Church Hill People's News » architecture

I hope you all enjoy the drawing

john_m — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:30:07 +0000

1320 and 1322 North 31st Street

john_m — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:00:04 +0000

More small house love: these 2 attached 576-square-foot houses at 1320 and 1322 North 31st Street are collectively valued at $48,000 and appear to be candidates for future demolition.

1320 and 1322 North 31st Street (undated)

1320 and 1322 North 31st Street

The smallest house in Richmond?

john_m — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:00:21 +0000

At 315 square feet, this house at 2607 Nine Mile Road may be Richmond’s smallest house. There is another delightful little house just around the corner at 1420 North 27th Street that tops out at 842 square feet.

ABOVE: 2607 Nine Mile Road // BELOW: 1420 North 27th Street

These two make the previous round of small houses seem absolutely gargantuan.

Bellevue 1912

john_m — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:50:05 +0000

Designed by the prolific Richmond architecture firm of Carneal and Johnston, Bellevue Elementary school opened for the 1913-1914 school year.

Via Richmond Public Schools:

Bellevue opened during the 1913-14 session as an elementary school with pupils transferred from old Bellevue; in September 1915, it was converted into Bellevue Junior High School. It reverted to an elementary school in September 1919 (with the opening of East End Junior High School) and continued until June 1955. At that time, the pupils were allowed “as much leeway as possible” to choose among Helen Dickinson, Chimborazo, and Nathaniel Bacon schools. In September 1955, Bellevue became a school for Negro pupils.

In 1975, due to a fire at Bellevue, the program was temporarily relocated to Mosby. The school was scheduled for closure in June 1975, because the coal-fired furnaces did not meet the provisions of the Clean Air Act of 1970. This decision was reversed, and the program was housed at Bowler while Bellevue was being renovated in 1975-77 (furnace replacement, cafeteria and kitchen repairs, and fire damage repairs). During that same period, Bellevue was used by Whitcomb Court School when it had to be vacated due to detection of methane gas in the immediate area. In 1977, in appreciation for the school ‘s return to the area, the Church Hill Association donated funds to improve Bellevue’s playground facilities.

In 1980, Bellevue was one of eight elementary school renovation projects.
Since 1971, Bellevue has operated as a model elementary school with an open enrollment policy; the curriculum stresses academic achievement with a “performing and visual arts” theme.

Via Library of Virginia:

William Leigh Carneal, Jr. (1881-1958) and James Markam Ambler Johnston (1885-1974) began their firm around 1908 after spending a year working independently out of the same office space. The firm went on to become one of the most prolific and long-established architectural practices in Virginia.

Carneal, born in Richmond on October 24, 1881, graduated in 1903 from the Virginia Military Institute. He began his architectural practice around 1906 following a three year stint as a clerk in his father’s company, Sitterding-Carneal-Davis Company. Johnston, born in Rockbridge County on May 18, 1885, studied engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Cornell University before moving to Richmond in 1906. He worked at the Richmond Cedar Works for one year until he began his own architectural practice.

From 1908 until 1950, the firm of Carneal and Johnston (the firm was known as Carneal, Johnston, and Wright from 1928 through 1945, when Oscar Pendleton Wright was a partner) helped to mold the architectural environment of central Virginia, especially Richmond. Responsible for over 1,300 buildings, Carneal and Johnston practiced in a wide range of project types, from the mundane to the monumental. While they did execute some residential buildings, the firm generated a far greater number of public, commercial, and industrial structures. Some of their most notable structures include First Virginia Regiment Armory (1913), the Virginia Mutual Building (1919-1921), the Virginia State Office Building (1922-1923), Saint Joseph’s Villa (thirteen buildings, 1930-1931), the Virginia War Memorial (1932), and various structures on the campuses of Richmond College (now the University of Richmond) and Virginia Military Institute.

The firm survived following the founders’ retirements in the 1950s. Subsequent owners were Miles Cary Johnston, James Beck, and Raymond Browder who sold the firm to employees Carlos H. Costas, W. Fred Hughes III, and Kenneth E. Bunch in 1984. In 1999, the surviving firm of Carneal and Johnston merged with Ballou Justice & Upton, Architects, and ceased to exist as an architectural firm.

Photos via the Carneal & Johnston Negative Collection at the Library of Virginia.

Agenda for the 5/25 CAR meeting

john_m — Fri, 14 May 2010 19:33:33 +0000

The agenda for the May 25 Commission of Architectural Review meeting (PDF) lists 6 projects in the area: 3416-18 E MARSHALL ST Add awning at front entrances; 3416-18 E MARSHALL ST Replace windows; 2603 E BROAD ST Modifications to rear porch; 706 N 27TH ST Exterior painting; 1805-09 E BROAD ST Construct new rear addition; 711 N 26TH ST Replace vinyl siding with wood or Hardiplank and add dormers on rear section.

Agenda for the 4/27 CAR meeting

john_m — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 13:03:26 +0000

The agenda for the April 27 Commission of Architectural Review meeting (PDF) lists 5 projects in the area : 715 MOSBY ST Install one rooftop and two pedestal lighted signs; 3302 E BROAD ST Replace front walk and steps and retaining wall; 2809 M ST Build new single-family house; 626-630 N 29TH ST Build 2 new single-family attached houses; 500 N 29TH ST Demolish shed and replace with new construction.

Who casts capitals in Richmond?

john_m — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:12:20 +0000

Nathalie is looking for some help finding capitals for her porch:

I’m trying to find out whether anyone in the Richmond area casts capitals. We’re rebuilding our front porch, for which all 11 capitals need to be replaced, and are having a hard time finding pre-made caps that are the right size.

