The Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods (A.C.O.R.N.) paid tribute to the individuals that are “in the trenches” renovating and revitalizing Richmond’s historic neighborhoods at its annual Golden Hammer Awards last night. The winners were announced in the categories of Best Residential Renovation, Best Commercial Renovation and Best Infill Construction, with the award for Best Residential Renovation going to Beverly El & Gable Painter for their work at 816 / 818 North 23rd Street (see before & after photos!).
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.
7 comments
Right on, Gable. Nice to watch that happen and the end result is a charmer!
If you had only renovated a house it would have been enough. But the positive attention you have drawn to our neighborhood is really wonderful. Thank you.
Looks like a truly great renovation – CONGRATULATIONS! Am sending a link to my cousin in upstate New York who visited last winter, I want him to see the before and after pictures as well as the television show! YAY!
The RTD has this today: 3 rehab projects are honored -Revitalization ventures in Union Hill, Oregon Hill, downtown recognized
I would like to invite everyone over to these houses on Saturday, October 13th, from 4:00 to 6:00 for an open house. It’s a chance to celebrate the award and the great press that Union Hill is getting. Between the award, the TV show on TLC in November, and a feature article in this Sunday’s Times Dispatch Real Estate section, this is the place to be! If anyone has a friend that said they would like to move to the neighborhood, this is a chance to show them a great house to move into. I hope you can make it on Saturday.
I’d missed the nominee list this year; there were several other properties in the area nominated:
Since the National Folk Festival was the center of attention last weekend, I thought I should have another open house this coming Sunday, October 21st, from 1:00 to 3:00. If you have a chance, please come by and check out this great renovation.