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NEWSLETTER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
Turner-Turpin House 1840
IN THIS ISSUE PG. 08
PBS – A Trusted Partner in our Neighborhood
PG. 19
Slate of Nominees for CHA Board of Directors
PG. 23
Candlelight Walk and Caroling
PG. 28
CHA 2018 Holiday HouseTour Preview
PG. 45
Letters to the Editor
[2] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
MEETINGS & NOTICES Historic Preservation and Land Use Committee Meeting
Generally held on the Tuesday before the board meeting at the Patrick Henry Pub, 2300 E. Broad St. at 6:00pm Upcoming Meeting: October 30 Upcoming Meeting: December 4 Upcoming Meeting: January 1
CHA of RVA Board Meeting
Generally held on the first Thursday of every month at Patrick Henry Pub, 2300 East Broad St. at 6:00pm Upcoming Meeting: November 1 Upcoming Meeting: December 6 Upcoming Meeting: January 3
Membership Meeting
Generally held on the third Tuesday of every month in St.John’s Parish Hall, 2401 East Broad St. at 7:00pm Upcoming Meeting: November 20 Upcoming Meeting: January 15 If any member wishes to attend any zoning or board meeting they are most welcome, but please check with Genni Sasnett at president@churchhill.org for updated meeting times and dates. What does Church Hill Look like to you? Send images to: Newsletter@churchhill.org
CHA Mission
The purpose of this organization shall be to promote a sense of unity and common endeavor among all the residents of the St.John’s CHurch, Church Hill North, and Chimborazo Old and Historic Districs, other residents of the East District, and other interested persons, in order to develop a stable, desirable urban neighborhood.
[3] Church Hill Association
CHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Genni Sasnett President@churchhill.org
Vice President: Debra Melisi vp@churchhill.org
Secretary: Pam Masters secretary@churchhill.org
Assistant Secretary: Audrey Auyeung asstsecretary@churchhill.org
Treasurer: Pam Lipscomb treasurer@churchhill.org
Assistant Treasurer: Steven Keener assistanttreasurer@churchhill.org
DIRECTORS AT LARGE Alli Alligood
Reshma Gola
Christina Masteroianni
Brian Loos
Past President: John Sieg
Historic Preservation and Land Use Chair: Barbra Cotter (804) 677-7647
VOLUNTEERS Layout & Graphics: Arthur Olivarez arthurolivarezjr@gmail.com Church Hill Planters: Marion Macdonald Phone: (804)644-1347 Membership Coordinator: Amy Beem membership@churchhill.org Phone: (804)344-7157
Content Editor/ Ad Sales Coordinator: Celeste Deal newsletter@churchhill.org Phone: (804)644-2862 Lead Newsletter Dristribution: South: Tom & Eileen Sanders Phone: (804)343-7157 North: Sandra Horton Phone: (804)780-1641
For more information on joining the CHA, please see our website at: churchhill.org or fill our the application included in this publication
[4] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Greetings Church Hillians, What a year 2018 has been! So many new people and businesses have moved to the community bringing new vibrance and determination to make this great neighborhood even better. Meanwhile the stalwarts of the community have continued their tireless efforts to preserve history and engage politically to ensure new development will complement what already exists and will preserve the special character of our community. We are clearly in a time of change as an association. Change is good, it keeps things fresh and relevant. But change is not easy, and inevitably tensions arise throughout the process. People have different priorities and issues about which they are passionate The important thing for us to remember is all of those priorities are valid and in fact, most of us support them all, just with different degrees of passion. Without historic preservation, many of us would not be here at all. We moved here because of the history, the beauty, the diversity and “village” feel of the community. But historic preservation isn’t just a nice thing to have, it is a driver of economic development, providing more revenue for the City as new families move in and creating job opportunities for local residents as new businesses develop. On the other hand, without good schools everyone in our community suffers. We all want to see improvement to our schools, foremost because all children deserve quality educations. But also, because we want to keep our young families here and not lose them to suburban districts because they feel they must move to get a proper education for their children. They also want public safety, access to recreational opportunities and streets that are safe for children and others to cross. Things we all desire. So, we must work together. Not only within CHA but across Greater Church Hill and the City. Because change isn’t just happening in our community its everywhere in our city and as good citizens we should be a part of guiding the change. Hence the reason you have been consistently encouraged to engage in any way you can with the Richmond 300 Master Planning process. It matters to you, your family, our community and the future of our city. Go to www.Richmond300.com to see how you can engage. Speaking of engagement, the new slate of candidates for the CHA board is impressive. Please familiarize yourselves with the candidates whose bios and photos are highlighted elsewhere in this newsletter. Debra Melisi will take over the role of the presidency in January. Debra is an able and energetic leader and I look forward to her presidency and commit to providing her and the board with my full support as I serve out my last year on the board as the Past President. I hope you will get to know Debra and the new board members, if you don’t already, and that you too will provide them with your support. Thank you to the members stepping down from the board this year: Past President, John Sieg; Secretary, Pam Masters; Assistant Treasurer, Steven Keener and At-Large Member, Christina Mastroianni. You have been terrific assets. Finally, I want to express my gratitude to you for allowing me to serve as your president. It seems like forever when you start your term and suddenly it seems the time has been far too short. It has been an honor, a learning experience and a challenge at times, but what worthwhile work is not? I have been well supported by the current board, by past presidents and the membership. I think we accomplished a lot as a team and as a team we will be able to accomplish even more. With deep gratitude and great optimism about the future,
Best regards,
Genni Sasnett, President, CHA of RVA 2018 [5] Church Hill Association
CHA OF RVA MEMBERS,
Several years ago, CHA leadership undertook the task of revising our mission statement. It is now “to preserve our history and create our community’s future”. The revised mission statement has been effective in guiding the Association as we have navigated the many issues that have come our way since its creation. Now we find ourselves in a period of accelerated growth across the city and in Greater Church Hill. We are also engaged in extensive future planning through the development of the Richmond 300 City Master Plan. Officers, committee chairs and other active members are engaged in discussions and activities that require them to express their personal opinions and positions as well as those of the Association. While the president is the only person who may speak officially for CHA, it is inevitable that many of us will be asked what CHA stands for. As I contemplated this it became apparent that while the mission statement is still valid, it would be helpful to flesh it out to provide additional guidance. The Board of Directors and the members of the HPLUC have been working on a draft of what are essentially value statements for CHA. I have included a draft of them below for your review and input. Note that we will discuss them at our meeting next week and they will also be published in the November newsletter and also placed on the CHA website. These statements will ultimately be brought before the membership for a vote. We are hopeful that can take place at our November membership meeting, however, we will not take a vote until we are satisfied members have had an opportunity to provide input. Please review this draft and If you have thoughts, questions, additions or deletions please address them to me, Genni Sasnett, at president@churchhill.org. I will do my best to incorporate everyone’s input while at the same time keeping this to a manageable size. Thank you and we look forward to your comments. Genni Sasnett President 2018
The Church Hill Association of RVA Mission Statement “To preserve our history and create our community’s future”
To “preserve our history” CHA is committed to: • Preserving important Richmond, Commonwealth of Virginia and US history through protection of notable buildings, landmarks, travel routes and view sheds, including the “View that named Richmond” • Conserving the historic assets and character of Greater Church Hill for the economic and social benefit they bring to Richmond through their draw of tourism and attraction of new residents • Supporting zoning regulations that enhance and support the existing characteristics of the neighborhood, including height & density for new construction, and the development of historic district overlay zoning that encourages the preservation of existing historic buildings [6] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
