West End Historic Overlay District

Designed by Jacob Lott Ludlow in 1890, the West End neighborhood is one of North Carolina’s finest examples of a turn-of-the century streetcar suburb.  Jacob Lott Ludlow was the Town of Winston’s first City Engineer.  Originally conceived as a resort and residential community, the West End was laid out by Ludow to take full advantage of the hilly terrain of the area.  Dramatically curving streets, terraced lawns, and park areas were designed in strict contrast to the grid pattern of the remaining areas of the city.   

The major styles of architecture incorporated in the West End are Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Neoclassical, and Craftsman.  The architectural diversity in the District is enhanced by the equally elaborate use of stone retaining walls and steps, lush parks, and beautiful lawns and landscapes. 

The important architectural and historical heritage of the West End was recognized nationally in 1986, when the District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

In 1993, the area was selected to be Winston-Salem’s first Historic Overlay District.  The West End Historic Overlay District was created to protect the unique character of the neighborhood.  The Overlay District promotes the preservation, conservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of architecturally and/or historically significant structures and features within the District.

Visit the West End Neighborhood Association website.

West End District Map [1.03mb/pdf/1p]

West End Inventory Design Guidelines [9.65mb/pdf/148p]

West End Minor Work Application [80.26kb/pdf/2p]