The restoration of Nina Simone’s childhood home in Tryon, North Carolina, has reached a significant milestone, garnering attention from major national media outlets, including Architectural Digest and Good Morning America. Located at 30 E. Livingston St., the three-room, 650-square-foot house where Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, spent her formative years, has seen extensive renovations led by a collective of prominent artists.
Notable figures involved in the project include Adam Pendleton, Rashid Johnson, Julie Mehretu, and Ellen Gallagher. Their initiative aims not only to restore the physical structure but also to revive the historical significance of the location. Dr. Sam Waymon, Nina Simone’s brother and a Senior Adviser on the project, emphasized the importance of preserving their childhood residence. “The restoration and preservation of Nina’s birthplace is Black American history of which I too am a part,” Dr. Waymon stated. “It keeps my feet planted solid on those grounds. Knowledge! Of what she endured. The piano lessons. The joy. The discipline. The discovery of her gifted talent was all recorded in those walls.”
Significant Renovations and Future Plans
The restoration process has included repairing the historic clapboard exterior, modernizing the interiors for safety and accessibility, and carefully preserving key architectural elements. These renovations are crucial in maintaining the house’s historical integrity while ensuring it meets current standards.
In partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, the vision for the home includes transforming it into a site for artistic performances and community programs. This initiative aims to create a living museum where visitors can explore Simone’s life story and the broader context of African American history.
As the restoration nears completion, a grand opening is planned for 2026. More announcements regarding the project are anticipated as the team works towards finalizing preparations and celebrating the historical significance of this landmark.
