The Better Housing Coalition announced yesterday the nominees for the 2011 Golden Hammer Awards, including local entrees in most of the 5 categories (Residential Renovation, Commercial Renovation (small & larger), Urban Infill, Neighborhood Design, and Sustainable Design Excellence).

Gold Hammer Award Nominees

Winners to be announced at the event on November 3rd

Residential Renovation

3101 E. Broad Street

711 N. 26th Street
John R. Johnson & Deanna Lewis

822 – 826 N. 27th Street
ElderHomes Corporation

3013 Libby Terrace
Monica Morris

3302 P Street
Tom O’Kelly & Ed Stone

602 Montvale Avenue
Melissa Savenko / John Vollino

800 W. 33rd Street
Sadler & Whitehead Architects

12 S. Plum Street
Nack Properties

846 Graystone Avenue
Distressed Property Solutions, LLC

4806 Bassett Avenue
Xtreme Makeover Properties, LLC

Commercial Renovation under 5000 Sq. Ft. (Neighborhood Scale)

421 N. 31st Street
Barry W. Peirce, The Gingerbread Man

1805 + 1809 E. Broad Street
Shockoe Valley Historic District

Commercial Renovation above 10,000 Sq. Ft.(Large, Multi-Family OR Mixed Use Project)

408 – 412 N. 3rd Street
Gammino Realty & Development

213 – 215 E. Grace Street
East Grace Street Properties, LLC

360 Stockton Street
Stella 360, LLC, C. Samuel & Noreen A. McDonald

Urban Infill

601 N. 22nd Street
Charles and Mary Field

701 St. James Street
Jackson Commons Partnership, LLC

1213 & 1215 Catherine Street
Bilder – Terranova Development, LLC

1012 Layfayette (Stella’s)
CDI Lafayette, LLC

Neighborhood Design

Holton Outdoor Classroom & Learning Garden

Rebuilding Together Program

Slave Trail Signage

Green Hammer for Sustainable Design Excellence

601 N. 22nd Street
Charles and Mary Field

701 St. James Street
Jackson Commons Partnership, LLC

408-412 N. 3rd Street
Gammino Realty & Development

5409 Hull Street Road
Virginia Supportive Housing

602 Montvale Avenue
Melissa Savenko / John Vollino

Photos by John Murden or provided by Better Housing Coalition.

In addition to awards in the 6 Golden Hammer categories, the following awards will also be given:

Preservation Advocacy Award:

Catie Beck, CBS 6 News & Rachel DePompa, NBC 12 News
For their investigative reporting related to vacant / abandoned property issues in our historic neighborhoods that increased public awareness about the detrimental effect vacant properties have on our communities.

Andrew Asch Historic Developer Award:

Ron Stallings, Walker Row Partnership
For the renovation of dozens of historic properties and construction of numerous infill projects that goes beyond the role of a developer, creating – through vision and perseverance – a Renaissance in Jackson Ward.

Neighborhood Revitalization Award:

VCU Urban & Regional Planning in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
For providing urban & neighborhood planning expertise to the City of Richmond, non-profit organizations and neighborhood civic organizations, which has had a profoundly positive outcome in the revitalization in our core urban communities.

Edmund A. Rennolds Jr. Excellence in Architecture Award:

Johannas Design Group
For excellence in architectural design for the numerous adaptive reuse and urban infill projects that have significantly anchored revitalization in many Richmond neighborhoods

Special Recognition – Neighborhood Design & Planning:

The Honorable Jennifer McClellan
For her work with Scenic Virginia in sponsoring HJ 658 in 2007 – a resolution celebrating the panoramic viewshed from Libby Hill Park – the historic view that named Richmond, a view of importance to all Virginia residents.

Special Recognition – Sustainable Design:

Paul & Julie Weissend, Dovetail Construction
For successfully incorporating extensive sustainable design into the historic renovation of both the headquarters building of Dovetail Construction and their Monument Avenue residence.

Better Housing Coalition will celebrate excellence in historic preservation and neighborhood rehabilitation at its annual Golden Hammer Awards on November 3, 2011. Nominations are being accepted through Friday, October 7 for awards in the following categories:

* Best Residential Renovation
* Best Commercial Renovation
* Best Infill Project
* Best in Neighborhood Design
* Green Hammer for Sustainable Design

Click here to download the nomination form.

If you are a contractor, renovator, or the owner of a building that was completed between August 1, 2010 and September 30, 2011, don’t miss this opportunity for your project to be recognized! Entries must be received by October 7 to be considered. All nominees will be honored at the Golden Hammer Awards ceremony on November 3, 6:30 – 9:00 pm at the historic Hippodrome Theater in Jackson Ward (526 N. 2nd Street, Richmond, VA).

For more information about the Golden Hammer Awards, please visit www.betterhousingcoalition.org/goldenhammer or contact David Herring at 804-644-0546 x37.

Better Housing Coalition is calling for Golden Hammer award nominations:

Don’t miss this opportunity for your revitalization project to be recognized – go to www.betterhousingcoalition.org/goldenhammer to learn more and download the nomination form. Save the date for November 3, 6:30 – 9:00 pm when BHC will present the awards at the Hippodrome Theater in Jackson Ward!

The Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods today announced the 27 nominees for the 2010 Golden Hammer Awards, including local entrees in all 4 categories (Residential Renovation, Commercial Renovation, Urban Infill, and Neighborhood Design). ACORN is also recognizing the Union Hill Historic District Initiative and Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille.

The Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods will announce this year’s winners in four categories– including a new one for “Neighborhood Design”– and give special awards to six honorees at the annual Golden Hammer Awards celebration on Thursday, November 11th, from 6:30 to 9 pm, at The Virginia War Memorial Paul & Phyllis Galanti Education Center, 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond 23220. Dr. Edward Ayers, President of the University of Richmond, will be the keynote speaker. [...]

Tickets for the event, including a cocktail buffet, are $70 each or $100 per couple; $1,000 for a table for eight.

Reservations are required. Tickets may be purchased two ways: by check sent/brought to the Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods, 104 Shockoe Slip, Lower Level, Richmond, VA 23219; charged online at www.richmondneighborhoods.org.

More information at info@richmondneighborhoods.org or (804) 644-5040.

Golden Hammer Award Honorees for 2010

Preservation Advocacy Award:

Union Hill Historic District Initiative
Knowing their unique community was in jeopardy, having lost dozens of houses to the wrecking ball, a group of Union Hill residents worked for nearly two years to successfully achieve City Old & Historic District status for their fragile neighborhood earlier this year.

Edmund A. Rennolds, Jr. Excellence in Architecture Award:

The Valentine Richmond History Center ~ William J. Martin
Under the leadership of its director, Bill Martin, The Valentine has successfully reached out to the city’s oldest neighborhoods– creating awareness of and interest in the history and the value of preserving these communities.

Neighborhood Conservator Award:

City of Richmond Attorney’s Office
This year the City Attorney’s Office has made significant progress in recognizing the importance of addressing the problem of vacant and blighted properties. Three individuals– Bonnie Ashley, Greg Lukanuski, and Melanie Mallery– have been especially active in pushing forward action to expedite the legal process against negligent owners, code violators and delinquent property taxes to save dozens of properties, particularly in the noteworthy case against Oliver Lawrence, owner of hundreds of vacant buildings blighting our historic neighborhoods.

Andrew Asch Historic Developer Award:

Property Results LLC
Charles Macfarlane, Sam McDonald, and Chris Dillon are honored for their work in the Manchester Industrial area. Early visionaries who saw the possibilities contained in its deserted and overlooked buildings, they have continued to be innovators– creating one of the city’s most sought-after places for urban living.

Marguerite Crumley Preservation Award:

The Honorable Cynthia Newbille
City Council member, Cynthia Newbille, represents the Seventh District– which includes most of the East End of Richmond. As one of the newest members of Council, she lost no time bringing people and entities together for the good of the multiple neighborhoods and is honored for her visionary leadership and working to help her district realize its extraordinary potential.

Special Recognition:

Elderhomes Corporation
For decades Elderhomes has worked to help people remain in their homes– providing weatherization and repair assistance and low-income housing to our senior population (especially in the city’s oldest communities)– and creating both renovation and appropriate new infill to meet affordable housing needs. Elderhomes has been nominated repeatedly for Golden Hammer awards for their quality product– proving that 21st-century affordable housing can not only be appropriate in historic communities, but also enhance a 19th-century block.

Gold Hammer Award Nominees

Winners to be announced at the event on November 11th

BEST RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION

9 North 29th Street (BELOW) ~ St. John’s Church

Pam & David Clarke

106-1/2 East Clay Street ~ Jackson Ward

Three Strands Management

516 North 25th Street (BELOW) ~ Church Hill North

William Kinsley

1208 Wilmington Avenue ~ Ginter Park

Traci & Mike Scribner

1213 West Leigh Street ~ Carver

Elderhomes Corporation

1417 Grove Avenue ~ Fan District

Dr. Susan Miller & Dr. Ken Kendler

2013 Grove Avenue ~ Fan District

Po Chau & Joshua Irwin

2614 Q Street (BELOW) ~ Church Hill North

1310-1312 LLC

3806 Noble Avenue ~ Ginter Park

Corinna & Clay Grogan

5506 Riverside Drive ~ Westover Hills

Carrie D. & Mark A. Larson

BEST COMMERCIAL RENOVATION

IVNA Building & Clinic, 219-223 South Cherry Street ~ Oregon Hill

Gammino Realty & Development

“The Tru-Ade Building,” 2824 East Broad Street (BELOW) ~ St. John’s Church

2824 East Broad Street LLC

B.T.Washington Plaza, 21 East Leigh Street ~ Jackson Ward

Washington Plaza Associates LP

Firehouse Engine Company Lofts, 2016 East Main Street ~ Shockoe Valley

Engine Company No. 2 LLC

Franklin Federal Savings & Loan, 626 East Broad Street ~ Downtown

The Wilton Companies LLC

Manchester Pie Factory, 612 Hull Street ~ Manchester

Jeremy Connell, 612 Hull LLC

Perry Place Apartments, 815 Perry Street ~ Manchester

Watson Brothers LLC

Xtras Cafe, 3322 West Cary Street ~ Carytown

Robert Moore

BEST URBAN INFILL PROJECT

812 North 27th Street (BELOW) ~ Church Hill North

Elderhomes Corporation

814 North 27th Street (BELOW) ~ Church Hill North

Elderhomes Corporation

1000 Porter Street ~ Manchester

Urban Development Associates

2205 Venable Street (BELOW) ~ Union Hill

Ismael Khan & Larry Niblett

Paul & Phyllis Galanti Education Center, 621 S. Belvidere Street ~ Oregon Hill

Commonwealth of Virginia

NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN

Chimborazo Playground Community Garden (BELOW) ~ St. John’s Church

City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities

Forest Hill Pond Restoration ~ Forest Hill/Woodland Heights

Friends of Forest Hill Park

Gillies Creek Park Tree Planting ~ Fulton

Richmond Tree Stewards

Tricycle Gardens Urban Farm ~ Manchester

Tricycle Gardens

(In the interest of full disclosure: I’m on the panel making the choices this year. – John m.)

