Business Details
11 Years
experience
Historical Preservation Experts in Edenton, NC
Since 2015, Down East Preservation has established itself as a leader in historical preservation and restoration across eastern North Carolina. Our team combines decades of collective experience in construction, design, and craftsmanship to breathe new life into historic structures while honoring their original character. We specialize in restoring privately owned homes, commercial buildings, and historically significant properties, ensuring each project maintains architectural integrity while meeting modern needs. Our Down East Properties division creates custom homes that reflect Edenton's historic aesthetic, while our on-site woodshop and design center offer tailored solutions for cabinetry, interiors, and unique architectural elements. With a proven track record in complex restoration projects like the Kadesh A.M.E.Zion Church and The Station at Wynnes Gut, we bring both technical expertise and deep regional knowledge to every endeavor. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through meticulous attention to detail, adherence to industry standards, and a passion for preserving the cultural heritage that defines our communities. We maintain transparency throughout the process, working closely with clients to deliver results that balance historical authenticity with contemporary functionality. This dedication has earned us recognition as trusted stewards of North Carolina's architectural legacy.
Services
Historical Preservation
Woodworking
Interior Design
Custom Homes
Commercial Restoration
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We specialize in complex historical restoration projects with proven expertise in period-accurate craftsmanship
- Our on-site woodshop creates custom cabinetry and architectural elements tailored to each project's needs
- We maintain original building fabric while integrating modern comfort and functionality
- Our team includes specialists in historic preservation with decades of combined regional construction experience
- We offer end-to-end services from initial design through final construction and finishing touches
Services
Historical Preservation
Specialized restoration of historic buildings maintains original architectural elements while incorporating modern updates. Our team handles structural stabilization, period-accurate material sourcing, and code-compliant renovations. We work with private homeowners and commercial clients to preserve North Carolina's architectural legacy through meticulous attention to historical details.
Woodworking
On-site woodshop creates bespoke cabinetry, moldings, and architectural elements. Master craftsmen produce historically accurate wood components using traditional techniques combined with modern precision tools. Each piece is tailored to match the specific style and period of the building being restored or newly constructed.
Interior Design
Design services focus on creating period-appropriate interiors that balance historical accuracy with modern comfort. Our designers help select materials, finishes, and layouts that complement original architectural features while meeting contemporary living standards through coordinated selections and space planning.
Custom Homes
New construction that incorporates historic design elements from Edenton's architectural past. Homes feature traditional craftsmanship with modern amenities, using authentic materials and construction methods adapted for energy efficiency and contemporary living requirements while maintaining historical aesthetic integrity.
Commercial Restoration
Restoration services for historic commercial buildings maintain exterior facades and interior features while updating infrastructure. We handle adaptive reuse projects that transform old structures into functional modern spaces while preserving their historical character and community significance through careful material selection and construction techniques.
People
Dawson Tyler
Founder
Founded Down East Preservation in 2015 to combine his passion for history with construction expertise. Leads preservation efforts while building a specialized team of restoration professionals.
Burton Swain
Partner
Joined in 2020 as co-owner, bringing innovative solutions to challenging projects. Specializes in transforming difficult restoration opportunities into successful outcomes through creative problem-solving and technical expertise.
Briley Rascoe
CMO
Marketing lead since 2022, managing design center operations and client relations. Coordinates project selections while evolving marketing strategies to match company growth and expanding service offerings.
Joe Youmans
Down East Woodworks Manager
Leads woodshop operations since 2020, teaching craftsmanship skills while ensuring historical accuracy in custom wood components. Maintains quality standards through detailed supervision of all woodworking projects.
Gary Heginbotham
Down East Properties Manager
Construction expert with lifelong industry experience, managing custom home builds since 2022. Ensures projects meet quality standards while maintaining historical design elements in new construction developments.
Questions
What types of projects does Down East Preservation handle?
We specialize in historical home and commercial building restoration, custom home construction with historic design elements, and on-site woodwork solutions.
Do you work outside the Edenton area?
While based in Edenton, we serve eastern North Carolina including Belhaven and Outer Banks locations like Nags Head.
What makes your preservation approach unique?
We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to maintain historical integrity while ensuring structural longevity and contemporary functionality.
Can you help with custom cabinetry and interior design?
Our on-site woodshop creates custom cabinetry, and our design center offers tailored interior solutions that complement historic and modern spaces.
How do you handle complex restoration challenges?
Our team has experience with challenging projects like post-hurricane rebuilding and restoring abandoned structures using specialized preservation techniques.