To “create the future” CHA is committed to: • Supporting new construction consistent with the prevailing size and scale, as well as height and mass, of buildings within the immediately surrounding community, does not worsen traffic congestion and provides adequate parking for residents or customers • Promoting a racially, ethnically and economically diverse, family-friendly community that provides mixed income housing, quality education, access to needed goods and services, like grocery stores and health care facilities, and safe, convenient pedestrian and bicycle access to the Capital Trail and James River for recreation opportunities • Enhancing economic opportunity for residents of the East End through development of compatible and appropriately located industry, support for small and/or minority businesses and increased tourism, all bringing jobs to the community and increased tax revenues to the City • Advocating for accessible, affordable public transportation options providing connectivity between all parts of the Greater Church Hill community and the Pulse system • Supporting continued residency of long-term home-owners and renters through strategies like Property Tax Abatement, housing rehabilitation programs, set-asides for affordable housing, and income-based rental subsidies disbursed in the community allowing economic and social integration across income levels
[7] Church Hill Association
PBS KIDS--A TRUSTED PARTNER IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD Did you know that 90 percent of a child’s brain develops before the age of five? Your Community Idea Stations does! Their PBS KIDS Ready To Learn outreach program helps parents with young children embrace their role as their most important educator during these critical years of development. PBS Kids has powerful, effective, accessible, and free programming for parents to use at home. Nationally, about half of all parents do not have access to high quality pre-school. PBS KIDS helps to level the playing field by making these resources available to everyone. Ready To Learn volunteers have been in our neighborhood for years-- reading and distributing books to children at Fairfield Court and Woodville elementary schools; bringing beloved PBS KIDS characters to family events in the East End; and even hosting a PBS KIDS parent club at Woodville. Beginning this Fall, their new Ready To Learn East End Coordinator will be working even more closely with the Office of Community Wealth Building, Family Lifeline Home Visiting Professionals and Peter Paul Development Center to connect PBS resources with families in the neighborhood year-round. In February, customers at The Market @ 25th Street will see a Community Idea Welcome Station at the front of the store that will have public radio and television program information for lifelong learners of all ages, as well as PBS KIDS activities and games for families to do with children and grandchildren at home and as they shop. PBS KIDS educational messages will be seen throughout the store with early learning opportunities to spark conversation between employees, parents and children. Ready To Learn workshops and activities for families will take place in the Market’s educational space and children will have access to books to read with their caregivers in the PBS KIDS book nook space in the market cafe. Ready To Learn Director, Mary Jo Grieve, says, “The Community Idea Stations’ mission is to use the power of media to educate, entertain and inspire. We look forward to better serving this community, supporting the success of the new grocery store with all of our community partners, and transforming the everyday experience of grocery shopping into a living example of how caregivers can support children’s’ education outside of the classroom.” Messaging, activities and games will reinforce the concept that caregiver’s are their child’s most important educator. PBS is an essential partner on this journey and provides educational programs and many free resources to parents to help teach good social-emotional skills; healthy habits; literacy and math skills; and support children who have had adverse childhood experiences.
[8] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
[9] Church Hill Association
HOGTOBER 2018 October 6th was a perfect weather day for the Annual Hogtober Fest in Libby Hill Park. Many thanks go out to our friends at Style Weekly for making all of the arrangements for this wonderful event. We also want to thank the many, many volunteers from Church Hill and well beyond who came out and worked hard to make the day a success. A very special thanks goes out to Board members Brian Loos and Audrey Auyeung for the terrific job they did before the event, including recruiting the numerous volunteers that were needed. We want to thank Brian, especially, for his work on the day of the event. He was there sun-up to well past sun-down and remained cheerful and enthusiastic the entire time! We don’t have the final figures on proceeds just yet but will share them with the membership in the near future. Thanks again everyone!
[ 10 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
Leaf collection for Richmond residents will begin Monday, Oct. 1. City residents may put up to 10 bags of leaves out for pickup on their designated trash collection day. “We certainly encourage people to bag their leaves,” said Bobby Vincent Jr., director of the Department of Public Works. For a limited period beginning at the end of October, the department will collect as many bags as residents put out. The schedule for unlimited pickup is based on which day your trash is collected.
THE SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS: • For neighborhoods where trash pickup is Wednesday, residents can put out an unlimited number of bags for collections between Oct. 31 and Nov. 10. • For neighborhoods where trash pickup is Thursday, residents can put out an unlimited number of bags for collections between Nov. 15 and Nov. 24. • For neighborhoods where trash pickup is Monday, residents can put out an unlimited number of bags for collections between Nov. 26 and Dec. 11. • For neighborhoods where trash pickup is Tuesday, residents can put out an unlimited number of bags for collections between Dec. 11 and Dec. 3 • For the second year in a row, the department will also offer ondemand leaf vacuum service. The sign-up period will begin Oct. 1. • Residents may pay a $30 fee to request the service. The department asks residents who opt for the vacuum service to rake their leaves to the front of their property line. • To opt in, residents can call 311. They can also sign up using the city’s new RVA311.com website or smartphone app. Instead of sending in a check, there will be an option for residents to add the $30 fee for the service to their utility bill. • The on-demand vacuum service will begin Nov. 1.
[ 11 ] Church Hill Association
2401 E. Broad St. Richmond, Va. 23223 804.649.7938 www.saintjohnsrichmond.org The Rev. Amelie Wilmer, Priest in Charge
Come, Li� Your Spirit! We are a caring, spiritual community joyfully embracing and nurturing all, serving God, each other, and the community.
Sundays at St. John’s 8:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist (no music) 9:15 a.m. Adult Forum, Parish Hall 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Children’s Chapel, Keeper’s Cottage 11:45 a.m. Coffee Hour, Parish Hall Nursery available 8:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Bishop’s Visit & Confirmation Sunday, November 18 10:30 a.m. Confirmation & Holy Eucharist 12:00 p.m. St. John’s Celebration, Parish Hall
Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 22 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
The Holidays at St. John’s Church Hill Vespers Friday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve December 24 5:30 p.m. Family Eucharist 11:00 p.m. Festival Eucharist
Christmas Day December 25 10:00 a.m. Christmas Eucharist
The Feast of the Epiphany Burning of the Greens Saturday, January 5, 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit our website, www.saintjohnsrichmond.org. Follow us on Facebook; search St. John’s Church
[ 12 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
In conjunction with the Annual Church Hill Holiday House Tour, Billups Funeral Home will have an Open House Sunday, December 9 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. with hors d’ oeuvres, coffee, and hot chocolate.
Billups Funeral Home, Est. 1850 2500 E. Marshall Street 643-7444 www.Billupsfh.com
[ 13 ] Church Hill Association
2018 School Donation Drive CHA President, Genni Sasnett, was pleased to present gifts of school supplies to each of our local elementary schools this fall. The supplies were enthusiastically received by the principals and staff at each school. These donations were made possible through the generosity of the wonderful, caring members of CHA. We believe that every donation counts and want to express our thanks to everyone who donated supplies or cash for the purchase of supplies this year. You are the best!