Dr. Edward Ayers, President of the University of Richmond will be the keynote speaker for the awards ceremony, which annually recognizes the best in architectural renovation and new infill projects. This year, the Alliance will also recognize excellence in neighborhood design and community revitalization.

Do you know of any excellent renovation or new construction projects in the city of Richmond? Perhaps a neighbor or friend finally completed the renovation on their fixer-upper, or maybe you know of a local developer who has made a difference in the community and should be recognized. Perhaps your neighborhood has been enriched by the installation of a public work of art or the construction of a community garden. These are the projects that the Alliance will recognize, and there are four categories this year for which property owners, architects, developers, residents of neighborhoods and contractors can compete for the prestigious Golden Hammer trophy.

Contact’em at at (804)644-5040 or giles@richmondneighborhoods.org for more info.

The annual awards ceremony celebrating excellence in historic rehabilitation and neighborhood revitalization is swiftly approaching. It is time to submit your nominations for the best in home renovation, commercial renovation, new infill, and/or neighborhood enhancement projects city-wide.

If you are a contractor, renovator, or the owner of a building that was completed by September 30, 2009, do not hesitate to nominate your project. If you know an individual, firm, or other agency whose work should be celebrated, seize the opportunity!

All nominees will be honored at the Golden Hammer Awards ceremony in November. Download the nomination form here: Golden Hammer Nomination

Any questions? Call the Alliance at 804.644.5040 or send an email to: giles@richmondneighborhoods.org.

The Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods lauded several local renovations Thursday night during their Golden Hammer Awards Ceremony at Plaza Bowl. While this year’s nominees came from 21 neighborhoods across the city, both the Winner and First Runner Up in Best Residential Renovation went to area houses, the Better Housing Coalition’s stunning work at 2008 Fairmount Avenue in Fairmount and Bill Conkle’s amazing renovation at 801 North 24th Street in Union Hill.

ABOVE: 2008 Fairmount Avenue // BELOW: 801 North 24th Street

Second Runner Up in Best Residential Renovation went to 308 West Leigh Street in Jackson Ward (ElderHomes Corporation).

Awards for Best Commercial Renovation went to :

The Boathouse Restaurant (Riverfront) ~ CVI/Rocketts Landing

First Runner Up ~ Miller & Rhoads Mixed-Use Project (Downtown) ~ Miller & Rhoads Building LLC

Second Runner Up ~ The Allen & Jeannett Early Center for Christian Education & Worship (Ginter Park) ~ Union Theological Seminary

Awards for Best Urban Infill Project went to :

The Mews at Cary Mill (Fan District) ~ Cary Place Mill, LLC

First Runner Up ~ Montrose House, 1800 Accomac Street (Montrose) ~ Christopher Hildebrand & Sara Moriarty

Second Runner Up ~ 1409 Porter Street (Manchester) ~ ElderHomes Corporation

Third Runner Up ~ Carver Corner, 1216-1218 West Clay Street (Carver) ~ Bilder & Terranova Development LLC

BEST RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION

9 S. Harvie Street ~ Fan District
Eck Properties

201 West 34th Street ~ Westover Hills
Lucas S. Geiger

308 West Leigh Street ~ Jackson Ward
Rebecca Goemaat & Johnny Cecka

719 Spottswood Road ~ Byrd Park
David Gammino

1023 Park Avenue ~ Fan District
Brendan & John Fleming

1317 Bainbridge Street ~ Manchester
BAM Development, LLC

1740 West Leigh Street ~ Carver
Elderhomes Corporation

1800 Accomac Street ~ Montrose Heights
Christopher Hildebrand & Sarah Moriarity

2921 Noble Avenue ~ Battery Park
Tim Carambelas

BEST COMMERCIAL RENOVATION

212 Condos ~ Jackson Ward
Walker Row Partnership

310 Shafer Street ~ Fan District
Sumpter Priddy, Jr.

The Allen & Jeannett Early Center for Christian Education & Worship ~ Ginter Park
Union Theological Seminary

Boathouse Restaurant at Rocketts ~ Riverfront
WVS Companies

Brownstone 919 ~ Monroe Ward
Brownstone 919, LLC

Center Stage ~ Downtown
Center Stage Foundation

Cold Storage ~ Shockoe Bottom
SWA Architects

Miller & Rhoads Mixed-Use Project ~ Downtown
Miller & Rhoads Building, LLC

Movieland at Boulevard Square ~ The Boulevard
Bow-Tie Cinemas

The Paper Company ~ Manchester
The Paper Company, LLC

BEST URBAN INFILL PROJECT

1409 Porter Street ~ Manchester
Elderhomes Corporation

1413 Porter Street ~ Manchester
Elderhomes Corporation

Blackwell Revitalization ~ Blackwell

Carver Corner ~ Carver
Bilder & Terranova Development, LLC

Cary Place Six ~ Cary Place/Uptown
Eck Enterprises, Inc.

The Mews at Cary Mill ~ Fan District
Cary Place Mill, LLC 

Molecular Medicine Research Building ~ Downtown
Virginia Commonwealth University

Swansboro Revitalization, Pilkington Street – Swansboro
Southside Community Development & Housing Corp.

Tickets for the event, including a cocktail buffet, are $65 each or $100 per couple in advance ($75/each or $125/couple at the door); $250 for a table for four; and $350 for a lane for six.  Black tie optional; no tie permitted; bowling shoes provided; bowling encouraged.

