Gwendolyn Harrison and Lucienne Day Recognized in Naming First Two Buildings
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Sept. 19, 2018) – Grubb Properties is ensuring that history is both remembered and honored as it launches its redevelopment of the Glen Lennox community in Chapel Hill. The first two buildings in the redevelopment will pay tribute to strong women leaders who made a lasting impact on our world.
The Gwendolyn, a 106,000-square-foot Class A office building, honors Gwendolyn Harrison, the first African-American woman to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her admission to its Ph.D. program was revoked in 1951 because of her race, but after she fought for her right to stay, university trustees re-instated her admission, helping to open the door for others to follow her path.
Link Apartments® Linden, the first Link Apartments® community at Glen Lennox, hearkens back to the community’s mid-century roots. The name Linden refers to one of the vibrant designs of pioneering female designer Lucienne Day, whose striking textile patterns became an iconic look of the era and could be found in homes and businesses worldwide.
The Gwendolyn and Linden names are the first in a series for Glen Lennox structures that will be designed to inspire a new generation of trailblazers. All of the new names throughout the redevelopment will fall under the theme of “committed to lasting impact,” which is the company’s overall vision for the revitalized Glen Lennox. This is in keeping with the neighborhood’s current naming structure, which honors people and places important to the founding of Glen Lennox – such as Hayes Street, named after the man who provided steel for some of the original structures.
“An important aspect of Glen Lennox’s redevelopment is making sure we honor individuals who contributed to the greater good,” said Clay Grubb, CEO of Grubb Properties. “Glen Lennox has been an important part of Chapel Hill’s history and we want it to honor others who have played important roles in improving Chapel Hill and North Carolina. I admire Gwendolyn Harrison’s accomplishments and determination to never give up. Our first office project will pay tribute to Gwendolyn Harrison’s history and hopefully spark interest in her story, just as Link Apartments® Linden will celebrate Lucienne Day’s lasting impact through her vision, creativity and skill.”
The Gwendolyn, slated to open in 2020, will offer modern office space in the heart of Chapel Hill and will be furnished with Class A amenities including showers and locker rooms, a terrace café and indoor bike racks.
Link Apartments® Linden will focus on sustainable, healthy and fun lifestyles, offering a unique amenity network including a rooftop terrace, cycle center, state-of-the-art fitness center, saltwater pool, yoga studio and cyber café.
Additional names that integrate history with new design will be announced as the redevelopment project moves forward. By connecting the old with the new, Glen Lennox infuses the community with a spirit of innovation, leadership and timeless style.
Owner of Glen Lennox since 1985, Grubb Properties has a personal connection and commitment to the neighborhood. Grubb Properties founder Robert Lay Grubb was a former Glen Lennox resident.
About Grubb Properties
Grubb Properties, founded in 1963 by former Glen Lennox resident Robert Lay Grubb, creates exceptional real estate environments and provides premier customer service for our residents and tenants through the repositioning of apartment communities and office buildings and the development of multi-family communities under our nationally trademarked Link Apartments® brand. Our fully integrated management team identifies strategies that create long-term value for our clients. Grubb Properties’ growth is primarily funded through real estate investment funds with long-term horizons. People who care. Places that matter. For more information, visit www.grubbproperties.com.