Nolde wins landscaping award

john_m — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 04:02:12 +0000

The Nolde Bakery Condominium community on Broad Street was recently recognized by the ASLA for the “daring verticality and enthusiasm” of their new perimeter evergreen plantings.

Not really. Have a nice April Fools, this is all I’ve got this year.

The 10 most blighted houses in Church Hill

john_m — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:20:53 +0000

While there has been a tremendous amount of ongoing renewal, the greater Church Hill area still has some of the most blighted houses still standing in Richmond. From reader suggestions and addresses sent in directly, we present to you CHPN’s Most Blighted House in Church Hill 2010…

Fairmount and Church Hill North offer a rich field of choices. There were more houses nominated and photographed than are listed; the choices were narrowed as this was put together. This is a strong list of really distressed houses.

The CHPN Editor’s Choice for Most Blighted House in Church Hill 2010 goes to the circa 1890s Victorian at 1200 North 20th Street (seen above). Recently foreclosed upon from notorious slumlord Oliver Lawrence, this house has been vacant for an unknown number of years. The ivy covered corner, peeled back roof, ad hoc window boards, removed rear siding, and general over-all decrepitness combine to make this a really blighted house.

Leave your comment below to vote for the Reader’s Choice Award. We’ll have something appropriate put together and delivered to the property owner.

The address of each property is listed above the photo. Click any image to view larger.

(2) 2902 East Leigh Street

(3) 2012 Fairmount Ave

(4) 1608 North 22nd Street

(5) 1410 North 25th Street

(6) 617 North 30th Street

(7) 1312-1314 Oakwood Avenue

(8) 2508 Q Street

(9) 909 North 24th Street

(10) 2117-2119 Cedar Street

27th

john_m — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:40:39 +0000

27th by TimmWitt. Keep Tim in mind if you need any illustrating done: he says “if buildings in the area ever need a drawing for anything just give me a holler. I love Church Hill! and will definitely take special requests”.

Agenda for the 3/23 CAR meeting

john_m — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:56:13 +0000

The agenda for the March 23 Commission of Architectural Review meeting (PDF) lists 5 projects in the area, including a conceptual review for a multi-family dwelling at 2400 East Franklin: 2215 E BROAD ST Install interpretive plaque; 200 N 22ND ST Replace existing collocated equipment; 317 N 36TH ST Enclose pipe at rear porch with box column and install stairs and railing; 2419 E GRACE ST Construct new rear porch; 2400 E FRANKLIN ST Construct multi-family dwelling.

Yarbrough house and 5 other houses open for Historic Garden Week

john_m — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:26:49 +0000

Virginia Living has a look at the history of the Yarbrough house, one of the homes open for next month’s Historic Garden Week:

The house was built by William Yarbrough, who, with Miles Turpin, owned Turpin and Yarbrough Tobacco Co., housed in the nearby Pohlig building. The partners married sisters and built identical houses next door to one another. “Nobody wanted to have the nicer house or the worse house,” says Waite, the director of the Museum of the Confederacy. Work was completed in the summer of 1861; the war had started in April. By the end of the 19th century, the basement had been converted to a doctor’s office and examination rooms, and the mosaic tile floor in that room today dates to that period. In the 1940s and ’50s, the main house and two-story servants’ quarters held 13 apartments. That was before S. Douglas Fleet bought the property in 1967 and began to restore it.

Yarbrough House – 2215 East Broad (1965)(via)

CAR Task Force meeting set for Thursday

john_m — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:25:34 +0000

There will be a public hearing of the CAR Task Force on Feb.4 at 6PM in City Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall.

A recent email from the Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods provides some context:

In the fall of 2009, a Task Force to review the guidelines, policies and procedures of the CAR was convened by City Council; and, in ongoing monthly meetings, it gathered to discuss (among other issues):

the existing City Old & Historic District zoning ordinance;
CAR composition and procedures;
the standards used in awarding certificates of appropriateness for new development, additions, and renovations in City Old & Historic Districts; and
the existing CAR appeals process.

The Task Force, chaired by City Council representative Bruce Tyler, is composed of architects, developers, City of Richmond Department of Community Development staff, and current and former CAR members. The goal of the Task Force is to respond to issues raised by the public, City Council, and in commission proceedings regarding the clarity of the CAR guidelines, their application, and administrative processes involved in their undertaking.

The Task Force accepted reports and recommendations of its subcommittees on Membership, Guidelines, and Processes and Procedures on January 5, 2010, and welcomes public comment on the reports and recommendations on February 4th.

The Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods encourages its members, supporters, and the concerned public to comment on these recommendations (summarized below) at the public hearing at 6:30 pm on February 4th, to take place in City Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall.

Citizens wishing to comment on subcommittee recommendations at the public hearing may sign up by contacting the Office of the City Clerk at 804-646-7955 prior to 12:00 noon on Thursday, February 4th.

Here is ACORN’s description of the proposed changes to CAR.

Agenda for the 1/26 CAR meeting

john_m — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:02:40 +0000

The agenda for the January 26 Commission of Architectural Review meeting (PDF) includes 3 projects in the area: 404 N 27TH ST – Install hand rails to match existing balusters; 2512 E GRACE ST – Modify existing rear addition; 619-627 N 28TH ST – Revise earlier approval of construction of new duplexes.

Urban exploration on 25th Street

john_m — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:21:01 +0000

River City Riffraff has been publishing fantastic photos from the theater on 25th Street.

