National Mary Potter CluB

oXFORD, nORTH cAROLINA

Founded in 1888 by Dr. George Shaw in Oxford, North Carolina, the Mary Potter Academy began as a boarding school for African American children, aiming to uplift the black community through religious education rooted in Presbyterian values. During the Jim Crow and segregation eras, it became a vital center for the black community, fostering a sense of belonging and producing a strong black middle class, as well as many influential black leaders. Today, the Mary Potter Cultural Complex honors this legacy while reinvigorating the Oxford community. The new complex aims to unite people of all generations and races, offering a space for discussion, collaboration, and celebration. Rather than treating each building separately, the design integrates the entire complex, distributing spaces that can accommodate diverse groups and activities. This holistic approach ensures the complex serves as a living tribute to the Academy’s mission and history.

Program
cultural

Status
Proposal

Awards + Recognitions
2021
Progressive Architecture Award - Citation
AIA North Carolina Merit Award - Unbuilt
AIA Triangle Merit Award - Unbuilt

Credits

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