May 31, 2008
801 North 24th coming back to life
Bill Conkle has recently purchased the long-vacant and much admired 1855 house at 801 North 24th Street. He opened up the house to neighbors on Thursday so that we could get a good look at the “before” version of the house.
Photographed for both Mary Wingfield Scott’s Old Richmond Neighborhoods (above) and the Richmond Esthetic Survey (below), the house had since become a vacant icon in Union Hill.
Conkle, a long-time resident of Union Hill, has restored a number of houses in the area. Many have admired this house and will be watching the transformation.
There is a group of photos on Flickr tagged for this house; two of the photos from that set are below:
18 Responses to “801 North 24th coming back to life”
Share a Comment
Please remember that you are talking to your neighbors.
By posting, you are agreeing to this site's Privacy & Use Policy.
By posting, you are agreeing to this site's Privacy & Use Policy.
The pics do a great job of capturing the essence of the house. This was the first day I had all the windows open with light and air flowing. The light in the pictures plays off on the textures and architectural features so well. Thanks John, I will treasure these before photos.
Amazing how different the house looks with shutters (and without that awning). And how sad that I only recognized it boarded-up and overgrown. I look forward to seeing it reborn!
mmm-yummy, lead paint-chips! glad we’re past our child-bearing years as we wallow in the detritus of these old beauties.
but seriously, the house is a gem and we’re glad you persevered to snag her. congrats on your newest baby.
Knowing what you’ve done with other houses, I cannot wait to see the final product. It is a truely unique and wonderful house.
Thanks for your kind words. Sometimes late at night I stand and look at her and wonder what I have gotten myself into. I hope everyone will follow the progress and offer advice and encouragement along the way. Please stop by– I am usually there after 5:30 in the evenings and on the weekends.
Bill – She’s a beauty and we, too, look forward to seeing her re-emerge to become a comfortable home again through your efforts. We can’t wait to see what you have already done and to chart your progress and successes with you. We’re glad that she’s in such caring hands!
Is that the Rev’s house? The on the corner next to the Brick du-plex?
not the rev’s house. 2 blocks up and 2 blocks over. the rev’s house has been renovated, but not my me. this is a house i have pined for, for a long time. When I first moved to Church Hill I lived in an English Basement on 29th– since then I wanted a house with an EB–not as a seperate apartment, but just a space a relative or friend could use that would be independent of the main house. There is so much to love about this house.
Bill,
I have missed some of your other house restorations people are raving about. Can you tell me the address of some so I can see what is in store for 801? You have your work cut out for you.
Thanks!
Any “before” exterior pics more recent than the book photos? Once I’m away from the computer I’m sure I’ll forget to drive by on my way home from work…
a more recent photo: look at this
It is not too late if you want to pop in at the ACORN Open House tonight. 5:30-7:00pm.
Wishing you a safe and happy home renovation. (We miss seeing you, though)
With your vision, passion, dedication, steadfastness, you, and those you employ in this cause, will persevere in this creative transformation.
We are proud to know you…:)
Thanks to everyone for their kind words and encouragement. I appreciate the folks that came to the ACORN Open House. If you haven’t had a chance to see the interior of the house- feel free to pay a visit some evening. Yesterday we finished repairing the soffits on the house. We also discovered an old brick patio in the rear of the house that was covered in dirt, vines and a bunch of trash…the five autumn red maples I planted around the house this spring are thriving.
Dear Bill,
Are you the Bill Conkle that graduated from Lancaster High School in 1975? If not, please ignore this email.
Dear Sharold:
Yes. I am that Bill Conkle. Are the Sharold Cain that was class princess and on the Cheering Squad? If so, you can reach me at junkifunki@aol.com or call me at 804-649-3764.
Sorry to take up this space private conversation- John- please feel free to delete this…..Thanks.
John- you did a great job with the before pictures on 801 North 24th. Hope you can match up some after pics at the open house tomorrow. Thanks. Peace.
John,
Your photos are great. I especially love the framed one on the fireplace mantle of the curve of the staircase I saw when I was treated to a sneek peek of Bill’s place last week. A must see.