Reservations are required.  Tickets may be purchased two ways: 1. by mail with a check sent to the Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods, 104 Shockoe Slip, Lower Level, Richmond, VA 23219; 2. online at www.richmondneighborhoods.org.  For more information, send an e-mail to info@richmondneighborhoods.org or call (804) 644-5040.

In the heart of north Church Hill, the Robinson Theater has a rich history– beginning when it was built in 1937 as a version of Art Deco Moderne architecture. Designed by Richmond architect Edward F. Sinnott, the Robinson became the center of community activity; and the U.S. Department of the Interior listed it as “the final icon of the transformation of this section of Church Hill into a middle class African-American neighborhood.” It was named for Bill “Bojangles” Robinson– a Richmond native who became a star on Broadway and in movies and is considered by many still to be the “World’s Greatest Tap Dancer.” The theater showed films and presented live entertainment, including talent shows until it closed in the mid 1980s and fell into disrepair. The Robinson Theater Community Arts Center is honored for the careful restoration that brought the Robinson Theater back as a venue for entertainment, education, and fun for the community and for Richmond.

The other 6 honorees are:

Preservation Advocacy Award: Charles Diradour

Charles Diradour is being honored for spearheading the successful campaign to save The Diamond on the Boulevard. He may not have realized it when he began, but The Diamond is far more than a venue for baseball to many people. It is an important part of and an icon for both nearby Northside neighborhoods and the entire city. His company, Lion’s Paw Development, was a Golden Hammer Award nominee for the deLux Diner & Lounge in the “Best Commercial Renovation” category in 2008; but Charles is a developer who sees beyond construction and projects. He knows the importance of people in the equation for building a truly extraordinary city.

Edmund A. Rennolds, Jr. Excellence in Architecture Award: Virginia Center for Architecture

In 2003 the Virginia Center for Architecture Foundation purchased the landmark Tudor-Revival mansion designed by John Russell Pope, one of America’s major architects. The new museum on Monument Avenue serves the Commonwealth and expands the Foundation’s ability to provide exhibitions and programs to educate and entertain Virginians and visitors– expanding it from its beginnings as a scholarship fund to a public cultural institution. Along with its stewardship of a Richmond historic landmark, the Virginia Center for Architecture is honored for its proactive work of educating the public about the importance and impact of architecture through exhibitions, programs, publications.

Neighborhood Conservator Award: Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity

Richmond’s Habitat for Humanity is honored for its expanding emphasis on quality design and mixed-income sustainable communities. Habitat joins with Richmond area residents, local government, businesses, faith groups, schools, associations, and individual volunteers and donors to build decent, modest homes that families can afford to buy with the zero-percent interest mortgages they provide. They have completed projects in Highland Park, Manchester, and other older neighborhoods in the city. An exciting new planned development– Pillars at Oakmont– at T and 33rd streets in Church Hill will offer “a natural intersection of income earners to reflect the diverse population that lives in this walkable urban community.”

Andrew Asch Historic Developer Award: David Gammino ~ City & Guilds Building

David Gammino came to Richmond in 1989 to attend T.C. Williams School of Law and moved into the Oregon Hill community, where he soon became involved in renovation and historically sensitive construction. City & Guilds is a general contracting and development firm that partners with developers and clients who share the vision of a vibrant urban core. It was created to pursue Gammino’s passion for historic restoration done purposefully and properly on a larger scale. Beginning in 2005, City & Guilds has worked across the city of Richmond on a wide variety of projects, including both adaptive re-use and new residential construction, with a focus on historic tax-credit-based commercial and multi-family projects.

Marguerite Crumley Preservation Award: The Honorable Ellen Robertson

City Council member, Ellen Robertson, represents the Sixth District– which includes “the valley where Richmond began.” She has enthusiastically championed its significance and the importance (and benefits) of educating others about the history contained on and under its streets. Thanks to her forward thinking, funding was allocated to study options and impacts regarding the future of Shockoe Bottom so that we will have the opportunity to make the best decisions about how to develop this singular Richmond neighborhood for ourselves and for future generations.

Special Recognition: Movieland at Boulevard Square ~ Bow-Tie Cinemas

Bow-Tie Cinemas has made a creative and stunningly successful impact on The Boulevard by renovating the old 19th-century locomotive building for a new life in the 21st century and bringing first-run movies back to the heart of the city. This unique example of adaptive re-use is now a 17-theater cinema complex, with comfortable seating, plenty of free parking, meeting and event space, and a cafe. This project illustrates beautifully the concept of providing what a city’s inhabitants want while honoring the city’s history and architectural heritage.

ACORN has announced that the 10th Annual Golden Hammer Awards will be held 11/12/09 at the revamped Plaza Bowl in the Southside Plaza Shopping Center. Nominate that project for a Golden Hammer! Also, the next Renovator’s Open House will be Thur 9/24/090 5:30-7PM at 801 North 24th Street. RSVP required. Contact ACORN at (804)644-5040 or info@richmondneighborhoods.org

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!

Winners of Golden Hammers in these categories of will be chosen by an independent judging panel and named at the event on October 7th.  Leighton Powell, Executive Director of Scenic Virginia and Ralph White, Manager of James River Park System, will be guest speakers.  Kimberly Chen, architectural historian, will emcee.  Tickets to the reception, which includes a cocktail buffet, are $65 each or $100 per couple, in advance ($75/each or $125/couple at the door).  Reservations are required and may be obtained by contacting A.C.O.R.N. at (804) 422-2148 or info@richmondneighborhoods.org.

BEST RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION:

1410 and 1412 Grove Ave – The Fan
Building Owner:  Larry Cluff, Sr.
Developer: Larry Cluff, Sr.
Architect: Stephen Donahue
Contractor: Larry Cluff, Sr.

