Jesse Plaster - Lenoir

Preservation architect Jesse Plaster takes pride in bringing vacant, distressed downtown Lenoir properties back into use. These are buildings that his great-great-grandfather would have seen newly constructed and Jesse bring a passion for that historical connection to his work in downtown Lenoir. His first renovation, a well-loved brick property on Harper Avenue accommodates several businesses. His next project, affectionately referred to as "Little Building with the BIG IMPACT," was the district's first historic tax credit project, won a 2020 North Carolina Main Street Award, and leveraged an abundance of redevelopment opportunities benefiting the historic district. Jesse then constructed five luxury apartments above an event space. His next project, a one-story brick property on Harper Street will be supported by the National Park Service Main Street Façade Improvement Grant program.

This Downtown Champion treasures historic bricks and, thus far, Jesse will have rehabilitated approximately 45,000 square feet of them! With the receipt of this award, Jesse honors the memory of his dear friend and colleague, Jonny Hopper, Jr., who was also an enthusiastic champion of downtown Lenoir’s historic buildings, as well as the Hooper family.

Lenoir is thrilled to recognize Jesse Plaster as a North Carolina Main Street Champion!