Principal Regina T Farr, Bellevue Elementary
Administrative Office Associate, Dora Newman, standing in for Principal Rose Ferguson, George Mason Elementary
Principal David T. Peck, Chimborazo Elementary
Libby Hill Park Tree Removal Several mature ailanthus trees growing along the eastern edge of Libby Hill Park were recently removed by TrueTimber Arborists. A generous Church Hill resident made a donation which paid for the full cost of the removal. These trees (also known as tree of heaven, paradise tree, and stinkweed tree) are hightly invasive and were seeding down the hill. This removal is just the beginning of the project to remove the “invaders� from the park. The Church Hill Parks and Beautification Committee will be looking for volunteers to remove some of the smaller trees from areas that can be more easily reached and will be requesting that the City develop an ailanthus removal plan for those areas that are too steep for volunteers. Photos by Barbara Cotter
[ 14 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
Church Hill Real Estate Market Report Worried about mortgage rates? You’re not the only one. Any time the interest rates start to creep up, homeowners and homebuyers alike get a little sick to their collective stomach. “What will become of my hopes of selling my home for top dollar??” “What will become of my dreams of finally owning my dream home??” Well, here we are again (at the highest rates since April 2011). In case you haven’t been paying attention, here is the trend for rates from October 2017-October 2018: We spoke to local lender and Church Hill resident Lori Skeeter with ALCOVA Mortgage (NMLS #205645) who helps a great deal of buyers in urban communities. Here is what she had to say: “First, I acknowledge that the concerns are real. Rates are going up. But, we’ve known for some time that rates have been artificially low and that the change was bound to come. So, what now? How do rates impact the average buyer? Probably not as much as people think. I’ve had clients tell me they thought a .25% increase would raise their payment by $100. It’s typically not that drastic. To illustrate: the payment for $250K at 4.75% is $1304. At 5%, the payment increases to $1342 and at 5.25%, it’s $1381. We all would love the lower payment of course, but the overall increase of $77 is nowhere near as bad as many would think. “My next question is ‘what’s the cost of doing nothing?’ If rates are higher now and the trend shows it’s likely to continue, waiting to buy just means those numbers get worse. If you’re wishing you were one of the people that purchased last year, next year other people will be doing the exact same thing. The question is – will it be you? The other thing I remind clients is that rate increases don’t exist in a vacuum. When housing expenses start to cost more, so does everything else, including – you guessed it – rent!” Many renters who have been paying attention still understand that the only way to ensure a stable monthly housing payment is to lock in a mortgage rate and buy.
The Facts* ⌂ ⌂ ⌂ ⌂
2018 YTD Median Sale Price: $246,000 ⌂ 2017 YTD Median Sale Price: $243,000 2018 YTD Median Days on Market: 10 ⌂ 2017 YTD Median Days on Market: 8 2018 YTD Median List Price to Sale Price: 100.00% ⌂ 2017 YTD Median List Price to Sale Price: 100.0% Current Active Median Price: $225,000 *Criteria: 23223 in school zones Bellevue, Chimborazo, and George Mason. Data obtained from CVR MLS
Prepared by Licensed Real Estate Broker and Church Hill resident, Amy Tesauro Amy Tesauro & Catherine Gilmer linchpin@linchpinrealestate.com linchpinrealestate.com 804.292.0852
[ 15 ] Church Hill Association
GREAT DOCTORS — RIGHT DOWN THE HILL Close, convenient care is nearby at Bon Secours Canal Crossing Internal Medicine.
Vicki Latham, MD
Bon Secours Canal Crossing Internal Medicine offers adult primary care, senior care, annual physicals, women’s services, immunizations, checkups and more. Compassionate care for all adults, at all stages of life, is right next door to Church Hill. Offering same-day appointments and accepting new patients—call (804) 298-3460.
Katie Skiff, NP
Canal Crossing Internal Medicine 115 South 15th Street Suite 501 Richmond, VA 23219
bonsecours.com/richmond
[ 16 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
Sarah Meyers, PA
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[ 17 ] Church Hill Association
[ 18 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
SLATE OF NOMINEES FOR CHA 2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Nominations Committee for the Church Hill Association put out a call for all open Board positions this summer. We were pleasantly surprised to find we had more candidates than open positions this year! We hope those not selected for the slate this time will consider putting themselves forth for consideration again next year. We truly appreciate your interest and commitment. We are delighted to unanimously propose the candidates below as new members of our leadership team. This slate was presented at the October 2018 Membership Meeting along with a request for nominations from the floor. To review the official roles and responsibilities for each position and to see the Nominations Committee Guidelines, please visit the “CHA of RVA members” section under the “participate” tab of our website, churchhill.org. All Board positions are unpaid volunteer posts and some carry multi-year commitments. We are grateful to all applicants for offering to dedicate their time, energy, and talents to serve our community.
Vice President, Alli Alligood Thirteen years ago, I tricked my husband into buying a house on Church Hill. Neither of us had a job here, and neither of us knew what we were getting into. He forgave my trickery, and we are both over-the-moon to be a part of this very special community. We have been restoring the house that we love for these years, and I have continued my quest to live in and enjoy each moment, and not get annoyed with the “when will you be finished?’ questions. We were married beneath a tall Tulip Poplar on the Potomac River, and considered it a good sign that our immediate street tree is one of these as well. We count ourselves lucky to live in an urban neighborhood that offers so much greenspace, and we treasure and continue to work to protect both our neighborhood and other city trees. My previous life included working as an advocate for the health of our environment and the Chesapeake Bay, as an assistant to a senior state senator, and helping with various election campaigns. The last thing I did before moving to Richmond was work as an apprentice cabinet maker. We live with two very special girl pups and a litter of kitten-cat sisters right on Broad Street in the middle of things. I would be happy to serve, if elected, as Vice President, on the board of the Church Hill Association. [ 19 ] Church Hill Association
Assistant Secretary, Jon Wood Jon grew up in Charlottesville where he spent his time pursuing outdoor activities, playing music and spending time with family. He began commuting to Richmond in 2009 while working on projects at MCV. His company had an office in Churchill and Jon fell in love with the area and the rich history that surrounded it. When they decided it was time to move it was an easy decision that Churchill is where they wanted to be. Jon, Rachel and their Labrador Retriever, Tank, are happy residents on E. Franklin St. Jon has been involved in all aspects of volunteer fire and EMS for the past 17 years. Before he moved to Richmond he was Fire Chief of his local Volunteer Fire Department. He also served many roles on the department’s Board of Directors. Jon is excited for the opportunity to join the CHA and looking forward to helping unify and develop the community while working to insure that Churchill keeps the charm that drew him here.
Assistant Treasurer Brian Loos, M.B.A., C.P.M. Brian Loos currently serves as an At Large board member for CHA. This past year he organized and chaired an ad hoc board committee on technology for CHA this past and also co-chaired the 2018 Hogtober event. Brian proposed to his wife Stacey four years ago in Libby Hill Park. They now live together in a historic 1885 house on East Grace Street, and have been actively involved in the community for the past three years. Brian and his wife opened their home for the Church Hill Association’s 2016 Historic House Tour, Brian and his daughter mulched the parks in advance of the UCI International Bike Race and he has volunteered on the Association’s Transportation Committee. Brian has been employed by Altria in Richmond for the past 15 years and currently works in the Procurement organization where he is responsible for capital expenditures for buildings and equipment as well as supporting the commercialization of new products. Brian is past President of the Richmond chapter of the Institute for Supply Management, a Certified Purchasing Manager and he received his MBA from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Brian has two daughters and has coached their basketball, soccer, and volleyball teams. He also serves as a youth leader in his church. Brian would now like to continue applying his skills and energy to increase and diversify the Association’s membership base, encouraging methods “outside the box.”
[ 20 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
At Large Member Diana Burkett Ms. Diana Burkett moved to Church Hill in June of 2017 along with her mother and Foxy, her beloved terrier. A director of communications and enrollment management at the VCU School of Education since 2014, she is a graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. Professionally, she has more than 12 years of experience in communications and public relations, including at the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, Edelman Public Relations and Chandler Chicco companies. Ms. Burkett is highly involved in the Richmond community and is a strong believer in service. She is on the junior board of Planned Parenthood and a volunteer with the SPCA. She also volunteered as a mentor for three years with Big Brother Big Sister of RVA. Her love for the Church Hill neighborhood and its strong sense of community is the main reason why she is interested in serving on the Board. Her interests lie in community outreach, youth and education as well as communicating to the neighborhood all the hard work of the Board, the Association and its members.
