Known as the "Thomas C. Lee House", designed by architect Oliver Duke Wheeler (Wheeler & Stern) and dated 1914 in North Carolina’s architectural records, this stately residence offers a remarkable opportunity to own a solidly constructed home filled with enduring character. It is beautifully positioned upon approximately 1.13 acres along Monroe’s historic East Franklin Street corridor. The home offers more than 4,000 square feet, with four bedrooms upstairs and four generously proportioned main-level rooms - including one with a closet that could serve as an additional bedroom, creating an uncommon combination of historic presence, flexible living space and everyday livability.
An expansive front porch creates an unforgettable welcome and offers the perfect place to enjoy the home’s gracious setting. Inside, the majestic staircase immediately establishes a sense of occasion, while spacious rooms, high ceilings, original architectural details and time-honored craftsmanship reflect the quality of a bygone era. The flexible floor plan includes accessibility features that help accommodate a variety of household and mobility needs.
The property’s history also includes rezoning undertaken for a proposed charter-school use, presenting an intriguing opportunity for buyers seeking a distinctive setting with potential beyond a traditional residence. Prospective purchasers should confirm the current zoning designation and suitability of any intended use with the City of Monroe.
At the heart of the home, a beautifully detailed central foyer introduces four exceptionally spacious main-level rooms, two on either side, each reflecting the gracious proportions and craftsmanship of the period. They are connected by magnificent oversized pocket doors, allowing the rooms to feel either intimate and distinct or wonderfully open for entertaining. Rich millwork, built-in shelving, high ceilings and beautifully preserved architectural details recall the craftsmanship and gracious living of an earlier era. Currently suited for use as a formal dining room, parlor, library or office and additional gathering room, these handsome spaces offer unusual flexibility for modern life while preserving the home’s historic character.
Beyond the home, the fenced backyard feels like a private retreat. Spend summer days beside the in-ground pool, gather around the fire pit on cool evenings or entertain family and friends across the property’s generous outdoor spaces. A circular drive adds both convenience and curb appeal, while the detached two-car garage provides valuable parking, storage and additional flexibility.
With city water and sewer, natural-gas heat, central air and no HOA, this distinctive property combines the romance of a historic home with amenities suited to modern life. Conveniently located near the restaurants, shops, arts and community events of Downtown Monroe, 810 E. Franklin Street is ready for its next owner to appreciate its history, make it their own and carry its story forward. **Professional Photos and Measuring Coming Soon**