CAR Taskforce sets meeting dates through April

john_m — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:53:17 +0000

The Richmond City Council Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) Taskforce will hold meetings, open to the public, on the following days at the Richmond Fire Department Administration Building (201 East Franklin Street from 4-6PM: 1/7/10, 2/4/10, 3/4/10, and 1/1/10.

From today’s press release:

The Richmond City Council Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) Taskforce was established by Richmond City Council Resolution 2009-R85-97 on July 13, 2009 to review the process and guidelines of the Richmond Commission of Architectural Review, which is tasked with providing oversight and review regarding the erection, reconstruction, alteration or restoration of buildings or structures within designated Richmond Historic Districts as to their architectural compatibility with existing historic landmarks, buildings or structures in that district.

Agenda for the 12/15 CAR meeting

john_m — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:05:34 +0000

The agenda for the December 15 Commission of Architectural Review meeting (PDF) includes 4 projects in the area: 2824 E BROAD ST Rehabilitate corner commercial property; 2001 E BROAD ST Construct new mixed-use building; 504-510 N 28TH ST Construct new multi-family residences; 317 N 36TH ST Replace deteriorated siding and reconfigure rear opening.

How to guide new development in historic areas?

john_m — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:31:01 +0000

Style Weekly has a short look into the ongoing conversation regarding appropriate development in a historic district:

Guidelines for historic districts prohibit new construction or additions from mimicking the historic look of an area. The approach is to make such new construction appears modern instead of faux historical.

Daab, a Church Hill resident, says such an approach could dilute historic districts by overwhelming them with modern architecture. The guidelines should be changed, she says, before new construction dramatically alters treasured historic city neighborhoods such as Church Hill, Jackson Ward and Shockoe Slip.

Previously:

Contrast vs continuity for new development in historic communities (11/8/09)
A petition on new development in Richmond Old & Historic Districts (9/29/09)
What is appropriate in an Old & Historic District? (3/3/09)
Are historic standards destroying historic districts? (1/16/09)
2 houses for Pink Street (7/16/08)
A proposal to revisit new construction in Old&Historic districts (6/1/08)

Agenda for the 11/24 CAR meeting

john_m — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:09:59 +0000

The agenda for the November 24 Commission of Architectural Review meeting (PDF) includes 4 projects in the area: 2001 E BROAD ST Construct new mixed-use building; 404 N 27TH ST Paint exterior and construct curb-like retaining wall; 516 N 28TH ST Construct new single-family residence; 504-510 N 28TH ST Construct new multi-family residences.

Contrast vs continuity for new development in historic communities

john_m — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:14:51 +0000

Steven Semes’ recent From Contrast to Continuity: A New Preservation Philosophy, a take on the divide over appropriate development for historic areas, seems to be resonating along the local email networks this weekend:

Thoughtful preservationists and citizen activists are increasingly frustrated with the stylistic biases of authorities who seem blind to the visual consequences of their judgments. Over the last few decades, increasing numbers of architects have renewed traditional architectural practice, creating fresh new essays in historic styles — neither copies of preexisting buildings nor banal “background buildings,” but worthy new neighbors — and these need to be accepted by the authorities as models of appropriate interventions in historic settings.

Agenda for the 10/27 CAR meeting

john_m — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:00:17 +0000

The agenda for the October 27 Commission of Architectural Review meeting (PDF) includes only 2 projects in the area: 417 N 25TH ST Replace deteriorated or missing features in-kind, install mailbox and exterior lighting; 516 N 28TH ST Construct new single family residence.

Citizens support, critique CAR at public meeting

john_m — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:23:00 +0000

Approximately 25 people turned out for a public hearing tonight held by the Commission for Architectural Review Taskforce to receive public input concerning the process used by CAR. Eleven citizens spoke on various issues related to CAR; all were suppotive of the need for the commission, though some asked for changes in the guidelines and the appeals process.

Here are my sketchy notes on the speakers. I’m sure that I got names wrong, please post any corrections etc in the comments below.

Jim Daab – O&H formed by residents, CAR formed to serve the residents. CAR is too wrapped up about false historicism: modern and contemporary does not preserve the character of the neighborhood. Norfolk allows blending, RVA wants differentiation. Analogy of needing 2 front tooth, CAR wanting to put in gold teeth to differentiate.

Laura Daab – led effort to establish Church Hill North Old & Historic District. Lays out that Church Hill North has many vacant lots and reiterates the text of her recent petition.

Mary Jane Hogue – of the Historic Rchmond Foundation. Thanks for the opportunity to speak. Calls CAR a “a gift to the community every day” for their diligence in protecting the historic architecture. Says that HRF supports the CAR mission.

Waite Rawls – Directs museum of the Confederacy, CHA, – CAR is not aligned with the desires of the citzens. The rules do not seem consistent with neighborhood preservation. Oakwood Heights has undermined confidence in CAR and Oakwood Heights.

Chris Gunn – St.John’s resident, Fulton Hill Properties employee, – Oakwood Heights – neighborhoods should be allowed to thrive economically. Prooposes that there be a recusal when there is a financuial conflict of interest or if a CAR member lives in the district in question. Says that the process needs to be more efficient, less arbitrary.

William Kinnsly – 32nd Street resident, has renovated and describes the process of working with CAR as amiable. Has issues with the fact that it is too easy to get around CAR, complains about lax enforcement. Speaking of CAR, says that “they are doign a good job”.

Walter Dotts – guidelines no longer serve the purposes for which they were established. The guidelines are now the most pervasive threat, with the requirement for differentiation of new from old. Differentiaion has a place, but this is not why CAR was established. Shares personal experience with going befor CAR for a doorway and fence, having to put in a contemporary door & fence. “We did not buy an old house because we are fans of modern architecture.” – has suggestions that include: decouple from Federal guidelines, remove biases against traditional architecture, remove ban on salvaged materials.