At-Large Member Bill Martin William “Bill” Martin, director of the Valentine, leads over 50 museum staff members in telling the story of Richmond lifestyle and culture. For more than 20 years, Martin has diversified the Valentine’s programming, expanded Richmond walking tours and group tours, and worked collaboratively in the community to promote city tourism initiatives. Under his leadership, the institution has expanded civic involvement, developed more than 300 themed tours and raised millions for capital improvements, renovated historic structures and expanded programming. Martin holds a B.A. in Urban Studies and an M.A. in Public Administration from Virginia Tech. Before joining the Valentine, Martin was Director, Tourism and Museums for the City of Petersburg, Virginia; Executive Director of the Jacksonville Museum of Arts & Science in Florida, and Executive Director of the Okeefenokee Heritage Center/Southeastern Forest World in Waycross, Georgia.
[ 21 ] Church Hill Association
At-Large Member Chloe Rote Chloe Rote works in the Graduate School at VCU while pursuing her Master of Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in Community Revitalization from VCU’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. Prior to returning to school, Chloe worked in CarMax’s corporate offices. Chloe is an avid volunteer at Central Montessori School where her son is a preschooler, and also ran the Sub Rosato pop-up wine bar at Sub Rosa Bakery. Passionate about equity and inclusion, Chloe looks forward to diversifying the Association’s membership and entertaining any conversation about density or parking as long as it takes place over a cocktail in one of the Hill’s great restaurants.
details matter
[ 22 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
THE CANDLELIGHT WALK AND CAROLING FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7TH, 2018
Free to all –bring your candles and lanterns. The family candlelight stroll down our historic streets will be hosted by the Church Hill Association of RVA and the Union Hill Association on Friday evening. The candlelight walk begins at Jefferson Park (Union Hill) at 7:15 pm with bagpipes and drummers leading the way. It proceeds to St. John’s Church where, following Vespers (starts at 7 pm), the congregation joins in the walk at Patrick Henry Park at approximately 7:35 pm. As the crowd grows continuing down our streets lit by gaslights, neighborhood parties empty out into the streets and the crowd continues to swell. We gather on historic Libby Hill with the 180-degree View overlooking the James River and our city gloriously lit up for the holidays as the backdrop. The crowd then joins together for holiday caroling and a visit from Santa. All are welcome to become part of a living fairy tale scene that will be long remembered.
CHURCH HILL CANDLELIGHT WALK ROUTE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7TH 2018 7:15 PM ASSEMBLY & 7:25 PM START
Photo by Patricia Munford
Gathering point at Jefferson Park Fountain •Princess Anne St. to 21st St. •21st St. to E. Clay St. •Cross Jefferson Ave. •Continue on E. Clay St. •Right on N. 24th St. •Meet up at Patrick Henry Park •Following 7pm Vespers at St. John’s Church across the street
•Cross E. Broad St. •Continue on N. 24th St •Left on E. Grace St. •Cross N. 25th St. •Right on N. 26th St. •Left on E. Franklin St. •Right on N. 29th St. •Caroling and Santa in Libby Hill Park
[ 23 ] Church Hill Association
Casual & family-friendly dining located at the heart of Church Hill in the Historic East End Theatre Building
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Mondays 5–10pm House Burger $7 Specialty burgers & drink specials
TACO TUESDAY Taco specials all day
WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY Seafood and drink specials
Mon-Wed: 11am-10pm Thurs-Fri: 11am-11pm Sat: 9am-11pm Sun: 9am-10pm
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804.225.8275 • www.thelibertyrva.com • 418a N. 25th Street [ 24 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
A Realtor in your Neighborhood When Amy Tesauro isn’t helping Richmonders buy and sell their homes, you might find her sitting on her porch on the Hill, or at Chimborazo park with her kids, or at Dutch & Co enjoying the Perfect Egg. We know Church Hill because we live Church Hill. Let us put our unique experience to work for you.
Amy Tesauro Associate Broker 804.467.1881
Catherine Gilmer REALTORÂŽ 804.338.5397
Erin King
Director of Operations
804.292.0852
linchpinrealestate.com linchpin@linchpinrealestate.com 804.292.0852 [ 25 ] Church Hill Association
CHURCH HILL 2018 HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR PREVIEW SUNDAY DECEMBER 9TH NOON-5PM
Church Hill- Where Richmond Began celebrates the 2018 winter holidays with the Annual Holiday House Tour! Church Hill, one of the nation’s most historically significant neighborhoods, will host its Holiday House Tour on December 9th 2018 from noon to 5 pm. Designed by Major William Mayo in 1737, we’re the oldest community in historic Richmond with homes built as far back as the 1700s. The neighborhood is an elegant mix of Federal, Greek revival and Victorian homes alongside innovative condominiums within historic structures and a growing number of thriving new restaurants and businesses. Neighbors will open their treasured homes for you to experience the sights, smells and sounds of holidays past and present. The Church Hill Association of RVA is a 501c3 non-profit. Proceeds from ticket sales support many causes to improve quality of life in the Greater Church Hill neighborhood. Tickets are available through our website: www.ChurchHill.org and local businesses. No tickets mailed. Will call available at St. John’s Parish Hall 2401 E Broad Street, Richmond Va. starting at noon. Free old time enclosed and heated Trolley services to each home begins in front of the Church at noon.
A Preview of This Year’s Homes: 209 N. 25th St. Built 1881 This Italianate row house was built in 1881 and maintains much of its original character today. Some of its original fixtures include gingerbread stained glass above the living room window, pocket doors, unique woodwork including door frame rosettes, and three working fireplaces (of the original five). The later addition of a sunroom casts light through the first floor of the house. In the winter months when the leaves have fallen, the front windows provide picturesque views of St. John’s Church. The first residents were Irish immigrants Cornelius & Mary Reardon who first arrived in the states in the 1850s. Cornelius made a living as a stone cutter, including work on the Old City Hall on Broad St. [ 26 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
2607 E. Grace St. Built 1840 The Greek Revival Turner-Turpin House, known for its center hallway, was built by William and Susan Turner in1840. The house was enlarged by E.S. Turpin, owner of a tobacco processing business, between 1853-1892. This sun filled home sits on a large wide city lot that allows for a sprawling landscaped garden. It also has a large double porch with winter city views, beautiful heart of pine floors, an English basement, formal dental molding, and 6 fireplaces.
2608 E. Grace St. Built 1885 Built in 1885, this is one of the few three story houses on the Hill. It was the residence of John Mann, a Baltimore native who set up business in Richmond as a brick manufacturer in 1874. He and James Netherwood, an Englishman who established himself as a stonemason and contractor in the city in 1859, built the 13 houses in the “Mann-Netherwood Block� on the south side of E. Grace, opposite this home, as rental properties. This stunning home was recently completely renovated with top of the line fixtures and upgrades while keeping the historical charm. It has 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths.
208 N. 27th St. Built 1890 This single-family home was built in 1890. With its impressive arched entrance, pointed gable, profusion of windows and unusual side garden, this house has great presence and storybook allure. Every room is a corner room, filling the house with cheerful light. Original 1909 period details include mantels, moldings, wood floors and detailed brickwork. A spacious entrance hall with original turned staircase connects the living room to a designer, eat-in kitchen that opens to the garden. The living room has double fireplaces and exposed brick wall. Upstairs are two bedrooms with fireplaces and a tastefully updated full bath with laundry. [ 27 ] Church Hill Association
307 N. 28th St. Built 1862 The Thomas Morris House has been placed on the tour as a “work in progress” and an example of how, even in an advanced stage of deterioration, a property can be adapted for contemporary living while preserving the floor plan and surviving historic fabric. This hipped roof Greek Revival has two floors above an English basement. Besides a considerable amount of original material found hidden beneath layers of “modernization,” perhaps the most interesting find was a sign for the style icon Saks when the retailer was started in Richmond.
