PHW is putting the polishing touches on a National Preservation Month activity that will run from May 1 to June 1, 2012. You’ll need your camera and some ingenuity to participate this year.
Keep an eye out for the contest rules at the PHW blog and website, as well as our May edition of the PHW printed newsletter. We think you’re going to like it!
PHW is still accepting nominations to recognize achievements in preservation in Winchester and Frederick County. Projects (historical research or rehabilitation) or leadership activities should have been completed in the period from late May/June 2011 to May 2012 to be eligible for this year’s round of awards.
Download a nomination form at www.phwi.org/issues/award.pdf. Nominations are due at the PHW office, 530 Amherst St., Winchester, VA 22601 or via email at phwi@verizon.net by May 1, 2012.
It’s almost time for the big day! Only three tickets remain. Don’t miss your chance to participate in this spectacular event!
To prepare for the event, the office will be closed promptly at 2 PM tomorrow, Friday the 13th. We will check in at the office on Saturday afternoon before the event for any last minute questions that arise.
Suggested parking map for Manhattan(s) in Winchester – click image to enlarge. On street parking is available on West Cork, South Washington, Wolfe, and South Braddock Streets. There are several nearby lots, including the Braddock Street United Methodist Church lot, the Valley Health Rehab Center lot, and the City-owned Cork, Palace, and Hable lots (map of City lots available here).
We’ll see you there on Saturday!
This open letter from PHW’s President Franklin Wright appears in today’s issue of the Winchester Star.
What wonderful and overdue news about the Taylor Hotel!
Many despaired anything — other than demolition — would be done with the Taylor. The grim shell greeted residents and visitors alike as a rebuke to a city that prides itself on its attention to its architectural heritage. A convoluted ownership and entangling financing agreements led to seemingly endless delays — all while the building continued to deteriorate.
This was not a “vision thing.” Everyone could see what the Taylor once was, and could imagine what it might yet be. What was needed was courage — political courage to do what had to be done — to save the centerpiece of Old Town. The city has met that challenge. Our congratulations to the City Council, the city staff, and the Economic Development Authority and its director for achieving what seemed was the impossible task of saving the Taylor Hotel.
I predict this achievement will be one of those council members will look back on and mark it as one of their finest accomplishments. I know it will be so viewed by the present and future residents of Winchester.
We realize this is merely the first step on a long journey, and many challenges lie ahead. But Preservation of Historic Winchester commits to helping the city and the property owners realize the full potential of the Old Taylor.
FRANKLIN WRIGHT President Preservation of Historic Winchester
Read more Open Forum letters at www.winchesterstar.com.
The PHW office will be closed on Friday, April 6 for the Easter holiday. Normal office hours will resume Monday, April 9. You may still place ticket reservations for “Manhattan(s) in Winchester” via voicemail at (540) 667-3577, email at phwi@verizon.net, or purchase via Paypal over the holiday weekend. But hurry — only 15 tickets remain!
The lovely vintage Easter card is part of the e-card collection at CardCow.com.
The City of Winchester has received funding approval for the 108 HUD loan application for the Taylor Hotel project. According to the City, the acquisition of the property should occur within 30-60 days. Immediately thereafter, work will begin to stabilize the existing structure (historic front portion along Loudoun Street and the rear tower on Indian Alley) and demolish portions of the property that have collapsed.
Vic Bradshaw of the Winchester Star reports:
A second phase of the $3.85 million project will result in the creation of 7,000 square feet of commercial space, five apartments, an entertainment pavilion and a covered farmers market area. In a third phase, 12,000 square feet would be developed as condominiums.
Completion of the first two phases is expected to take 18 to 24 months, [Jim] Deskins said.
“I think ultimately it’s going to be tremendous,” he said of the entire project. “This will be moving the city toward the completion of City Council’s goal of enhancing the downtown area and addressing a blighted building that sits right smack dab in the middle of downtown.”
Read the rest of the article at www.winchesterstar.com (login required).
For more information, please contact Jim Deskins, Director of Economic Redevelopment, at (540) 667-1815.
Please join Preservation of Historic Winchester for Manhattan(s) in Winchester Saturday, April 14, 7 p.m. at the home of Dr. Peter Bullough, President of the Board of Trustees, Glass-Glen Burnie Foundation. Dr. Bullough, formerly of Manhattan, will graciously open his homes and gardens at 120 and 122 West Cork Street for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to benefit PHW.
Space is limited, so only the first 60 paid reservations can be accommodated. Don’t delay – this is an opportunity not likely to be repeated. RSVP by mail or at (540 ) 667-3577 or buy your tickets online via Paypal. Admission is $50 per person.
Thanks to our sponsor Reader & Swartz Architects, P.C. for making this event possible!
Continue reading Manhattan(s) in Winchester, April 14
It’s time once again to recognize achievements in preservation in Winchester and Frederick County. Projects (historical research or rehabilitation) or leadership activities should have been completed in the period from late May/June 2011 to May 2012 to be eligible for this year’s round of awards.
Download a nomination form at www.phwi.org/issues/award.pdf. Nominations are due at the PHW office, 530 Amherst St., Winchester, VA 22601 or via email at phwi@verizon.net by May 1, 2012.
The PHW office will be closed this Wednesday, March 21 while we travel to Martinsburg for a presentation to the City Club. We’ll see you there!
The St. Patty’s Day Poker Party is fast approaching. If you haven’t considered attending yet, please do! The proceeds from the event will be used to help us repaint the exterior of 134 E. Leicester Street for an older homeowner in need of assistance. RSVP to Nancy at nvmurphy556@gmail.com by this Wednesday to join us for the “Giving of the Green.”