Joseph Yates – architect & resident of an O&H – main issue is infill in O&H – standards are only guidelines… the change over time is part of what makes urban environments so interesting. drawing a line in time and not allowing new architecture leads to fake architecture and demishes the originals.

Burt (illegible) – architect – pattern books would lead to Disney World, CAR has a pretty good success rate over 50 years if you look at the small number of appeals, says that “on the whole we have a pretty good living document”

Colita Dobb – appreciates the benefit for having modern architecture juxtoposed with historic architecture, refers to “living among the variance”. (At this point I got distrated thinking about the new 6 packs of Legend and lost some of what was said. Sorry. – JCM). CAR should not be able to supercede zoning, this would lead to more high density and sustainable development.

Mark Franco – of Franco LaFratta – has been before CAR many times, has not had to go through the appeals process. Suprised that the legislative body is involved in the appeal process: any appeal can then be frought with political overtones.

The next meeting of the CAR Review Taskforce will be at 4PM on the 1st Thursday of November at Firestation Headquarters building (201 East Franklin Street).

Agenda for the 9/22 CAR meeting

john_m — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:15:18 +0000

The agenda for the September 22 Commission of Architectural Review meeting (PDF) includes a number of projects in the area: 3101 E BROAD ST Install new lighting and new doors; 2301 E GRACE ST Remove existing concrete ramp and construct handicap-accessible ramp; 323 N 20TH ST Construct new entryway; 2711 E BROAD ST Construct rear deck and balcony, modify porches, replace windows, and stucco exposed; 2102-2104 E BROAD ST Revise earlier approval to include larger garage design; 2804 E MARSHALL ST Construct new garage; 2813 E GRACE ST Construct free-standing chimney at rear of property.

Cast and Wrought

john_m — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:45:45 +0000

From Robert P.Winthrop’s Cast and Wrought – The Architectural Metalwork of Richmond, Virginia:

Richmond’s architectural cast iron is second only to that of New Orleans, yet it is hardly recognized. Over 130 porches and balconies, hundreds of yards of elaborate fencing, as well as scores of cast iron front buildings remain in the city today and make up the bulk of the city’s architectural metalwork.

This slim 120-page hardback book is a great introduction to the history, context, and artistry of the cast iron architectural detailing around Richmond’s oldest neighborhoods. The text of the book is incredible informative and covers cast iron fences and railings, porches, and building fronts, and also has sections on Richmond in the 19th century, iron manufacture in Richmond, and 20th century metalwork. The book is generously illustrated with photographs of the details and buildings mentioned in the text.

Cast and Wrought – The Architectural Metalwork of Richmond, Virginia was published in 1980 by the Valentine Museum (now the Valentine Richmond History Center).

The book is especially good in that it made me want to go out and look around with a fresh eye. Here is a set of photos inspired by the book, some of which are shown below.

Leigh Street Baptist Church

Winston House, 103 East Grace Street

112 West Clay Street

00 block of East Clay Street

2715 East Grace Street

Pace-King House, 205 North 19th Street

Confederate Memorial Cemetery, Hebrew Cemetery

The Egyptian Building, East Marshall and College Streets

This was originally posted on CJWN on May 17, 2008.

Also a crooked house

john_m — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:59:21 +0000

This crooked house is on the 1300 block of 26th Street (right down from this house).

The local work of architect Charles M. Robinson

john_m — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:20:52 +0000

Charles M. Robinson was “a local architect who had a brilliant career”[1] designing universities, public schools, churches, homes, and commercial spaces in Richmond and around the state. His prodigious design work around the city includes locally the Fairmount Presbyterian Church (above) in 1911, Nathaniel Bacon School in 1915, the American National Bank in 1922, East End Junior High in 1929, and a 1915-16 addition to the Fairmount School.

Charles M. Robinson (2nd from left)

Charles M. Robinson was born March 3, 1867, in Hamilton, Virginia. His father, James T. Robinson, was a prosperous architect. In 1889, Charles formed Smith & Robinson an architectural partnership, with G.T.Smith in Altoona, Pennsylvania. In 1901 Robinson moved to Pittsburgh and then in 1906 moved again to Richmond, where he worked the remainder of his days.

Charles Robinson is best known for his design work for universities and colleges around the state. From 1908-1928, Robinson designed all of the buildings at the school now known as James Madison University. He also drew for Mary Washington, Radford University, and Virginia State College in Petersburg during this time. Robinson later designed buildings for the University of Richmond, including the Cannon Memorial Chapel and the campus science buildings). The highlight of Robinson’s institutional work, though, were the over 60 different pieces for the College of William and Mary drawn between 1921-1931.

Former American National Bank (400 North 25th Street)

The old Miller & Rhodes building, Ruger’s Hotel (now the Park Commonwealth Hotel) and Stuart Circle Hospital are among the iconic buildings in the Richmond area designed by Robinson. He was also an associate architect with Marcellus Wright, Sr. in the construction of the Mosque.

East End Junior High (2009)

Robinson also designed over 400 public schools throughout Virginia. His best work was in Richmond, including Binford Middle School (1915), Chandler Middle School (1915), East End Middle School (now Franklin Military)(1929), Fox Elementary (1911), Nathaniel Bacon School (now the Bacon Retirement Community)(1915), Ginter Park Elementary (1915), Benjamin Graves Middle School (now ACDC)(1921), Patrick Henry Elementary (1922), Thomas Jefferson High School (1930), and many more in Richmond and around the state.