425 N. 33rd St. Built 1910 After a series of fires, botched renovations, and foreclosures, this house was basically a shell when renovation began in January 2011. The only woodwork original to the house are the mantels, and the molding all around the front door, which suffered severe fire damage but was restored. A notable feature is the curiosity cabinet in the parlor. Everything on the top shelf of the cabinet is from this house specifically (found either in or under the house), which includes an old wooden baseball bat and a Victorian shoe, amongst other things. This house was featured on Apartment Therapy in 2014, “House Tour: Tess’s Grand & Colorful Virginia House.”
3307 E. M St. Built 2016 Incredible, one of a kind modern home in Church Hill with a 2.5 car garage and open concept floorplan with 3 bedrooms and 2 and a half baths. Fully automated power solar shades throughout. Beautiful twosided contemporary fireplace in the living room and gorgeous hardwood floors throughout. State of the art kitchen with white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, glass tile backsplash and awesome cedar wood island. This home includes new landscaping, hardscaping, lighting and Irrigation system to create a backyard Zen Garden. Built-In natural gas grill and great patio for outdoor entertaining. This house is located on one of the largest lots in Church Hill.
[ 28 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
The Rebecca Brett House 2815 E. Grace St. Built 1852 Rebecca Brett, a young newly widowed mother, built this unique Greek revival house. It has two pairs of chimneys on both sides. Later, a full width porch replaced the original entrance. In the late 1980’s the house underwent major restorations when the front porch was restored to its original appearance. In 2009 the house underwent a further significant renovation with the addition of a double sunroom, a completely new basement apartment, new bathrooms. The house is rounded out with a professionally designed rear garden with recirculating pond.
2908 E. Franklin St. Built 2017 This modern-style rowhouse is tucked in a valley between Libby Hill Park and Chimborazo Park, near the eastern end of the sealed Church Hill Tunnel. The area known as Sugar Bottom, is part of the first new construction in this area in decades. This lovely home offers a custom level of finish throughout. The open first floor plan has 10’ ceilings and site finished oak floors. The kitchen features quartz countertops, dual fuel range and a vented hood with a marble backsplash. The unique rear stairs feature casement windows in-between each floor and a triple covered 8x16 rear deck for air and entertainment! The gracious master bedroom with 9’ ceilings, leads to the beautiful master bath featuring penny tile floors and vanities topped with Carrera marble.
[ 29 ] Church Hill Association
Church Hill Gables 2418 E. Franklin St. Unit 110 Built 1910 & 1960 When the owners decided to buy an urban condo three years ago, they had clear goals – no more yardwork and “spontaneous living”. After buying a 600-square foot condo in the Church Hill Gables, they spent four months remodeling it. Among their projects was installing bookcases and a built-in bar and entertainment area near the front door. The loft platform over the unit’s bedroom contributes nearly 100 square feet to the living space. They replaced the laminate and tile upstairs flooring with tongue and groove black walnut that had been milled in Orange County. The underside of the loft – the new ceiling over the bed – also features black walnut accentuated with LED strip lighting. The bathroom door dates to the 1850’s and has a one-of-a-kind feature -- a rat chewed corner! The bathroom has a marble tile shower and heated marble tile floor. https://www.richmond.com/realestate/features/ richmond-neighborhoods/church-hill-gablesa-warehouse-turned-condo-building-offersspontaneous/article_4f5b7850-3450-11e8-b66fcfbde860a9f0.htm
2209 E. Grace St. Built 1894 Richmond Hill, the highest hill in Richmond, has been a place of prayer for several millennia. Native Americans confirmed this use when it was known as Tsenacomoco. The hill overlooks the Falls of the James and faces the setting sun. In the mid 1780’s, Col. Richard Adams built a mansion on Richmond Hill. In 1866, at the request of Bishop John McGill of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, the Sisters of the Visitation in Baltimore sent six sisters to establish a monastery and girls’ school in the devastated city of Richmond. Bishop McGill purchased the house that Col. Richard Adams had built for them. In 1894, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fortune Rya gave a new Chapel to the Sisters of the Visitation. The sisters sat in one wing of the Chapel behind a screen, and the students and the public sat in the other. The Second Vatican Council prompted architectural changes. The screen separating the Sisters’ Chapel from the main Chapel was replaced with a railing, the altar was brought out from the wall, the stenciled walls were covered with vinyl, and the 30’ ceiling was lowered in the main Chapel, obscuring the wainscoting and six second story stained glass windows.
[ 30 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
L.B. Robinson House: 600 N. 23rd St. Built 1863 Mr. Robinson built this Greek Revival dwelling as a modest one-story center hall raised cottage with a central passage floor plan. The raised foundation likely came about later as a result of street grading that occurred around 1882. The 1st story is stretcher-bond brick. The 2nd story is frame with Masonite siding. The home was renovated around 2007 by previous owners who removed both the rear entrance and staircase, and covered over the void to create a continuous rear frame. The current owners exposed the brick fireplaces and removed layers of paint to restore the mantels throughout the house. The kitchen, dining room, and connecting hallway display original brick walls that were once the exterior of the home. Approximately half of the hardwood floors on the second level are original to the home. During a recent restoration, flooring from a similarly-aged house in Norfolk was used to replace modern flooring for the 2007 renovation.
Fire House Number 1 308 N. 24th St. The House Tour includes antique fire equipment and an antique car show across the street.
[ 31 ] Church Hill Association
Other Fun Features Along the Way! Roving Carolers
Horse & Carriage
www.ChurchHill.org No tickets mailed. Will Call available at St. John’s Parish Hall 2401 E. Broad St. Richmond VA on December 9th at noon to 4 pm. Credit cards accepted on-line sales and at St. John’s for day of sales. Sales at these local businesses starting in November (Check or Cash Only- NO CREDIT CARDS): •Hill Cafe – 2800 E. Broad St. •Patrick Henry Pub – 2300 E. Broad St. •Poe’s Pub – 2706 E. Main St. •Shops at 5807 – 5807 Patterson Ave. •Sub Rosa Bakery – 620 N. 25th St. •Union Market – 2306 Jefferson Ave. •WPA Bakery – 2707 E. Marshall St. Questions? Twilds12@comcast.net
[ 32 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
[ 33 ] Church Hill Association
Photo by Trish Bernal
The horse stables will be returning to Church Hill next year. The groundbreaking is supposed to be sometime this November. Pictured above are Officer Jason Holt (L) and his horse Rio, Officer Gene Carter (C) and his horse Toby, and Officer Amanda Acuff (R) and her horse Scooter at the Grace Street Overlook during a recent routine patrol.