(PHOTO COMING TOMORROW)
 
Hayden Residence, 3011 Libby Terrace – Church Hill
Building Owner: Cathy Hayden
Architect: BAM Architects
Contractor: David Cooley
 

Elmira Shelton House, 2407 East Grace Street – Church Hill
Building Owner: Tom & Kate Terry
Developer: David Cooley
Architect: John Jameson
Contractor: Joshua Cooley
 
1428 Bainbridge Street – Manchester
Building Owner: Lucas Geiger
Developer: Lucas Geiger
Contractor: Lucas Geiger
 

806 N. 27th Street – Church Hill
Building Owner: ElderHomes Corporation
Developer: ElderHomes Corporation
Architect: Charpentier & Chen Architects PC
Contractor: ElderHomes Corporation
 
2819 Semmes Avenue – Woodland Heights
Building Owner: Robert Saupp
Architect: Aaron Olsen
Contractor: Bill Pangburn of Savoy Properties
   

BEST COMMERCIAL RENOVATION:

EcoFlats – Carver
Building Owner: EcoFlats LLC
Developer: EcoFlats LLC
Architect: Fred Scordo, 3norrth Architects
Contractor: MGT Construction Co., Inc.
  

CHILDSAVERS (WRVA Building) – Church Hill
Building Owner: Mark A. Hierholzer, Executive Director and James P. Duval, Jr., Child Savers, LLC
Developer: Child Savers LLC
Architect: Bruce Tyler of Baskervill & Son
Contractor: Conquest, Moncure & Dunn, Inc
 
Lucky Strike Garage – Shockoe Bottom
Building Owner: Capital Results
Architect: BAM Architects
Contractor: Emerald Construction
 
Marvin Lang Building – Downtown
Building Owner: Marvin Lang, LLC
Developer: Marvin Lang, LLC
Architect: Andrew Moore
Contractor: Arias LLC
 
The National Theater – Downtown
Building Owner: RIC Capital Ventures, LLC
Developer: RIC Capital Ventures, LLC
Architect: Johannas Design Group, Interior Design: HL Reed Design, Inc
Contractor: Conquest, Moncure, & Dunn
 
deLuxe Restaurant – The Fan
Building Owner: Charles Diradour, Lions Paw Development
Developer: Charles Diradour, Lions Paw Development
Architect: Johannas Design Group, Interior Design: HL Reed Design, Inc
Contractor: Walters Construction
 

BEST URBAN INFILL PROJECT:

 

2601-2605 “O” Street – Church Hill
Building Owner: Better Housing Coalition
Developer: Better Housing Coalition
Architect: Lee Chen of Chen Architects & David Winn ofCharpentier
Contractor: Jeff Taylor of Better Homes, Inc
 
1902 Accomac Street – Fulton Hill
Building Owner: John Malinoski & Kristin Caskey
Architect: Camden Whitehead
Contractor: Bruce Schaub of Element Custom Building
 
516 Studio – Jackson Ward
Building Owner: Walker Row Partnership
Developer: Walker Row Partnership
Architect: BAM Architects
Contractor: R. Alexander, Inc.
 
611 & 619 W 19th Street – Spring Hill
Owner: Pat Patterson
Architect: BAM Architects
Developer: PMW Development LLC

VCU BrandCenter – Monroe Campus
Building Owner: AdCenter Development LLC
Developer: AdCenter Development LLC
Architect: Design Architect:Clive Wilkinson Architects; Executive Architect: Baskervill and Son
Contractor: Kjellstrom and Lee.

 

The Reserve Condominiums – Church Hill
Building Owner: Clachan Properties, LLC
Developer: Clachan Properties, LLC
Architect: Johannas Design Group
Contractor: MGT Construction
 
 

The Preservation Advocacy Award:
Rachel Flynn

Honored for spearheading the monumental effort to establish a new Master Plan for Downtown Richmond. 

Her inclusion of the public in the planning process is unprecedented for this city.  Further, the resonating tone of “traditional city” appears throughout the Master Plan document suggesting that Richmond should be about the business of creating a Downtown as many remember; a city of integrated economic activity and where residents actually live all facets of their lives in one dynamic, easily accessible and walkable area, as opposed to the forced segmented lifestyle in suburbia that centers around the automobile rather than people.  Additionally, Ms. Flynn included – for the first time ever – Historic Preservation as a significant component of the Master Plan, acknowledging that preserving Richmond’s historic resources is a necessity for creating a vibrant downtown.  Flynn believes that Richmond’s citizens deserve great public spaces and has presented a Downtown Master Plan that is designed for all Richmond’s citizens, not just corporate, business, or government interests.  As Ms. Flynn recently stated in John Sarvay’s popular Internet blog on all things Richmond:  “we’re not the Department of Individual Development, we’re the Department of Community Development”.  A.C.O.R.N. salutes Rachel Flynn’s dedication to creating a great Downtown for all Richmonder’s to enjoy.

The Edmund A. Rennolds, Jr. Excellence in Architecture Award:
Calder Loth

Calder Loth is the Senior Architectural Historian with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and has worked for the agency since 1968 when it was established.  

