses

Compiled by George Smart, Jr.                                                          

JOHN STEPHEN
HOLLOWAY, AIA
(1923-2005)

Holloway was a Raleigh native who graduated from the School of Architecture and Engineering at NCSU. He, William Weber, and Ralph Reeves formed one of the largest design firms in Raleigh in 1948 - Holloway, Weber, and Reeves. Terry Waugh, who worked there for a time, designed the circular Harrelson Hall at NCSU in 1961. Holloway and Reeves left Weber to form Holloway and Reeves, beginning a long and successful partnership and consulting with Edward Durell Stone for the NC Legislative Building and the NC Museum of Art.  When Weber died, Holloway and Reeves bought his part of the practice.  Holloway's brother Carey Holloway, who died in 1979, originally worked for Weber but eventually joined his brother's firm.  John Holloway retired in 1986.

1948 - The Lowell Nielsen House, 3208 Darien Drive, Raleigh.  Owned by Mark Kelly.  Still has the original floor heating, and it actually works.  The house was originally 1300 sf and has been expanded to 2200 sf; four bedrooms and three bathrooms. 

1950 - 1220 Duplin Road, Raleigh, built  by Clancy Construction  (before there was a Clancy and Theys).  About 1400 square feet, three bedrooms and a bath and a half and the footprint is in the "shape" of a L and has casement windows, some as large as 6' x 5.  Currently owned by Kevin Kane.

1952 - 1408 Dellwood Drive, Raleigh. Sold in 1976 by the Bolton Corporation to Stephanie Rogister.  Features radiant floor heating which amazingly still works.

1958 - John and Nancy Poe Holloway House #1,  2921 Claremont Drive, Raleigh. Bought by Donnell Cobb in 1971.  Bought by Burks and Allie Crumpler in 1976.  Bought by Richard Kane in 1981.  Bought by Carolyn Elliottt in 1986. 

1960 - The Harris House. 2815 Lakeview Drive, Raleigh.  Still owned by the Harris family.

1965 - His second personal residence at 531 Lakestone Drive, Raleigh. His widow, Nancy Rose Poe Holloway, died in 2006.  The house was sold in January 2008 to Ron and Brenda Gibson then destroyed for a new home currently under construction.  According to Douglas Brinkley, who worked for Holloway and Reeves from 1974-1986, the original floor plan was in the shape of a plus sign with a central interior court including a fish pond. There was a skylight over the pool and at one time had a pyramid shaped planted suspended under the skylight over the pool. John later covered up the pool due to their family bulldog falling.  The interior public areas were very reminiscent of the NC State Legislature Building that the firm worked designed.