The
WPTF 1940 Transmitter Building Tour + Cleanup
CANCELLED - we hope to reschedul
Highway 54, Cary NC
Never before open to the public, Raleigh's unique 85-year-old art deco building is frozen in time. Proceeds benefit NCModernist, a 501C3 nonprofit documenting, preserving, and promoting North Carolina residential architecture.
Photo: Heather Leah
WPTF-AM 680 Radio has been a part of Raleigh's history and culture for almost 100 years. Their distinctive 1940 Art Deco transmitter building designed by William Henley Deitrick controls a powerful 50,000-watt signal for Curtis Media Group. Featuring all kinds of old and new radio equipment and a basement bomb shelter, the site hasn't been staffed in decades. Now there's only the hum of the machines and the occasional visit from station engineers.
It's the real-life inspiration for the WSQK Squawk station in Netflix's Stranger Things. Show creators Matt and Ross Duffer grew up in Durham and have used Triangle locations throughout the series.
During the tour, NCModernist and WPTF are teaming up to do a little cleanup of this marvelous building. Adult participants are asked during their visit to carry out a few boxes or small pieces of equipment.
Because the place is has long been unstaffed and not maintained for public use, there are hazards, including but not limited to trip hazards on the floor, equipment and materials strewn about, items that can fall over or break, steep stairs to the bomb shelter, asbestos tiles, and active high voltage electrical equipment. Participants must sign a liability waiver, wear a mask inside, and agree not to touch any equipment unless directed by WPTF staff.
Tickets: Timed entry tickets are $14.95 per person. Anytime tickets are $21 per person. Proceeds benefit NCModernist, a 501C3 nonprofit documenting, preserving, and promoting North Carolina residential architecture.
The Fine Print:
Tickets are not mailed; your name will be on a list at registration.
Once payment is made, there are no refunds for any reason except for tour cancellation. However, you can transfer tickets to others - just have them ask for the tickets in your name at registration.
Please do not attend if you are experiencing COVID symptoms or have tested positive within a week of the tour.
Architects can get self-reported CEU hours if arranged in advance with the AIA.
Participants are welcome to take photos inside and outside.
Because of the building hazards, no children under 12. Any children must be accompanied by a parent. No food, drink, or smoking inside. Bathrooms are not available onsite.
Directions: From Hwy 54 in Cary, look for the NCModernist flag and pull in that driveway. Stop and look both ways on the train tracks - this is an unmonitored railroad crossing. You'll be directed to parking in the grassy areas.
For tour inquiries, please contact Devra Dubroff, devra@usmodernist.org.
Proceeds benefit NCModernist, a 501C3 nonprofit documenting, preserving, and promoting North Carolina residential architecture.