March 4: Noted House Restorer Christopher Owens to Speak
Join PHW at the Handley Library Auditorium on 4 March 2007 for a free lecture by noted house restorer Christopher Owens. [Due to illness, Mr. Owens was unable to attend. David Edwards, director of the Northern Virginia Department of Historic Resources, presented in his place.] Read the Winchester Star article covering the event.

April 14: Winchester Underground
The first in an exciting new series of tours, the Winchester Underground series takes you to rarely seen gems of Winchester's architectural history. Proceeds from the Winchester Underground events will benefit the restoration of the Rouss Fire Hall meeting room.

The kickoff event was held in the old Lewis Jones Knitting Mill on North Kent Street, across from the Judicial Center, from 6-8 p.m. Approximately 50 guests toured the fabulously restored Mill. PHW would like to extend thanks to Jim Vickers for allowing us to use the Mill for the first tour location.

May 15: PHW's Annual Award Nominations Due
Each year, PHW honors restoration and preservation projects in the City of Winchester during our Annual Meeting. Submit a nomination for one or more of PHW's awards to recognize the hard work of our citizens in maintaining our remarkable historic architecture. Winners will be announced at our 43rd Annual Meeting on June 16.

Forms are due back at the PHW office by May 15 for consideration for a 2007 award. Please mail entries to PHW, 530 Amherst St., Winchester, VA 22601, or e-mail nominations to phwi@verizon.net with the subject line "Awards." Click here for a PDF nomination form.

June 9: Winchester Underground #2
Winchester Underground returns on June 9, 3-5 p.m., for tours of downtown buildings rarely open to the public. The second in the series of tours, Winchester Underground takes you to three hidden treasures: The Hiram Masonic Lodge on the Loudoun Street Mall, the third floor and basement of the Handley Regional Library, and Rouss Fire Hall. Afterwards, there will be a reception with one complimentary drink to all ticket holders at Piccadilly's Brew Pub.

Over 200 visitors braved the long lines to tour the three locations on a sunny Saturday afternoon. PHW cannot thank our host locations and our patient guests enough for their support of the tour. Read the Winchester Star article.

June 16: PHW's 43rd Annual Meeting
Join PHW for the Annual Meeting and Preservation Awards on June 16 from 3-5 pm at the Education Center in the Lewis Jones Knitting Mill on Kent Street, now the home of OakCrest Companies. Christopher Owens, a noted house restorer, will provide the keynote lecture. Join us for our annual business meeting and presentation of the 2007 awards before partaking in the reception.

This year's award recipients are:

Lucille Lozier Award
* The OakCrest Companies, Lewis Jones Knitting Mill restoration and adaptive reuse

Carroll M. Henkel Awards
* Congressman Frank R. Wolf, for his ongoing support of preservation and heritage tourism initiatives in Winchester and Frederick County
* Elizabeth Reader and Charles Swartz, for their contributions to the appropriate reuse of the built environment of Winchester
* Richard E. Bell, for his leadership and wise judgment as chairman (2003-2007) of the Winchester Board of Architectural Review

Katherine G. Rockwood Revolving Fund Award
* Erich and Kristin Bruhn, restoration and landscaping of 211 S. Washington Street

Awards of Merit
* Thomas H. and Lucy D. Rockwood, restoration, expansion, and landscaping of 101 N. Washington Street
* Reader & Swartz Architects, the City Meat Building, 213 N. Cameron Street
* KSR, LLC, 208-220 S. Kent Street and its contribution to Kent Street revitalization

Approximately 40 PHW members graciously gave up a beautiful Saturday afternoon to attend the Annual Meeting and Christopher Owens' lecture and question and answer session. Following the business meeting, members were allowed to tour the building before joining the reception, prepared by Darla and John McCrary.

July 19: Board of Architectural Review
PHW encouraged its membership to attend the Board of Architectural Review meeting for the public hearing of the demolition of six properties on South Kent Street (404, 406, 408, 412 1/2-414, 418,) circa 1860 to 1910. The meeting provided valuable feedback not only from PHW's formal presentation, but also from the neighbors, City Council, and the Rose Foundation. Click here to read the Winchester Star article.