Restoration Builders of Virginia 8596 Sanford Drive 804.649.2162 www.rbva.net [ 34 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
HIGHLIGHTS FROM CHA’S OCTOBER’S COMMITTEE MEETINGS Committee meeting summaries are printed each month in the newsletter to keep the membership better informed about the activities of CHA’s committees. The summaries are of meetings or activities of committees which have occurred sometime in the month prior to the publication of the newsletter. Not every committee meets monthly. The full minutes of the committees can be found at www.churchhill.org under Participate: CHA of RVA Members: Committee Minutes. PLEASE NOTE! If you are interested in being a committee chair, we have the following openings available: Transportation Committee and Community Outreach Committee Contact Genni Sasnett at president@churchhill.org to discuss each committee’s charge and what being a committee chair entails. A reminder! Amy Beem, our Membership Coordinator, has decided to transition out of the role. If you have an interest in volunteering for the position, then please contact Genni Sasnett at president@churchhill.org
PARKS AND BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE –October report Parks/Green Space/Sites in Historic Church Hill: Work continues with Carl Otto, a long-time advocate for parks in the East End. Great work is getting accomplished in cleaning and rebuilding the granite stairs of Lower Chimborazo Park. We will be calling for Sunday volunteers to help with this project. The Committee is still working on two land use issues (adding City property to Chimborazo Park and keeping open end of East Franklin and connect to lower Chimborazo). We are determining the process for these changes and needed language and will return to Board with this. Ailanthus trees: The City is addressing this again in Chimborazo Park. Trish Bernal is facilitating the removal of several very large Ailanthus trees above Libby Hill Park that are dispersing thousands of seeds and the sprouting new plants along the Hill. Removal of the giants occurred on October 8th. A call for volunteers to help with the removal of the small ailanthus will be issued. Note: kudzu is an issue too and our group will be addressing this too. Planting of trees/removal of stumps/establishing new tree wells: Trees requested will be delivered in the next six weeks. A call for volunteers to help with the planting of trees will be issued. Late October or early November is the timeframe for this work. [ 35 ] Church Hill Association
Libby Hill Park: After our request, the City has completed most of the work on the porch of Libby Park House and replaced/strengthened windows (but still need glazing). We will follow up with the City on this. The Libby Hill overlook has a splendid summer and fall garden, Our group is asking the Planters Group/Friends of Libby Hill Park to add spring plantings for this overlook and thus add early color to this wonderful location in time for Garden Week and our Plein Air painters. Plaques in Greater Church Hill: Kelly Lash is taking a lead to catalogue with photographs and text all community plaques (excluding those on homes) that will help us highlight and preserve these historic markers. She is obtaining bid(s) to replace the marker that was taken from the stone near the large fountain at Libby Hill overlook. Known plaques are the overlooks on East Grace and Libby Hill, end of Libby Terrace, and Chimborazo Park. If you know of other plaques, please contact Kelly at kclash@gmail.com. TWO SERENDIPITY EVENTS IN THE PARKS: Libby Hill benefitted from the Cancer-fundraising bicycle event in the park as they also promoted the repair of the Parkhouse, helped with the replacement of a window, and – as you may have notice – provided volunteers to remove the weeds on the pavers and the brick walkway. They deserve a great thanks. Also, the City – involving Parks and Cynthia Newbille – had the support of Bank of America volunteers and they did fabulous work in Chimborazo Playground, as well as elsewhere in the East End. There was an article in the RTD on this. Submitted by, Barbara Cotter
CHA HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND LAND USE COMMITTEE (HPLUC) MEETING: 10/2/2018 Report to Board Plan for SUP Application: corner of E Main Street and N 22nd. Lory Markham, Markham Planning, met with the Committee for the third time to discuss this project. The owners have discussed our concerns about the proposed height of 11 stories and have determined that they could make this project work with a lower height of 6 stories rather than 11, with the first level used for ground level parking behind storefront/office space that would front E. Main Street. (Note: Reference was also made to a height of 6 to 7 stories.) The building would also have one level of underground parkingl. The demolition of the Honey White Building will likely be required to accommodate the parking needs, given the reduced height. The owners are seeking support for this approach and will be going to Planning to request this under TOD1 zoning. Lory indicated that the owners will be requesting architectural drawings once CHA’s support for this project is known. The Committee recommended that this project be presented to the membership for general [ 36 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
endorsement of six stories so that the planning (with sketches and detailing of the building) could proceed accordingly. HPLUC’s review of sketches of the building will be the next step , including the detailing of the building. Some of the Committee’s areas of interest are: how the six stories would be structured (such as possible use of one or two setbacks, line up with the front line of existing buildings), use of quality materials (excludes hardieplank), roof and placement of equipment, etc. The Committee also requested Lory to ask the owners if they would support an Old and Historic status for Shockoe Bottom. CAR Proposal for construction of an accessory building/dwelling on residential property at 2711 E Broad St. Alli Allgood, owner, presented the project that will require not only CAR approval but SUP approval as well. She expects the design to be submitted to CAR this month, for presentation in November. The committee was supportive of this project as presented, and Alli will be returning to HPLUC with detailed plans. Updates. Louis Salomonsky provided updates on the Peach Street Conservation Easement (expected to be concluded by end of 2018), the Pear & E Main Street development and sale (still on track), and a possible hotel in Shockoe Bottom (in review). He also discussed the possible need for a different zoning than TOD1 with its 12-story limit as this could permit development which adversely changes the character of Shockoe with heights which do not fit the area and use of low quality materials that do not complement existing structures. The Committee and Louis talked about a different zoning category for the Bottom as TOD-H or HH, with the H indicating Historic or HH, Historic & Height. The View. Genni Sasnett talked about a recent meeting with Mark Olinger in which he expressed willingness to protect the eastward view from Libby Hill Park – the Viewshed, provided that CHA can define the point from which this view is defined. However, he considers the view toward downtown as an urban view which should be treated separately. Thus, she requested the Committee to reconsider their request for protection of a 180o view, by dividing the view into the eastward Viewshed and the westward Downtown view along East Main Street. The view from the East Grace Street overlook would be a third view. The Committee agreed on taking a segmented approach. Next steps are determining the defining point for the Viewshed, as well as being specific about acceptable heights going westward from Libby Hill and the East Grace Street overlook. Genni will also be meeting with RVA180 as this Church Hill group has been in the forefront for protecting the views. HPLUC Charter & Process for Reviewing SUPs. The group agreed that HPLUC should be recommending action for a zoning issue only after submission of the application to the City of Richmond, unless there is an exceptional situation related to timing and the City’s date for action. Barbara will review HPLUC’s Charter and determine the additional language needed to cover this situation; this will be discussed at the next meeting. [ 37 ] Church Hill Association
3631 East Broad Street Project. Barbara informed the group of the City’s CAR and zoning issues that relate to this property and its anticipated SUP. The group concurred that CHA should not take action on the SUP request until the SUP application has been submitted to the City (as is done with other requests) and that Mr. Pou should be informed accordingly. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Cotter Youth & Education Committee Holly Mattocks Coy has reluctantly resigned as Chair due to family matters. We appreciate he contributions made while chairing the committee. She has been a tremendous asset to CHA and to our community. We are hopeful she will return to service with CHA some time in the future. Thank you Holly! Look elsewhere in this issue for picture of CHA delivering school supplies donated by the membership to our three local elementary schools, Chimborazo, Bellevue and George Mason. If you are interested in being Chair or serving on this committee, don’t hesitate to reach out to president@churchhill.org Nominations Committee The Nominations Committee presented a slate of nominees met at the October 16th membership meeting. Please see the bios and pictures of the 2019 nominees for the Board of Directors elsewhere in this newsletter. Nominations could also be made from the floor at the October meeting, however, none were put forth. Nominations closed subsequent to that meeting. Committee members are Reshma Gola, John Whitworth, Eugenia Anderson-Ellis and Steven Keener. The Chair is VP, Debra Melisi. Holiday Events Committee The Holiday Committee is pleased to announce we have now 10 excellent homes along with Richmond Hill and the Fire Station, with its great collection of antique fire engines, lined up for the Holiday House Tour on December 9th. Many thanks go out to committee member, Alli Alligood and other community members who made the final push to get the last four homes signed up. Chair, Debra Melisi, and her husband Jim held a dinner and briefing session for the homeowners on 10/15 at their home. The marketing team is well underway and docents are being recruited. If you would like to volunteer to be a docent, please email Celeste Deal at crdeal@earthlink.net. The Candlelight walk will be held on Friday December 7 and the Holiday House Tour on Sunday December 9. John Johnson has agreed to lead the Candlelight Walk again this year, though sadly, he has sold his house and moved out of the neighborhood. We appreciate his loyalty to CHA and this event.