He has advised countless historic property owners throughout the state (indeed the world!) and mentored the scores of preservationists with whom he has worked. He has been the author or co-author of numerous books and scholarly articles, beginning in 1975 with The Only Proper Style and including The Making of Virginia Architecture in 1992, Virginia Landmarks of Black History in 1995, and Lost Virginia: Vanished Architecture of the Old Dominion in 2001.  He has been the editor for four editions of The Virginia Landmarks Register, the essential reference for devotees of the Commonwealth’s rich architectural heritage.  Mr. Loth is a member of the Virginia Art and Architecture Review Board and serves on numerous advisory committees for Virginia historic properties including Stratford Hall, Maymont and the University of Virginia, among others.  For years he has conducted a public lecture series that promotes basic architectural literacy.  A long-time resident of the Fan District, Mr. Loth is an avid gardener and devotes many volunteer hours to the Garden Club of Virginia working to restore or recreate original gardens in landmark properties like Gunston Hall, Stratford, Monticello, Montpelier, and the Executive Mansion.  In his own neighborhood Mr. Loth has transformed the alleys flanking his property into a flourishing public oasis.  During four decades of public service, Calder Loth has lectured, advocated, written, taught and provided an example that increases the awareness of our rich architectural heritage.  A.C.O.R.N. is privileged to honor Mr. Loth for his passionate commitment to preserving Richmond’s historic resources.

The Neighborhood Conservator Award:
Historic Housing, LLC, David White, Larry Schifflett, Louis Salomonsky – Founding Partners

Honored for their persistent long-term efforts in the revitalization of Shockoe Bottom. 

Historic Housing LLC rehabilitates historic properties to create multi-family housing in downtown Richmond and Washington, DC. The focus of the partners’ efforts, even before Historic Housing was founded, has been in the Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom neighborhoods, where their work has had a profound impact. Louis Salomonsky, Larry Shifflett and David White founded Historic Housing LLC in 1995. These three men have persisted in efforts to revitalize the locks from 14th Street eastward, despite the ravages of floods and fires and a volatile real estate market.  Louis Salomonsky and David White have continued to direct the work of Historic Housing since 2003, at which point Larry Shifflett left the company to independently pursue preservation projects. Historic Housing’s family of companies provides the integrated services of architectural design, construction, property management and development. To date, the company and its affiliates have developed projects totaling over $250 million in total development cost with tax credit investor equity of over $100 million. Approximately 75% of the company’s developments are market rate and 25% are affordable or low income.  Abandoned urban landmarks like the Railroad YMCA, the Todd ham building, the city’s oldest Philip Morris manufacturing complex, and the group of buildings at the corner of 14^th and Main Streets now known as “The Wedge” were given vibrant new life through tax credit rehabilitations by Historic Housing. Most recently Historic Housing began renovation of three city blocks formerly occupied by Richmond Cold Storage, a 450 unit, three-phased project that will continue the company’s tradition of converting derelict properties into vital, attractive, inner city dwellings.

The Andrew Asch Historic Developer Award:
Three Strands Management – Gray Oliver, Cynthia Oliver and Tory Smith, Partners

Honored for renovating several houses along the northern edge of Union Hill. 

Relative newcomers to world of historic renovation, this group of three have taken on projects in sections of neighborhoods that even seasoned renovators previously avoided.  Three Strands most recent renovations sit at the edge of Union Hill, abutting Mosby Court.  Not dissuaded by the location, but rather inspired by the opportunity to stabilize this transitional section of Union Hill, this dynamic and energetic trio renovated five houses all located within a 1 block radius including 2235 Venable Street, 2235-1/2 Venable Street, and three houses in the 800 block of North 22nd Street.  Their dedication and renovation investment in a group of historic houses in Union hill has completely changed this decaying section of the neighborhood, now once again occupied and vibrant.  Their endeavors have energized others to follow suit, and renovation activity of several other houses in the area are currently in progress.

The Marguerite Crumley Preservation Award:
Better Housing Coalition (BHC), T.K. Somanath, Executive Director

Honored for leading this non-profit organization from its infancy in 1988, into its role as a major force – a Community Development Corporation – that has been improved the lives of hundreds of city-dwellers by providing numerous affordable housing options in Richmond’s historic neighborhoods. 

Their comprehensive approach to neighborhood revitalization goes beyond simply preserving houses.  Over the past two decades, BHC has recognized that the community must be an integral part of rebuilding neighborhoods that have been devastated by disinvestment and neglect.  Engaging citizens on how they want their neighborhoods to bounce back is all in a day’s work at the Better Housing Coalition.  Over the years, BHC has managed not only to preserve countless historic houses, but to sensitively rebuild entire demolished sections of our historic communities with new homes that seamlessly integrate into their historic settings.

Special Recognition:
Shanna Merola

Honored for her keen eye earlier this year for noticing an innocuous sign stating:  “LOT WILL BE CLOSED FOR IMPROVEMENTS, MAY 31, 2008 TO JUNE 30, 2008 on what she knew to be the general location of Shockoe Bottom’s more than 200-year old “Burial Ground for Negroes.” 

Before 1807, the Burial Ground was the only municipal cemetery in Richmond that accepted Blacks, enlaved or free.  Additionally, this same site is where Gabriel Prosser, a rebel slave leader, and his co-conspirators, were hanged for thier attemted revolution to free others from the chains of slavery on October 10, 1800.  Uncertain of who posted the sign, Ms. Merola did some quick research and determined that VCU had purchased the privately-owned parking lot, and the sign that was posted indicated their scheduled improvements.  Knowing that simply repaving the site without any sort of memorial would be unthinkable, but unsure how to quickly gain VCU’s attention, Ms. Merola swiftly staged a demonstration on June 2, 2008 – complete with signs and a call for participants – to march along East Broad Street on the bridge over I-95to try bring media attention to this important historic site.  That small “call of awareness” led to a flurry of attention and discussion regarding an appropriate memorial treatment of the Negro Burial Ground at this juncture.  Suddenly, print, television and Internet media, along with Richmond Slave Trail Commission, The Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and Virginia Union University and VCU were in involved in the discussion about what to do with the parking lot and the Negro Burial Ground.  In a few short weeks, Merola’s effective grassroots effort to protect this important piece of Richmond’s past, turned into a commitment from VCU to work with all appropriate agencies on a plan to properly memorialize the area of the parking lot where the Negro Burial Ground is located.