August 2: Board of Architectural Review
No decision was reached at the July 19 meeting of the Board of Architectural Review concerning the fate of six properties along South Kent Street. To read the follow-up article in the Winchester Star, click here.The next BAR meeting is scheduled for August 2 in the Council Chambers of Rouss City Hall at 4 PM. In the meantime, BAR members toured the properties.

The Robert E. Rose Foundation asked that the demolition requests be tabled while they continue negotiations with PHW at the August 2 BAR meeting. Read the Star's article here.

August 27: PHW Membership Meeting
Current PHW members were invited to a special meeting at the Hexagon House at 7 PM on Monday, August 27 to consider whether to remove the restriction on the funds from the sale of the Kurtz Building. Approximately thirty members arrived to join an intelligent discussion concerning the funds and to catch up with old friends.

August 27: Pledge to the Lutheran Church Wall Preservation
PHW pledges $15,000 to the restoration of the Old Lutheran Church wall in Mt. Hebron Cemetery.The wall, constructed c. 1760, is a local landmark and one of the oldest remnants of a building in Winchester. Click here for the article.

September 6: Board of Architectural Review
126-128 E. Cecil Street, once home to Ruth's Tea Room, appeared before the Board of Architectural Review meeting at 4 p.m. in the Council Chambers in Rouss City Hall. Click here to read the article.

The BAR approved the Rose Foundation's plan to demolish the former site of Ruth's Tea Room at 126-128 E. Cecil Street based on its unsound structural condition. Click here to read the article in the Winchester Star. The Rose Foundation intends to replace the structure with a close facsimile of the original building, which will appear before the BAR at a later date.

Ruth's Tea Room opened its doors in 1927, the same time as the Community Store around the corner on Kent Street. Both businesses were family-owned and operated for more than 70 years and draw fond recollections from the community. The Community Store is being renovated by the Rose Foundation.

October 4: Board of Architectural Review
The Rose Foundation appeared before the BAR concerning the fate of several houses in the 400 block of South Kent Street. The demolition requests for 404, 406, 412 1/2 - 414 were denied with a vote of 3-2, while 418 was denied unanimously. The demolition request of 408 S. Kent was approved unanimously. The BAR members opposing the demolitions cited the irreparable damage to the historic fabric and character of the Kent Street corridor with the loss of an entire block was the main concern and troublesome precedent. Others cited that other preservation options never seriously considered for these properties, and a true test on the market to search for purchasers willing and able to renovate the structures could provide that test.

The fight may not yet be over to save the 400 block of South Kent Street. An appeal to City Council by the Rose Foundation is likely.

October 13: Memberfest and Open House
PHW and The Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley hosted Memberfest and an Open House on October 13 from 4-6 p.m. at the Hexagon House. This year, PHW celebrated the one year anniversary of its return to the Hexagon House and welcomed its new upstairs neighbors, The Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley. The event attracted approximately 100 party goers to socialize and catch up with old friends and new acquaintances. Memberfest marked the first time the second story has been open to the public for an event in more than twenty years.

October 25: Preservation News
A portion of the flat roof on the Taylor Hotel has collapsed under the weight of improperly draining rainwater on Thursday, October 25. Click here to read the Winchester Star and Northern Virginia Daily articles covering the collapse. The Taylor Hotel is a Winchester and Civil War landmark. For more information on the history of the Taylor Hotel, click here.

A structural assessment of the building has determined the front and back portions are structurally sound, and the owners intend to renovate. Click here to read the Winchester Star article or view the TV3 Winchester report.

November 13: City Council Hearing
The Rose Foundation will be appealing the decision of the BAR to deny the demolition requests of 404, 406, 412 1/2-414, and 418 S. Kent Street. The hearing will take place at Rouss City Hall at 7:30 p.m. This event is a public hearing, so you are encouraged to attend and state your case.

