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JOHN ERWIN RAMSAY, FAIA (1915-1991) John Erwin Ramsay FAIA was born in Salisbury NC. Ramsay's father, John Ernest Ramsay, was also an architect, but architecture in Salisbury early in the 20th century couldn’t support a family, so the elder Ramsay became the manager of Harris Granite Company while continuing to design buildings, including many of the homes in the town's West Square Historic District. Ramsay graduated from the McCallie School in Chattanooga TN. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina in 1938 and a Master of Architecture from Yale University in 1941. After graduation, he worked briefly for Carr and J. E. Greiner Architects and Engineers. Following active duty in the Navy from 1941-1946, he established John Erwin Ramsay Architect in Salisbury. In 1956, the firm became John Erwin Ramsay AIA Architect and Associates, Inc. It was Ramsay Associates from the 1970s through Ramsay's death. In 1992 the firm became Ramsay, Burgin, Smith, Architects, Inc., with the addition of Bill Burgin and Donna Smith, which continues today. As strong proponents of modern architecture, Ramsay and Associates were responsible for the design of many award winning modernist residences and buildings, including the Rowan County Health and Agricultural Building, Alderman Studios in High Point, the American Square showroom for American of Martinsville Furniture in Thomasville, and the College (Robertson) Community Center in Salisbury. His design talents extended to traditional structures as well, including the First Presbyterian Church and Rowan Public Library in Salisbury. He was president of AIANC in 1951, and became a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1964. He served for many years as President of the NC Board of Architecture and was Vice president of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Ramsay’s Architectural practice spanned 50 years. He retired from practice in 1989 and died in 1991. |
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1939 - The W. M. Elliott Residence, 106 West Colonial Drive, Salisbury NC. His first house while in design school at Yale. The 1984 owner was John G. Riley. Photo by Gabe Nicholson.
1940 - The Carson Brantley Residence, 643 Mahaley Avenue, Salisbury NC. Another house while in design school at Yale. The 1984 owner was Harold B. Ervin Jr. Photo by Gabe Nicholson.
Around 1941 -
The
Don Clements House,
12 Oak Road, Salisbury NC
1948 - The Dan Ritchie Residence, Stevens Street, China Grove NC.
1949 - The J. R. McCartney House,
17 Oak Road, Salisbury NC |
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1950 - His own house on 16 Pine Tree Road, Salisbury NC. Ramsay won an AIANC Merit Award for this house in 1955. Sold by Ramsay in 1981 to current owners James F. and Gerry Hurley. Mr. Hurley claims that after he moved in and made some minor changes John Ramsey said Hurley had "messed up the house." Ron Morgan of Charlotte designed a master suite addition in the late 90's that is sensitive to the original structure. Ramsay's son John points out that if this house was evaluated by today’s LEED guidelines it would receive points for Site Selection, Reduced Site Disturbance, Storm Water Management, Landscape and Exterior Design to reduce Heat Islands, Water Efficient Landscaping, Resource Reuse, Local/Regional Materials, Increase Ventilation Effectiveness, Daylight & Views, and Innovation in Design. Ramsay was clearly ahead of his time. Color photos by Gray Stout. |
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1950 - The Alexander/Johnston House,
17 Pine Tree Road,
Salisbury NC.
1951 -The James C. Coffey Residence, 8 Pine Tree Road, Salisbury NC. Photo by Gabe Nicholson. |
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1953 - The James M. Myers
House,
13 Oak Road, Salisbury NC
1953 - The Clyde Smith Residence, 460 10th Street, Albemarle NC. The 1984 owner was T. F. Kelly. Photos by Gabe Nicholson.
1953 - The McKenzie Residence, 435 10th Street, Albemarle NC. Split level house includes maids quarters and an underground bomb shelter in the backyard. Photos by Gabe Nicholson.
1953 - The George L. Burke Residence, 120 Shady Lane, Salisbury NC. Photos by Gabe Nicholson. Very small and efficient. Built by the owner.
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1954 - The Robert J. Levin House,
100 Braxton Street, Mount Gilead NC.
1955 - The William Smith Kirk Residence, 10 Mulberry Circle, Salisbury NC. The 1984 owner was I. H. Pope Jr. The current owner, name unknown, knew Ramsay but had to do a complete gutting to accomplish a renovation. The only things from Ramsay left inside is some of the trim. The new owner also covered the Roman brick in new stucco. Photos by Gabe Nicholson.
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1956 - The William C. Stanback House, 1722 East Park Road, Salisbury NC. When Bill Stanback's wife died, he lived here with his children and later married Nancy Hart. Ramsay bought it for himself when he moved out of Pine Tree Road. Sold in 1993 to current owners Bruce and Jackie Wilson.
1956 - The John Gregory Residence,
521 Confederate Avenue, Salisbury
NC.
1956 - The E. L. Brown Residence, 2320 Millbridge Road, China Grove NC. This was built as a farm house, perhaps the most modern farmhouse in NC. Photos by Gabe Nicholson. |
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1956 -
The
Paul Reynolds House,
116 Rebel Road, Salisbury NC
1975 - The Shasta Bryant House,
2061 Royall Drive, Winston-Salem NC.
Photos by Gabe Nicholson. |
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