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[ 39 ] Church Hill Association
322 N. 25th St.
644-8200
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2018 MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH HILL ASSOCIATION (CHA)
Join and enjoy discounts at many restaurants and local businesses by showing your card!!! CHA of RVA Members receive one-time discounts at local businesses plus 5% all year at Alexander’s Cleaners: RESTAURANTS & OTHER EATERIES 23rd & Main Taproom - 15% 2302 E Main St - 804.788.7077 Alamo Barbecue – 10% 2202 Jefferson Ave - 804.592.3138 Dutch & Company – 15% (excluding alcohol and prix fixe menu) 400 N 27th St - 804.643.8824 Liberty Public House – 15% 418A N 25th St - 804.225.8275 Metzger Bar & Butchery – 15% 801 N 23rd St – 804.325.3147 Millie’s Diner - 15% 2603 E Main St - 804.643.5512 Nile (Ethiopian Bistro & Café) – 10% 306 N 29th St – 804.648.0791 Nota Bene restaurant and lounge – 15% 2110 E Main St - (804) 477-3355 Patrick Henry’s Pub & Grille – 15% 2300 E Broad St – 804.644.4242 Poe’s Pub - 15% 2706 E Main St - 804.648.2120 Proper Pie – 10% 2505 E Broad St – 804.343.7437 Sub Rosa Bakery – 10% 620 N 25th St - 804.788.7672 The Hill Café - 15% 2800 E Broad St - 804.648.0360 Union Market – 15% (prepared food/meals, excludes groceries) 2306 Jefferson Ave - 804.716.7233 WPA Bakery – 10% 2707 E Marshall St - 804.716.9797 OTHER BUSINESSES C. Alexander’s Cleaners – 5% off ALL cleaning orders Eric Schindler Gallery – 10% off up to 3 art works Luminary Hair Company – 20% off service/treatment Mowhawks - 15% off landscaping (garden, tree service, grass) Pets at Play - 5% off service Richmond Balance – free 1-hour personal training session Seven Hills Studio – 20% discount to new clients
2007 Venable St -- 804.658.4466 2305 E Broad St - 804.644.5005 402 N 25th Street – 804.344.7072 7020 W Grace St -1-855-mowhawks /1-855.669.4295 319 N 25th St - 804.343.7387 1806 E Main St- 804.225.7130 501 N 25th St – 804.344.0620
CHA MEMBERSHIP FORM
Sign up through the website, email, or in person at CHA meetings: 1. For the website, go to: http://www.churchhill.org/membership/ 2. Mail the form below to PO Box 8031 Richmond, VA 23223 or 3. Bring the form to the next membership meeting or CHA event. Membership is Individual (not by household) and is valid one year from date of joining. Note: Email is used only for communicating information to members. New Member ( )
Renewing Member ( )
Date:
MEMBER NAME #1 ________________________________ Email: ____________________________________ MEMBER NAME # 2 ________________________________ Email: ____________________________________ ADDRESS, street, city, zip: ___________________________________________________________________________ Member # 1 Phone: ______________________________ Member # 2 phone: _________________________
Cash: _______Check: ______ (Make check payable to the CHA) $30 per person x ____ For office use: Membership card ( )
Bag ( )
Directory ( )
[ 41 ] Church Hill Association
members = $ ______
List ( )
CC ( )
Indow window inserts? Historic review board approved. Here’s why: they can’t be seen from the outside and they don’t damage original windows. They simply press into the interior of your windows to make them perform better than new, blocking drafts and quieting noise. No disruptive construction. No ugly modifications. Just your original windows, the way they should be. Indow inserts: it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Call Curt today and mention this ad for $50 OFF your first purchase. Offer expires 12/21/18. For free consultation contact: SuperGreen Solutions - Richmond, VA. 804.364.1965
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[ 42 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
9/27/18 10:52 AM
Church Hill, It’s never easy to start a revolution.
Presenting Patrick Henry Square 313 North 24th Street Richmond VA 23223
17 Apartments 6500 square feet of Commercial Space 2 Bedroom\2bathroom Live work Now leasing for August 2016 Occupancy Contact Joshua Bilder for more information 804.306.3089 Mobile 804-359-5018 Office (Website under construction) www.patrickhenrysquare.com Another quality Sterling Bilder LLC Development [ 43 ] Church Hill Association
CHURCH HILL CONTACTS POLICE AND SAFETY
Emergencies: 911 Non-Emergency Police: (804)646-5100 1st Precinct Station Front Desk, staffed most hours: (804)646-3602 Fire Station #1: (804)646-4229 Church Hill Crime Watch: (804)343-3628 Commonwealth’s Attorney/Sector Prosecutor: Colette McEachin: (804)646-4845 Lt. Minton: (804)646-0574, cell (804)240-9158 Daniel.Minton@richmondgov.com Lt. Jeremy Sayles: Cell (804)283-0856 Sector Lieutenant Lt. Ken Roane: (804)646-0574, Ken.Roane@richmondgov.com
NEIGHBORHOOD MAINTENANCE
Citizen’s Assistance: (804)646-7000 Citizen’s Request Service Online: http://eservices.ci.richmond.va.us/applications/ citizensrequest/frmNewEntryType.asp# City of Richmond Public Utilities: (804)646-3000 Code Violations Related to Historic Preservation: (804)646-7550 carey.jones@richmondgov.com Commission of Architectural Review: (804)646-7550 Zoning Administration: (804)646-6340 Housing Code Enforcement: (804)646-6419 Environmental Control: (804)646-7448 Graffiti Hotline: (804)646-1406 Truancy Hotline: (804)646-ABCD Northeast District Parks Maintenance: (804)646-6419
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Governor Ralph Northam Virginia State Capitol, 3rd Floor (804)786-2211 Senator Rosalyn R. Dance Virginia Senate District 16, Capitol Office (804)698-7516 district16@senate.virginia.gov Delegate Delores L. McQuinn Virginia House of Delegates 70th District General Assembly Building (804)698-1070 Senator Jennifer L. McClellan Virginia Senate (804)698-7509 delkmcclellan@house.state.va.us
Delegate Jeffery Bourne Virginia House of Delegates (804)698-1071 Mayor Levar Stoney City of Richmond 900 E.Broad St.,2nd Floor (804)646-7970 7th District Richmond City Council Member Cynthia Newbille (804)646-3012 cburke2@rvaschool.net 7th District Richmond City School Board Member Cheryl Burke (804)929-6894 Richmond City School Board: (804)780-7716
EAST DISTRICT AGENCIES
East District Families First: (804)646-4508 EDI-W.I.C: (804)646-0775 Health Center: (804)780-0840 Social Services: (804)646-7212 VA. Cooperative Extension: (804)786-4150
RICHMOND RESOURCES
Animal Control: (804)646-5573 (804)646-0546 Better Housing Coalition: (804)644-0546 Black History Museum: (804)780-9093 Richmond CenterStage: (804)225-9000 Children’s Museum of Richmond: (804)474-7000 Edgar Allan Poe Museum: (804)648-5523 Historic Richmond Foundation: (804)643-7407 James RIver Association: (804)788-8811 Library of Virginia: (804)692-3500 Museum of the Confederacy: (804)6491886 Richmond Ballet: (804)344-0906 Richmond Coliseum: (804)262-8100 Richmond National Battlefield Park: (804)771-2148 Richmond Symphony: (804)788-1212 Science Museum of Virginia: (804)367-6552 St. John’s Church Visitor Center: (804)648-5015 Valentine Richmond History Center: (804)649-0711 Venture Richmond: (804)788-6466 Virginia Historical Society: (804)358-4901 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: (804)340-1400 Virginia Opera: (804)643-6000 Virginia War Memorial: (804)786-2060
[ 44 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, I am a historic realtor in Church Hill with concern about an important landmark on the demolition chopping block. Stone Brewing Company is reneging on an agreement to renovate the Intermediate Terminal Building in exchange for a very favorable lease, one not offered to any other local restaurant or brewery. Last month, however, Stone’s engineers declared the building unstable and compromised by rising flood plain issues. Is it a secret that the 82 year old survivor of numerous devastating hurricanes is located in a flood plain? Stone may well want to walk away given the design issues and costs associated with a building in this location but that doesn’t mean that after the 4 years that this has been in the works other developers haven’t noticed this absolute gem. Someone else may find a solution and the funds to fix it. Stone has come up with dozens of reasons to demolish the terminal and our locals have come up with twice as many for them to relocate. Put the terminal on the open market and let’s get the best deal for the tax payers and this structurally sound relic of our city’s past.