The City Council overturned the decision of the BAR despite strong opposition from PHW representatives, The Department of Historic Resources, and BAR members. However, the properties are currently listed for sale. Watch PHW for more news about the Kent Street Properties.

December 1 and 2: Holiday House Tour
Preservation of Historic Winchester is pleased to announce the locations of the 31st annual Holiday House Tour. This staple of Winchester’s holiday celebrations will take place on December 1st and 2nd with 6 homes and historic buildings in and adjacent to the Historic District. Click here for a brochure. The Preview Party and Candlelight Tour will be held 6-9 p.m. on December 1. The Party will be held at 119 S. Washington Street, the home of Walter Jackson Helm, Jr. Tickets to the Preview Party are $35 per person and require advance registration. The Daylight Tour on Sunday will be held noon to 5 p.m. Advance tickets may be purchased for $15, or $20 at the door on the day of the tour. Children twelve and under are $6. Advance tickets will be sold at Kimberly’s, The Country Store, The Final Yard, Celebrate!, Winchester Book Gallery, and the PHW office at the Hexagon House.

PHW would like to thank the sponsors of the event - The Adams Companies, Wachovia, BB&T, First Bank, MakeNest Interiors, and Virginia National Bank - for their support in enabling another successful tour. Special thanks also to The Final Yard for funding of the poster printing, and to Kimberly’s, The Country Store, The Final Yard, Celebrate!, and Winchester Book Gallery for their donation of time and energy to handle ticket sales. Last, but not in any way least, thank you to the innumerable volunteers who helped pull the event together. It wouldn't be possible without you!

225 West North Street
Chad Bales and Lori Fountain Bales House
Bruce Downing, House Chair
The Monmouth Street Mardi Gras Ladies, Decorators

Chad and Lori designed their newly built home to fit in with the neighboring historic houses. From the preservation of a stately 200 year old tulip poplar, to the use of natural materials throughout—they have adapted their modern, spacious home to its gracious neighborhood. The outdoor fireplace, gourmet kitchen, radiant floor heating and multiple exterior porches are just some of the highlights of this lovely residence—uniquely crafted by Fountain Homes. Chad, Lori, and their children are looking forward to spending their first Christmas in their new home.

465 Glen Lea Court
Tom Dillon and Margaret Galloway House
Richie Pifer, Jr., House Chair
Decorations by the homeowners

Built in 2004, this Ryan Home design boasts over 7000 square feet of living space on three levels. Many extras include a side solarium, a quiet and cozy sunroom, a morning room off the kitchen and three gas fireplaces. Hardwood flooring and ceramic tile grace the main living areas. Commercial grade appliances and granite countertops make the kitchen a gourmet chef’s delight. Many antiques and family heirlooms can be found throughout the house as well as artwork from local and national artists.

441 Glen Lea Court
Les and Sabra Veach House
M.J. Stinson, House Chair
Decorations by the homeowners

This three year old home was designed by the homeowners in the French Traditional style. Les Veach drew the working construction plans of the home, an unusual accomplishment. The stucco home can claim the honor of being the first all steel frame construction in a residential building in Winchester. The interior of the 5000 square foot structure boasts exotic wood floors, a paneled handmade library, an entry hall with double staircase, luxurious master bath, and a gourmet kitchen to satisfy Les Veach’s Culinary Institute of America training. A recently completed pool house, four car garage, and spectacular landscaping complete the home’s elegance.

420 Glen Lea Court
Dr. Richard and Annoica Ingram House
Susan Wright, House Chair
Paul C. Miller, MakeNest Interiors, Decorator

The Ingram home is composed of bold, contemporary forms, blended with traditional elements from Northern European architecture. A collaboration between architect John Massie and the homeowners, the house has a quality of warmth and candor that has been maintained by builders Greg and Steve Ritter. The main level of the home amplifies this warmth with the use of Red Ironbark floors, prized for its durability as well as its auburn beauty. The custom cherry cabinetry in the library was designed by Paul Miller of MakeNest Interiors and was inspired by elements of Maymont Park, an historic estate in Richmond, Virginia. The interior color palette accentuates the hardwoods, while cool aqua tones provides contrast and visual clarity. The textiles and the wall covering of the stairwell, along with furnishings selected for the interest of their silhouettes, create a design tapestry that is difficult to define yet easily likeable.

