Congrats to Matt Elmes of Atlantic Crest Co. for wining a 2006 ACORN Golden Hammer Award for Best Residential Renovation for the Peay House (500 North 29th Street).

The Peay House, a Greek Revival style house built in 1860, was in a state of collapse when Matthew Elmes purchased it through A.C.O.R.N.’s Property Options program several years ago. The City of Richmond had cited the former owner for building code violations, which included a crumbling exterior. The house was meticulously renovated according to the Secretary of Interior Standards in order to qualify for Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits. It remains a single-family residence.

Dr. Mort Gulak chaired the Golden Hammer Judging Panel, which included:
Thomas Asch, Matthew Bolster, Bryan Green, ‘Nita Parry, and Camden Whitehead. A.C.O.R.N. initiated the Golden Hammer Awards seven years ago. This year’s event was held in the newly renovated Bankuet Place, the former Mechanics and Merchants Bank built in 1912 at 1129 Hull Street.