The restoration of Nina Simone’s childhood home at 30 E. Livingston St. in Tryon, North Carolina, has reached a pivotal milestone, garnering attention from national media outlets such as Architectural Digest and Good Morning America. The three-room, 650-square-foot residence, where Simone—born Eunice Kathleen Waymon—spent her formative years, has undergone significant renovations driven by a collective of prominent artists.
Among those leading the initiative are Adam Pendleton, Rashid Johnson, Julie Mehretu, and Ellen Gallagher. Their goal is to not only restore the physical structure but also to revitalize its historical importance. The project aims to preserve the legacy of one of music’s most influential figures and create a space that honors both her life and the broader narrative of African American history.
Significance of the Restoration
Dr. Sam Waymon, Simone’s brother and Senior Adviser on the project, emphasized the importance of restoring their childhood home. He stated, “The restoration and preservation of Nina’s birthplace is Black American history of which I too am a part. I also lived in that house, and as the youngest, it holds such extraordinary memories of Nina, our parents, and my other siblings.”
Waymon continued, reflecting on the memories embedded within the walls: “Knowledge! Of what she endured. The piano lessons. The joy. The discipline. The discovery of her gifted talent was all recorded in those walls. It’s an honor to share this with the world as she would have wanted me to do.”
The restoration process has involved repairing the historic clapboard exterior and modernizing the interiors to enhance safety and accessibility. Careful attention has been paid to preserving key architectural elements that speak to the home’s history.
Future Plans for the Site
In partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, plans for the house envision it as a venue for artistic performances and community programs. This transformation aims to create a living museum where visitors can engage with Simone’s life story and the broader context of African American heritage.
As the final touches on the restoration approach completion, plans for a grand opening are in development, with further announcements expected in 2026. This initiative not only seeks to honor Nina Simone’s legacy but also aims to foster a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical narratives that shaped her life and career.