The major source of this post is based on The Charles M.Robinson Story, which appears to have been compiled by a descendent of Robinson. The Other Buildings section of the site also lists Venable Street Baptist Church (2201 Venable) July 1910 as one of Robinson’s accomplishments, though this has proven difficult to corroborate. The registration form for Union Hill’s nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (PDF) says, contrarily, that:

Venable Street Baptist Church was built at 2101 Venable Street in 1891. The congregation began as a mission church in 1871 at 17″ and Venable Streets. The new church was designed by M. J. Dimmock and built by D. Wiley Davis.

The DHR register goes on to identify 2201 Venable Street as a residence (and later a retail outlet for Perkinson’s Quality Ice Cream).

Great Hope Baptist Church (2005)(originally Venable Street Baptist Church)

Another project in the area associated with Robinson is the Nathaniel Bacon School. The registration form for Oakwood-Chimborazo’s nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (PDF) says directly that “Charles M. Robinson designed Nathaniel Bacon School (Bacon Retirement Community) in 1915.” The nomination form for the school itself, though, indicates that Robinson was the Supervising Architect on the project and says that “the Nathaniel Bacon School was designed by the firm of Carneal and Johnston, Architects and Engineers, of Richmond,” and gives primary credit to William Leigh Carneal.

Nathaniel Bacon School (1958)

The photo of Charles M. Robinson at the top is from The Charles M.Robinson Story. The photo of East End Junior High is by Will Weaver. The photo of Nathaniel Bacon School is from the LIFE magazine archives. All others by John Murden.

Straightened

john_m — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 16:05:49 +0000

There is no longer a crooked house at 2200 Marshall Street.

ABOVE: August / BELOW: July

Porches

john_m — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:24:38 +0000

In anticipation of painting our porch, I went looking for examples of folks making use of color on their columns and detail. Are there any other good ones that I’ve missed?

Perhaps today this house will not be leaning

john_m — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:09:25 +0000

The crooked house at 2200 East Marshall Street won’t be crooked much longer — possibly even noticeably more straight by the end of the day!

Josh Cooley from Restoration Builders of Virginia shared that part of the house will be raised up today, the first visible step in getting this one straight. When I rolled by this morning they were still putting in place all of the safety precautions that go along with kind of thing.

The Reserve lauded as excellent lesson in contemporary architecture

john_m — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:33:02 +0000

Style Weekly’s Edwin Slipek Jr. this week takes a look at West Broad’s Iron House Place and The Reserve on 25th Street, calling both “excellent lessons in how to introduce bold and contemporary architecture to historic sectors.” Speaking of the award-winning hillside condos, Slipek says:

… the glory of this building is its pair of monitors â€” each with a slightly curved roof that pushes beyond the traditional roofline. These add a delightful and unexpected visual exclamation point. And they play off a long tradition of tower-like projections in Richmondâ€™s industrial buildings.

Conversation shows fault lines in city’s preservation process

john_m — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:32:29 +0000

Tonight’s conversation on the City Old & Historic Districts at the Firehouse Theater was an interesting public meeting on a process that has come under much criticism recently.

More than 100 people packed the Firehouse Theater, including 3 members of City Council (Squire, Samuels, Tyler) and citizens from many of the city’s neighborhoods. As might’ve been expected, the local civic organizations were heavily represented.

There are 15 districts and 29 individual sites identified as City Old & Historic Districts, encompassing over 3300 properties. The first of these was the St.John’s Historic District established in 1957. Exterior changes to architecture in the O&H districts is overseen by the Commission of Architectural Review.

The evening began with a review of the intent of the city’s Old and Historic district designation and the process by which the Commission of Architectural Review. Mimi Sadler, CAR Commissioner and partner in Sadler & Whitehead Architects, gave an overview “of the mission, mandate, and deliberative processes” of CAR. Elizabeth Tune of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources walked through the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. David Johannas, CAR Chairman and partner in Johannas Design Group, gave a quick review of the standards utilized by CAR in reviewing proposed projects in City Old & History Districts (PDF).

Following the presentations, the floor was opened for commentary from the audience. The open mic brought to light citizen support and frustration with the O&H process. One of the speakers said that there are 3 groups of people involved in this process: CAR, City Council, and the folks that live in and appreciate old houses and historic neighborhoods. He spoke for the need for all of these groups to be on the same page to ensure that the historic architecture will be preserved. He and other speakers gave voice to the friction that some supporters of CAR have with different results of the process, including the design of new construction allowed in the O&H neighborhoods and the rigid interpretation of the guidelines.

A fourth group, opponents of City Old & Historic Designation, also had the time at the mic. Some asked hypothetical questions of how the designation would impact them or their neighbors. Others brought up the possible difficulties that lower-income neighbors might have in conforming to the guidelines. Scott Burger of Oregon Hill, a neighborhood on the State/National registers but not a City O&H, spoke to the fact that O&H designation would not protect Oregon Hill from growth by VCU.

The meeting agenda indicated that a second meeting will be scheduled to address specific issues/concerns.

ACORN Renovators’ Happy Hour set for Q Street, 27th Street

john_m — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:16:48 +0000

The next Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods Renovators’ Happy Hour will be Thursday, June 25, from 6-7:30PM. Come out and explore two renovations currently underway in the Church Hill North Historic District.

From the event announcement:

Begin at 907 North 27th Street and see the slide show that documents the dramatic transformation of this Italianate residence.

