Press Release (Official Record)
The full press release issued by Bulltánica is provided below for transparency, reference, and media use.
A plain-language summary appears below.
Whitehall Terrace is in the middle of a careful, long‑term transition. After the passing of longtime caretaker Dr. Wade Marlette in early 2025, his brother Graham invited Bulltánica to step into stewardship of the house and gardens. Our role is to protect this home from being lost, stabilize the property, and slowly reopen it as a place for quiet, community‑based healing
We are working through a rezoning process with the City of Durham so that Whitehall can be preserved and used for small‑scale wellness, herbal education, and community programming.
We have already secured commitments for a historic rehabilitation loan; once the zoning is in place, that support will allow us to address long‑deferred maintenance, repair aging systems, and bring the structure fully back to life.
Day to Day
Whitehall is both a work site and a sanctuary. On most days, that looks very simple:
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light gardening and land care
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clearing invasive plants
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basic outdoor repairs
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a small number of people coming and going by appointment
Moe offers fascia‑focused bodywork sessions in the historic Mural Room, and Monica hosts a weekly small movement or herbal‑centered gatherings. All current use is intentionally low‑impact, by appointment, and designed to fit the quiet, residential character of Duke Park and Old North Durham.
Looking Ahead
As approvals, funding, and time allow, our next steps at Whitehall include:
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stabilizing and restoring the house so it remains structurally sound for generations
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renewing the gardens and outdoor spaces as places of rest, play, and ceremony
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creating a small number of healing rooms and community rooms inside the house
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gradually developing community‑driven offerings such as wellness appointments, circles, workshops, and youth‑focused programs in collaboration with nearby families
Our commitment is to keep Whitehall’s exterior character intact while opening its interior in ways that honor its history and serve the people who live around it.
The Wright House
Year Built:
1929
Architect:
George Watts Carr
Lot Size: 2.6 acres
Building Size:
6,000 sq. ft.
Stories: 2
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 7
Architectural Style:
Colonial Revival
Special Features:
Front porch, columned portico
Historic Significance:
Duke Park Estates development
Nickname:
"The Jewel of Duke Park"
Legacy:
Former home of Richard H. Wright II
Support Our Vision: Restore Whitehall Terrace
We're on a mission to restore the historic Whitehall Terrace into a vibrant sanctuary dedicated to community well-being, cultural preservation, and accessible holistic care. This ambitious project is possible only with your help.
Your contribution will help us:
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Renovate the historic building and gardens
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Create healing spaces and treatment rooms
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Host community workshops and cultural events
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Provide accessible herbal and massage care to the community
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