205-213 North Cameron Street
The City Meat Building
Reader & Swartz Architects and Water Street Design
M.J. Stinson, House Chair
Decorations by the owners

Historical research revealed a long mercantile life for this property, housing meat markets, grocery stores, and furniture stores. When the owners purchased the building, it was architecturally unremarkable and unembellished, other than the heavy Victorian cornice on the street front facade, and a large, gable framed skylight on the upper level. The exterior was restored with a new first floor storefront, based on photos from the 1950’s and enhanced by light-reducing fabric scrims depicting a 1930’s butcher shop. The interiors were executed with a modern approach, with new wood and glass walls, gypsum wallboard, and exposed structural steel. An arbored roof deck at the top was designed as a small scale modern counterpoint to the old structure. Light reaches the lower levels through cracked glass floors, which are lit from above by clerestory windows and a skylight.

145 Baker Street
Habitat for Humanity
Dr. Cee Ann Davis, House Chair
Brookie Phillips, Decorator

Built between 1888 and 1897, this building is the only remaining limestone warehouse in Winchester. Baker and Co. Wholesale Grocers built and used this structure to receive and distribute grocery merchandise from the adjacent railroad line. After changing hands several times, the property fell into disrepair and was purchased by Habitat in 2000. Many area businesses donated materials and services to complete extensive renovations, resulting in the new permanent offices and warehouse for our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. For information on donations and support, contact jweiss@habitatwfc.org.

Bough and Dough Christmas Shop
Centre Friends Meeting House, 203 North Washington Street
House Chairs Darla McCrary and Mary Riley

The Shop offers fresh cut greenery—including boxwood, magnolia, and holly—for your holiday decorating. Baked goods, including gift tins of Neiman-Marcus cookies, and handicrafts from local artists are available for gift-giving. Returning this year are book signings of More Images of the Past as well as complimentary hot chocolate and coffee. No admission is required to the Bough and Dough Shop. Stop by on Saturday, December 1 between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Sunday, December 2, from noon to 5 p.m.

Preview Party House and Candlelight Tour
119 S. Washington Street
The home of Walter Jackson Helm, Jr.
House Chairs Howard Kittell and Franklin Wright
Decorator Lynn Robinson

Miss the crowds and enjoy a special candlelight tour of the homes on Saturday, December 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. The preview party will be held in the home of Walter Jackson Helm, Jr. RSVP for the preview party by 11/30/2007 by calling 667-3577 or purchasing the special Candlelight Tour tickets at any of the ticket sale locations.

December 5: Special Preservation Notice

Franklin Wright, President of PHW, reports on the offer of sale provision of historic properties as they pertain to the Kent Street demolition requests: (Click here for full article.)

December 13: Preservation of Historic Winchester Files an Appeal to the Kent Street Demolition Decision
Precedent and follow-through on purported redevelopment plan a concern…

Winchester, Va. - Today Preservation of Historic Winchester (PHW) announced that it has filed an appeal with the Winchester Circuit Court to the decision made by the Winchester City Council allowing the demolition of five structures on the 400 block of South Kent Street. All of these structures are located in the Historic Winchester District as well as the Winchester National Historic District and are designated as contributing to the purposes of the district. In filing the appeal, Franklin Wright, President of the Board of Directors of PHW remarked “Regretfully, PHW is taking this action following considerable soul-searching and thought. However, we believe that the action by City Council on November 13th to overrule the Board of Architectural Review’s denial of the demolition of these structures is flawed and not in the best interest of the city or its residents.” (Click here for full article.)