Then a few steps down the sidewalk, visit the renovation of 2614 Q Street to see another example of how historic rehabilitation is reviving this Richmond neighborhood. Ed Stone of ES Group and Tom O’Kelly of Jewels General Contractors will be on hand to discuss the details of the projects. Light refreshments will be served.

This event is open to the public, however RSVPs are required. Please call David Herring at (804) 644-5040 or email info@richmondneighborhoods.org to RSVP. (5$ donation suggested)

Date: Thursday, June 25th, 6-7:30 pm

Location: 907 N. 27th Street , Church Hill North Historic District Email: info@richmondneighborhoods.org

Website: http://www.richmondneighborhoods.org

Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods
104 Shockoe Slip, Lower Level
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 644-5040

Agenda for 6/23 CAR meeting

john_m — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:50:00 +0000

The agenda for the June 23 Commission of Architectural Review meeting is light but includes a few projects in the area: 719 N 25TH ST – Install new sign, 9 N 29TH ST- Paint front porch, reconfigure rear windows and rear porch, 2200 E MARSHALL ST- Rehabilitate house, reconfigure and enclose secondary porch to address access.

More crooked?

john_m — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:37:24 +0000

The crooked house on Marshall is in the process of being fixed, setting the scene for a great before&after one day. There is still this wonderfully leaning house on 21st Street; are there other gravity defying houses in the area?

Agenda for 5/26 CAR meeting

john_m — Mon, 25 May 2009 18:06:37 +0000

The agenda for the May 26 Commission of Architectural Review meeting (PDF) has a few projects in the area: 3412 E MARSHALL ST – Removal of metal porch awning; 201 N 19TH ST - Convert 1994 warehouse for commercial/residential use; 1816-1822 E FRANKLIN ST – Renovation of two existing commercial buildings; 3005 E MARSHALL ST- Replace wood siding with HardiPlank, trim repair/replace in kind; 2100 E BROAD ST – Widen porch to restore symmetrical condition; 314 N 25TH ST – Restore faÃƒÂ§ade windows and replace others with vinyl sash. The Commission will also be considering proposed revisions to the CAR guidelines (PDF).

A slice of West Broad on Mosby Street?

john_m — Thu, 14 May 2009 17:00:28 +0000

The owner of the property at 715 Mosby Street and representatives from Cornerstone Architects presented a design for the former KFC at Wednesday’s Union Hill Civic Association meeting.

The rendering is pretty much the same as on the sign out front of the old chicken restaurant. The design is for a mixed-use development, with retail/commercial on the ground floor and residential space above.

Echoing earlier comments on this site, the discussion at the meeting centered around the street-side parking lot and it’s inappropriateness. It was unclear to as to how receptive the developer was to the opinions presented.

Planning Commission votes on amendments to Downtown Master Plan, Union Hill zoning

john_m — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:48:44 +0000

The Planning Commission yesterday voted in favor of raising the heights allowed for development along the river and also in favor of rezoning the interior of Union Hill to R-63.

The Planning Commission voted 7-2 yesterday in support of an amendment to the Downtown Master Plan that will allow buildings along the river to be a little taller than is currently allowed, but which is still approximately 2 stories shorter than the most recent Echo Harbor proposal. The Planning Commission also voted unanimously in stating that the city “had the power to preserve river views, specifically including the Libby Hill Park view, by limiting the height and mass of buildings”. The amendments now go to City Council for final approval.

The Planning Commission also voted unanimously in favor of a motion of intent to rezone Union Hill to reflect the request of the community that the interior of the neighborhood be zoned R-63.

Flavor

john_m — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:30:26 +0000

house by f33.

Still standing as of this morning, 1211 North 26th Street was listed as being up for demolition just about a year ago.

A new sign for Vernon J. Harris

john_m — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:00:51 +0000

The Vernon J. Harris Medical Center at 719 North 25th Street is in the process of building a 28″x5’4″ electronic sign on their property (for community announcements&events, medical alerts, AMBER alerts, weather alerts, etc). While the sign will not physically move, the image on the sign will change every 8 seconds. This comes up before CAR on Tuesday.

26th Street a jewel of the Affordable Housing Tour

john_m — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:25:57 +0000

The Better Housing Coalition houses on the 1000 block of 26th Street were the architectural jewels of the Affordable Housing Week Kick Off Bus Tour.

The Affordable Housing Week Kick Off Bus Tour was intended as a behind-the-scenes look at what Richmond’s housing non-profit organizations are doing to make our region an affordable place to live. Affordable Housing Awareness Week is the effort of 14 non-profit housing organizations to educate area residents about the challenge of providing affordable housing and to also provide opportunities for individuals and organizations to help meet the challenge. Learn more about Affordable Housing Awareness Week at AffordableHousingRichmond.com.

The Affordable Housing Week Kick Off Bus Tour had two two-hour tours, a North of the River tour and a South of the River tour. The North of the River tour wound through Church Hill and over into Highland Park before jumping to Dinwiddie Avenue in Southside, and showcased housing solutions by Better Housing Coalition, Boaz&Ruth, ElderHomes, Habitat for Humanity, and Southside Community Development & Housing. There were perhaps 100 people across the 6 busses, including Director of Community Development Rachel Flynn and City Council 2nd District representative Charles Samuels.

The tour was a great intro into what kind of work is being done across the city to provide affordable housing. There was a distinct lack of numbers on what constitutes affordable housing, how a lack of affordable housing might impact the area, what kind of affordable housing stock the region has, what the projected need might be, etc.