From the announcement:

This Italianate double house, built in 1883, is the last remaining building on the east side of the 800 block of North 23rd Street. Constructed as working class housing in the Union Hill neighborhood, this desolate double house was in a state of total collapse when Gable Painter saw its potential despite the fact the building was out of plumb by nearly a foot Mr. Painter convinced the owner, Beverly El, to help him bring this modest address back to its original state. Mr. Painter served as the general contractor for the meticulous restoration which included exact duplication of the original porch columns and bracketed cornice, milling the exact dimension of the original exterior clapboards, and hoisting the structure back into an upright position. Mr. Gable’s efforts have rescued this formerly dilapidated house and transformed it into a stunning home for new Union Hill residents. The entire renovation process was documented by a new television series on The Learning Channel focusing on renovation of historic homes, which will air in November.

]]> http://chpn.net/news/2007/10/05/union-hill-house-wins-acorn-golden-hammer_1086/feed/ 10 http://chpn.net/news/2007/08/16/golden-hammer-awards-set-for-oct4_971/ http://chpn.net/news/2007/08/16/golden-hammer-awards-set-for-oct4_971/#comments Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:02:46 +0000 john_m http://chpn.net/news/2007/08/16/golden-hammer-awards-set-for-oct4/ The Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods announced the recipients of its special awards to be honored at the annual Golden Hammer Awards celebration in October, including special recognition for Laura Daab for the Church Hill North Historic District Initiative. Winners of Golden Hammers in the categories of Best Residential Renovation, Best Commercial Renovation and Best Infill will be named at the event.

The recipients of the special awards are:

Neighborhood Conservator Award
Rebuilding Together, Amy King, Executive Director, is being honored for their citywide home repair program that makes it possible for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners to remain in their homes. Rebuilding Together’s efforts preserve diverse neighborhoods.

Andrew Asch Historic Developer Award
John T. West, IV is being honored for sparking the rejuvenation of 2000 block of Idlewood Avenue. He started with a single neglected apartment building and has been the catalyst for revitalizing an entire block.

Marguerite Crumley Preservation Award
James F. “Jimmy” Kastelberg, Caravati’s Inc. is being honored for his collaboration in A.C.O.R.N.’s Attic and continuing the family tradition of architectural salvage which makes priceless artifacts available for renovators.

Preservation Advocacy Award
Jennie Dotts is being honored for her unfailing dedication to historic preservation and her seven years of service as the Executive Director of A.C.O.R.N.

The Edmund A. Rennolds, Jr. Excellence in Architecture Award
Dr. Charles Brownell, III, Professor of Art History, Virginia Commonwealth University, is being honored for setting a high standard of academic achievement and educating the next generation of architectural historians.

Special Recognition
Laura Daab, Church Hill North Historic District Initiative, is being honored for her efforts to have the Church Hill North area designated as a City Old and Historic District. This designation adds a level of protection to a fragile and threatened neighborhood.

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Rebuilding Together is the Richmond affiliate of a national program that helps low-income elderly and disabled homeowners maintain their homes. During a one-day “blitz,” the last Saturday in April, over 1,500 volunteers make both minor and major repairs to qualified homes. Since 1993, Rebuilding Together has improved nearly 700 homes in 15 Richmond communities. Last year alone, including volunteer hours, over $800,000 in improvements were made. Swansboro will be the 2008 target community.

Three years ago a group of vacant apartment buildings in the 2000 block of Idlewood Avenue caught John West‘s attention. Some of the buildings were vacant, all were in deplorable condition, and absentee landlords owned most. Tracking down the owner he purchased the first building and made the decision to concentrate his efforts in one block in order to make a difference. His goal is simple to provide a clean, safe, and affordable place for people to live. His primary requirement of the tenants is to be respectful of their neighbors. Mr. West’s efforts have been the catalysis for the stabilization of the block.

Louis J. Caravati, a demolition contractor who could not throw anything away, founded Caravati’s in 1939. In that year he purchased an old lumberyard and utilized the space to store and resell architectural salvage. In 1983, James F. “Jimmy” Kastelberg, Louis’ grandson, took ownership of the business. Now located in historic Manchester, Caravati’s has tripled in size and inventory. Jimmy’s preservation services provide an outlet to people renovating houses and the materials that contribute to the restoration of buildings throughout all Richmond neighborhoods. In 2006, A.C.O.R.N. and Caravati’s entered into an association called A.C.O.R.N.’s Attic which allows individuals to donate high-quality antiques and architectural elements while supporting both entities.

Jennie Dotts strongly believes that neighborhood preservation is a social issue. By tending to the small signs of a neighborhood’s decline one can stave off larger social problems. A belief at the core of A.C.O.R.N.’s founding and the reason Jennie was asked in 2000 to be the organization’s Executive Director. During her seven-year tenure at A.C.O.R.N., Dotts elevated A.C.O.R.N.’s visibility and developed key programs that furthered A.C.O.R.N.’s neighborhood mission.

Dr. Charles E. Brownell, III teaches Architectural History at Virginia Commonwealth University where he fosters high academic standards and encourages cutting edge original research. Every fall, under his direction a select group of students present their findings at the Symposium on Architectural History and the Decorative Arts. The papers often shed new light on Richmond and Virginia landmarks.