Thank you, Camille Robinson
Dear Editor, I owned a brewery for 15 years. That was when there were just two here in Richmond: Legend and Richbrau. There are now over thirty breweries and competition is fierce. Stone Brewery Came from Ca. and received 22 million to build a brewery, no real estate tax, reduced utilities and infrastructure improvements worth millions more. Phase two is the Stone World Bistro and Garden. It was offered 8 million in either loan or grant money as that is unclear..why? Like the Redskins deal, the Economic Development Authority is the developer and landlord. EDA is exempt from Real Estate Taxes. It also exempt from transparency by design. The EDA was created to help blighted areas and was not designed to help the 10th largest Brewery in the US, which is now expanding to Europe. The EDA allows the City mayor’s office to lease space to Stone for a song and then buy it at the end of the lease for $25,000. This is not good government! The Intermediate Terminal Building is a Richmond historical treasure. It is 30,000 square feet and sits on bedrock. it is solid and ready for a new developer to step to the plate. The EDA is offering Stone the public green space on the James River --at no cost --and has an amendment before City Council to tear down the ITB and build a much smaller structure-- with no guarantee on height. Slow this train down until we know the terms of the deal! City Council: Vote No on November 13th. Michael Byrne - Restaurateur, Downtown Business Group [ 45 ] Church Hill Association
Dear Editor, Must Everybody Get Stoned? There are many reasons for residents to oppose Stone Brewing Co’s attempt to break its promise to renovate the Intermediate Terminal Building. Those reasons sort themselves into three classes. First: basic fairness. Why should one restaurant operator receive below-market financing and long-term shelter from real estate taxes through the city’s largesse? Money is fungible, what Stone avoids in real taxes and interest it can use to compete with restaurants that are paying their fair share. That fact highlights another injustice. Restaurateurs, some of whom have been helping fill the city’s coffers for decades, get to see no small portion of that go directly to an out-of-state competitor who is being granted one of the region’s most desirable pieces of real estate. And what a grant. Who wouldn’t want to use a site for decades and, then, buy it for pennies on the dollar. Second: historic preservation. Richmond is where it is because of the James River and its port. The building Stone now wants to demolish is the last commercial building in the historic port of Rocketts, the last link in a chain that goes straight back to our colonial heritage. Whatever replaces it can never have the historic nexus of the Terminal building. The argument that it’s not historic because everything around it is gone is rather like saying the last of a species should be shot because its fellows have all disappeared. Third: the city’s lamentable record of development and its tendency to shape-shift deals out of the public eye. How has the city come to succor one of the wealthiest sports franchises in the country? There are other disturbing parallels to the Redskins deal. A key part of that plan called for the Westhampton School buildings to be renovated and repurposed. Once again, after the city opened its checkbook and ceded control of the property, we were told the buildings were too expensive to save. Where some claim cooperation, others see collusion. Before changing the city’s landscape, taxpayers should know at what price. These are not new arguments. But, what is new is the chance to make a far better deal for taxpayers. One Richmond restaurant pioneer has already come forward with a proposal that appears vastly better than what Stone demands. Millions of taxpayer dollars have been spent all around this site; if Stone refuses to honor the original agreement, let them walk away. Open a competition and accept the highest and best offer that both saves the building and the taxpayer. John R. Hebberd Real Estate Consultant, Former Long-term Resident of Church Hill
[ 46 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
Dear Editor, I’m writing today to ask for some church hill traction for better traffic signage on broad street around Chimborazo Park. On Friday, Oct 11, 2018, my neighbors child was hit by a car traveling west on E. Broad St. 3400 block. There have been quite a few accidents involving speeding cars on this part of Broad St., and this is a call for action. About 15 years ago, a petition was circulated asking for stop signs on Broad, at that time, I agreed to sign, with the assurance that it would include crosswalks, and stop signs on the park end as well. This did not happen. In my opinion, this was the most critical area for the traffic control, as a protection for our children. Vehicles traveling from Government Rd. are constantly speeding, putting individuals, animals and cars at risk. There are at least 15 young children living on the 3600-3400 block of E. Broad St. and many more just north of Broad. They need our influence to protect them! The time for action is now!! Please voice your support to Cynthia Newbill, Levar Stoney and traffic signage implementation. Gratefully, Sharon Wayne 804-502-4799
Dear Editor, Why is the Intermediate Terminal, Warehouse #3 –now threated with demolition by Stone Brewing Co--worth saving? The terminal’s brutal appearance suggests little of its romantic past. It was constructed in 1937 during the Great Depression, probably as a New Deal infrastructure stimulus project. Raw sugar from Cuba initially was stored here until the ingredient found its way into local tobacco products. In 1939, 1.5 million tons of sugar passed through the warehouse, some of which was transferred to rail for shipment to Hershey, Pennsylvania, for candy bars. In addition to linking Richmond with Havana harbor and Pennsylvania chocolate makers, the terminal building itself is like none other. It is the rare structure locally that is built into a hillside. And the fact that a city street once ran under the building testifies to how densely builtup this now picturesque area once was. While other warehouses in the immediate vicinity that housed sugar are now lost, the so-called “sugar pad” remains: It’s an expanse of concrete set between Terminal No. 3 and the river that is populated sporadically by local fishermen. Today, Terminal No. 3 is a welcome architectural landmark along the 52-mile Capital Trail, a world-class amenity, delighting cyclists, runners and pedestrians, as well as those in passing vehicles. And while the building is concrete-tough, its open bays three sides of the ground level are slightly arched, adding subliminal gracefulness to the building. Richmond, now famously, has breweries and bistros at every turn and what Stone eventually adds to the mix should be popular. But there’s only one Intermediate Terminal Warehouse No. 3. If it’s unnecessarily erased from the riverfront, the history it evokes and the architecture it delivers cannot be replicated like a next batch of brew. Ed Slipek [ 47 ] Church Hill Association
Forward Thinking About the Past You could buy or sell a house with a local real estate agent or a Church Hill neighbor with global reach. Jennie Dotts, with Virginia ProPerties, a Long & Foster Company, is a long-time Church Hill resident whose work as a preservationist contributed to making Church Hill one of Richmond’s most desirable neighborhoods. Gain more exposure through Long & Foster’s national and international referral and marketing networks.
Intermediate Terminal Warehouse #3, built 1937, the last commercial vestige of the Port of Rocketts. A survivor of hard times, destructive flooding, and benign neglect, is now threatened with demolition.
Old buildings are more than brick and mortar. They represent the character and soul of a neighborhood. Through them, four hundred years of American history can be told simply by traveling through Church Hill. As preservationists and real estate agents, our goal is to find new stewards for old properties to secure the qualities that distinguish a community. CALL FOR A COMPLIMENTARY MARKET ANALYSIS OR TO ORGANIZE YOUR NEXT MOVE.
Your Old House Authority
Jennie Dotts REALTOR®
(804) 370-6565 Jennie@OldHouseAuthority.com
JennieDotts.LNF.com
Virginia ProPerties, A Long & Foster Company 412 Libbie Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226
Jennie
John hebberd
Camille robinson
REALTOR®
Real Estate Consultant
REALTOR®
[ 48 ] NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018