Church Hill Central – Neighborhoods in Bloom

We loaded onto the busses at Main Street Station. On the way up the hill, our tour guide, Ford Webber, gave an introduction to the city’s Neighborhoods in Bloom program. Targeting a high percentage of city’s neighborhood development resources into a few specific areas, NiB has a had high impact and has been proven to have raised property values in both the targeted neighborhoods and surrounding neighborhoods.

With a heavy investment in the “Church Hill Central” area of the Neighborhoods in Bloom, there is no question that Better Housing Coalition has had an amazing impact on the neighborhood.

Boaz&Ruth house – First Avenue

After 10 minutes on 26th Street, the busses carried us to the 3000 block of 1st Avenue in Highland Park for a presentation by representatives from Boaz&Ruth. While BHC focusses very directly on providing quality affordable housing, Boaz & Ruth’s mission is “to rebuild lives and communities through relationships, training, transitional jobs, and economic revitalization”. They do have housing opportunities, but as an organization have a more holistic approach to rebuilding community.

Speaking on the change that has come to the blocks of 1st Avenue on which we were standing, the B&R representative cited a marked decrease in violence and of the opportunities that can be provided by working on getting properties livable and occupied. She gave the best quote that I heard on the tour, “something positive is better than vacancy”. These are words to take to heart in this city with blocks and blocks of vacant lots and boarded houses.

Habitat for Humanity – Brookland Park Boulevard

Having begun the tour with the handsome BHC houses, I spent time here&there on the rest of the tour trying to quash thoughts about how tacky most low income housing looks, but Habitat for Humanity made that kind of difficult. Yes they do good things for people & this is better than a vacant lot, but why can’t folks get a decent window? Props for the Hardiplank anyway.

Southside Community Development & Housing – 1702 Dinwiddie Avenue

I didn’t get a price for this one, but the realtor gave out a sheet with other similar new houses in the area going for $115,000-$160,000.

agenda for the 03/24/09 CAR meeting

john_m — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:44:21 +0000

The agenda for the March 24 CAR meeting (PDF) includes the following local items: 401 CHIMBORAZO BLVD – Install new windows in previously blocked-in openings; 2201 E MARSHALL ST Replace existing rear stairs to meet Code and construct new deck under existing deck; 2001 E BROAD ST – Construct 74 dwelling units with corner commercial space.

In appreciation of smaller houses…

john_m — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:13:11 +0000

Thanks to Oregon Hill for the inspiration!

What is appropriate in an Old & Historic District?

john_m — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:50:16 +0000

Style Weekly takes a look at the other CAR controversy from last week’s City Council meeting:

Dotts, a professional preservationist, lives in Church Hill and must run any exterior change she wants to make to her house past the city’s architectural review board. She says the board’s over-zealous misinterpretation of its own guidelines leads to cases such as hers, where a drawn-out, bureaucratic obstacle course must precede adding something as simple as a gate from the same period as her home.

Not so fast, says David Johannas, chairman of the city’s Commission of Architectural Review, who says it ensures the authenticity of neighborhoods. Adding a gate that wasn’t physically at that address during the home’s period of historic significance, is the architectural equivalent of wearing drag. If there was a fence that went in, Johannas says, he would have preferred one that didn’t give a false impression of having been there all along.

See also:

are historic standards destroying historic districts? (1/16/09)
a proposal to revisit new construction in Old&Historic districts (6/1/08)

New rendering for Cedar-Broad

john_m — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:00:29 +0000

Walter Parks gave an overview of changes to the Cedar-Broad development at this week’s Friends of Jefferson Park meeting.

CURRENTLY PROPOSED TOP, PREVIOUSLY ABOVE; CURRENTLY AT BOTTOM

The big change is that the roof-top pool and clubhouse have been removed. Some of the materials planned for the project have been switched out for more economical materials, but this should not be readily apparent. Also, the treatment of the rising wall along Cedar Street has been given windows, both to break up the wall and to provide light&air to the parking under the building.

Fat Ducks Grocery

john_m — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:54:48 +0000

are historic standards destroying historic districts?

john_m — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 01:47:04 +0000

The preservation consultants at Old House Authority pose the question Are Historic Standards Destroying Historic Districts?:

If your property is in a historic district or if you are seeking Historic Tax Credits, certain alterations/additions must be approved. [...] Often these boards insist on distinguishing architecturally between what is historic and what is newÃ¢â‚¬â€meaning traditional design solutions are denied and contemporary ones required even when they are incompatible with the historic character of the property and surrounding area. Perversely, property owners are told to avoid changes that appear “too authentic” or could be mistaken for “having always been there.”

agenda for the 01/27/09 CAR meeting

john_m — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:14:51 +0000

The agenda for the January 27 CAR meeting (PDF) includes the following: New fence at 2601 E Broad St; Convert rear 2nd-story porch to screened porch at 16 N 30th St; Revise earlier Certificate to permit HardiPlank siding on rear of buildings at 16-24 N 31st St; Painting & more at 2819 E Grace St; Construct rear addition and second-story deck at 3109 1/2 E Broad St; [via]

CAR agenda for 11/25

john_m — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:45:51 +0000

The agenda for the scheduled November 25 CAR meeting (PDF) includes projects at 312 North 29th Street, 2306 East Grace Street, 3109 1/2 East Broad Street, 3101 East Broad Street, and 3618-3626 East Broad Street and 3609-3611 East Marshall Street. [via]

before & after on M Street

john_m — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 02:10:31 +0000

This plain but interesting house was gutted to two walls and part of a foundation, and then rebuilt larger and strabismal.