Laura Daab, a resident of the Church Hill North community, had long been concerned over the number of demolitions and vacant buildings in her neighborhood and the recent spate of inappropriate infill construction. In the summer of 2006, she organized the Church Hill North Historic District Initiative to begin the process to have the area designated as a City Old and Historic District. Old and Historic designation would provide a level of protection and design review for the fragile neighborhood that contains buildings dating back to the early nineteenth century. These efforts culminated on May 29, 2007 when City Council voted 8 to 0 to designate the district.

Winners of Golden Hammers in the categories of Best Residential Renovation, Best Commercial Renovation and Best Infill will be chosen by an independent judging panel and named at the event on October 4th. Rachel Flynn, Director of the City of Richmond’s Department of Community Development will be the featured speaker. Kimberly Chen, architectural historian, will emcee.

Tickets to the reception, which includes a cocktail buffet, are $65 each or $100 per couple, in advance ($75/each or $125/couple at the door). Reservations are required and may be obtained by contacting A.C.O.R.N. at (804) 422-2148 or info@richmondneighborhoods.org.

]]> http://chpn.net/news/2007/08/16/golden-hammer-awards-set-for-oct4_971/feed/ 2 http://chpn.net/news/2006/09/29/golden-hammer-award-for-peay-house_554/ http://chpn.net/news/2006/09/29/golden-hammer-award-for-peay-house_554/#comments Fri, 29 Sep 2006 20:10:03 +0000 john_m http://chpn.net/news/?p=554 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.

Residential

• 910 West Clay Street-L&Z Historic [Carver]
• 500 N. 29th Street/The Peay House-Atlantic Crest Company [Church Hill]
• 725 N. 22nd Street/The Canon House-Fine Carpentry of Virginia [Union Hill]
• 305 North 21st Street/The Archer Armstrong House-Hystoric Properties One [Church Hill]
• 2804 East Franklin Street/The Cochran House-Lynn & John Cochran [Church Hill]
• 612-614 N. 23rd Street-Jewels, LLC [Union Hill]
• 15 West Lancaster Road-Northside Renovations, Inc. [Battery Park]
• 1750 & 1752 West Leigh Street-Elderhomes Corp. [Carver]
• 1021 West Clay Street-Silver Construction [Carver]
• 1200 North 36th Street-Sarah & Corey Widmer [Oakwood-Chimborazo]

Commercial

• 1005 East Main Street/Bank & Vault-Mo Roman [Downtown/Financial District]
• 1129 Hull Street/The Bankuet Place-Laura Bryant [Manchester]
• 2600 East Grace Street/St. Patrick’s Place-St.Patrick’s Place, LLC [Church Hill]
• 220 East Marshall Street/Marshall Street Villas-Emerson Builders Group [Downtown]
• 1840 West Broad Street/Atlantic Motors Building-Sauer Properties, Inc. [Broad Street Corridor]
• 2004-2014 Idlewood Avenue-John T. West IV [Randolph]
• 1630 West Main Street/The Trolley-Blackwood Development Company [Fan]
• 1901 West Cary Street/Johannas Design Group-David Johannas [Randolph]
• 2625 East Broad Street/Captain Buzzy’s Beanery and Apartments-Howard Kellman [Church Hill]
• 2104 East Main Street-Corey Properties [Shockoe Bottom]
• 302 North Goshen Street-Clachan Properties [Carver]
• 525 East Grace Street/The Berry Burk Building-Berry-Burk, LLC [Downtown]

Infill

• 1912 East Broad Street/Bill Lafoon [Church Hill]
• 720 West Franklin Street/Brandt Hall-VCU [Fan]
• 100-108 West Jackson Street /Jackson Commons-Walker Row Partnership, Inc. and Miller & Associates [Jackson Ward]
• 603-603½ N. 23rd Street-Better Housing Coalition [Union Hill]

The winners of the 6th Annual Golden Hammer Awards will be announced on Thursday October 13th at a a semi-gala event at the Main Library on East Franklin Street. Contact A.C.O.R.N. at (804) 422-2148 or info@richmondneighborhoods.org for more information.

Of the 9 houses up for Best Residential Renovation, 4 are in the Church Hill area. They are:

615 North 23rd Street (previous)

Mike Jones and Tony Jones

711 North 23rd Street (previous)
Joshua Cooley and Lora Toothman

815 North 25th Street (previous)
Better Housing Coalition

2010 Cedar Street
Rennee and Allan Goode, and Cynthia and Gray Oliver

Of the 8 properties up for Best Commercial Renovation, one is in the Church Hill area.

2401 East Broad Street
Parish Hall&School House at St.John’ Episcopal Church

There are no area properties nominated for Best Infill. There is a great deal of infill housing being developed north of Venable Street, which is at least better than an empty lot if not otherwise noteworthy.

GOLDEN HAMMER AWARD WINNERS

BEST RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION
WINNER
407 Chimborazo Boulevard [picture]
Savoy Properties

BEST RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION
RUNNER-UP
617 North 27th Street
Laura and Paul Battaglia

List of Best Residential Nominees:

424 North 25th Street [picture]
Retro

2120 East Marshall Street [picture]
Restoration Builders of Virginia (RBVa)

BEST LARGE-SCALE COMMERCIAL RENOVATION
WINNER
Pohlig Box Factory
Stanley Shield, LLC

BEST SMALL-SCALE COMMERCIAL RENOVATION
RUNNER-UP
Jumpin’ J’s Java
Je Depew, Owner

View the complete list of 2004 winners and runners-up.