Must be sold this week or will be demolished

john_m — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:27:08 +0000

All of ACORN’s plans to save 814 North 21st Street have fallen through. The owner is now willing to sell for as little as $15,000 to avoid demolition.

ADDRESS: 814 N. 21st Street

STATE & FEDERAL HISTORIC DISTRICT: Union Hill

BUILDING PERMIT: Active and in place, ready to continue work for complete renovation
FLOOR PLANS: Complete and Approved for construction by the City of Richmond
HISTORIC TAX CREDITS: Application approved for the Part 1, Evaluation of Significance and preliminary approval for reconstruction plans for the rear section of the house
ENGINEERING: Complete for the house and the retaining wall to the north

The rear of the house has been partially removed in order to stabilize this section. The north wall can be reconstructed and tied in with the remaining south and west walls, and construction of interior framing can commence after this reconstruction. There is a failing retaining wall that will eventually have to be braced or replaced.

This brick Italianate house is located in the Union Hill State & Federal Historic District. The
owner must sell and will entertain any offer. A.C.O.R.N. has worked to save this house and initially arranged the sale to the current owner through our Option Property Program in 2007.

SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY
There is no time to waste in continuing work on this historic house in Richmond, Virginia to compete its restoration and save another unique piece of history.

For additional information or to make an offer, please contact David Herring (804) 644-5040 or Jeffery Kuhn at (540) 250-5773.

Does your house wanna be on tv?

john_m — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:06:07 +0000

Fresh off last year’s Flip it Back restoration of 816/818 North 23rd Street, Gable Painter and GP Restoration have lined up a 13-episode season on a cable channel known for home improvement shows. The show will be Richmond-based and will feature 1 main project across the entire season and also a smaller project for each episode. The big project has been lined up, but Gable is looking for some great smaller restoration project. Find out how to get your house in the show…

The show will feature the restoration of a 10,000 square foot brownstone in the VCU area. Each episode will also highlight smaller restoration projects from across the city. It is these smaller projects, “good before and afters”, that Gable is looking for.

The projects should be in a house from 1930 and before (Craftsman, Victorian, Four Square, etc), somewhere in Richmond. Financing should already be in place, and obviously you should be ok with having your house and the project detailed in tv. Gable says that the projects will be billed at is lowest rate. The filming begins in month and will continue through April.

Interested? Contact richmondshow1106@aol.com with any photos and a decription of the project.

Renovators open house @ Elmira Shelton House

john_m — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:14:00 +0000

Celebrate with the Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods and Restoration Builders of Virginia (RBVa) and see the completed restoration of the historic Elmira Shelton House. According to local lore, Edgar Allen Poe’s sweetheart, Elmira Shelton, was living in this residence in Church Hill
“when she bade Poe farewell in September 1849″, said Mary Wingfield Scott in her book Old Richmond Neighborhoods.

RBVa and ACORN invite you to experience the history of 2407 East Grace Street and appreciate the the extraordinary and extensive restoration of this beautiful Greek Revival house on Friday, October 17th, from 5:30-7:00 pm.

Contractor David Cooley and lead carpenter Joshua Cooley will be on hand to discuss their work while you enjoy light refreshments and beverages.

Please RSVP by October 16th. A donation of $5 is greatly appreciated.

To RSVP or to get more information, send an e-mail to giles@richmondneighborhoods.org
or call A.C.O.R.N. at (804) 644-5040.

ACORN honors renovation, new construction

john_m — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:23:43 +0000

ACORN held the 9th Annual Golden Hammer Awards Ceremony tonight at Seven Hills School in Northside. In addition to recognizing the previously announced 2008 special award winners, 1428 Bainbridge Street won for Best Residential Renovation, The National Theater won for Best Commercial Renovation, and The Reserve Condominiums won for Best Urban Infill. Congratulations!

Is this it for 401 North 27th?

john_m — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 12:07:51 +0000

The agenda for the next city council meeting (9/22) has items of local interest:

Ord. No. 2008-201 (Patron: Mayor Wilder) – To approve and adopt a Spot Blight Abatement Plan *** for the structure located at 401 North 27th Street.

Ord. No. 2008-202 (Patron: Mayor Wilder) – To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the acquisition of *** 401 North 27th Street for the public purpose of implementing a Spot Blight Abatement Plan ***.

Saint Gertrude High School 28th Annual Harvest House Tour set for October

john_m — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:25:46 +0000

The Saint Gertrude High School 28th Annual Harvest House Tour will be held on Sunday, October 26th 2008 from 1-5PM. The tour will feature private homes and historic sites in the neighborhood. Tickets will be available after October 1 at Leo Burke Furniture, Judy Newcomb Gallery, Church Hill Herbs and Florist and Saint Gertrude High School; order tickets online. [via]

Private Residences on Tour to date:

2215 E. Broad Street (Mr. and Mrs. S. Waite Rawls, III). This will be the “will call” house for online ticket purchasers.
2603 E. Grace Street (Ms. Martha Gunther);
2507 E. Grace Street (Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ray Hunter, Sr.);
2910 Libby Terrace (Mr. David E. Cooley and Ms. Jessica Jordan);
2407 E. Grace Street (Elmira Shelton House – Mr. and Mrs. Samuel T. Terry, Jr.);
2520 E. Franklin Street (Turner-Reed Moore House – Ms. Betty Joyce Moore)

Historic Sites on Tour to date:

23rd and E. Grace Street – The Twenty-Three Hundred Club;
213 N. 25th Street – Saint Patrick Church. Refreshments will be served in the Church Hall.

For more information about the House Tour or to volunteer, please contact Deborah Fulk, Chair of the House Tour debfulk@earthlink.net