Church Hill Association of RVA Newsletter - November/December 2017 Issue

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Newsletter • November/December 2017

2001Films Making Church Hill Home Church Hill Holiday House Tour Can't Stop Won't Stop AskCAR

November/December 2017

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CHA Board of Directors President: John Sieg

President@churchhill.org

Vice President: Debra Melisi vp@churchhill.org

In this Issue

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secretary@churchhill.org

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Assistant Secretary:

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Secretary: Ali Schneider

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Church Hill Association

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About the

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asstsecretary@churchhill.org

Treasurer: Trish Bernal

treasurer@churchhill.org

Assistant Treasurer: Steven Keener assistanttreasurer@churchhill.org

2001Films Making Church Hill Home

Church Hill Holiday House Tour

Pg.27 | AskCAR

Can't Stop Won't Stop

Pg.31 | James River Writers

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: December 5 Upcoming Meeting: January 2

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 2 Upcoming Meeting: December 7 Upcoming Meeting: January 4

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 21 Upcoming Meeting: January 16 If any member wishes to attend any zoning or board meeting they are most welcome, but please check with John Sieg at president@churchhill.org for updated meeting times and dates.

Directors at Large Alli Alligood Christina Masteroianni

Past President: Bill Dinkin Historic Preservation and Land Use Chair: Robert Gordon rrgpc@mac.com

Volunteers Church Hill News letter: Layout & Graphics:

Arthur Olivarez Contact: arthurolivarezjr@gmail.com

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

Membership Coordinator: Amy Beem membership@churchhill.org Phone: (804)344-7157

Church Hill Planters:

Marion Macdonald Phone: (804)644-1347

What does Church Hill Look like to you?

Send images to: newsletter@churchhill.org

Karen Jones Colin Schlueter

For more information on joining the CHA, please see our website at: churchhill.org or fill our the application included in this publication

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.

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Letter from the

President John Sieg

Dear Church Hillians, I’m writing this letter on October 18th for the final newsletter of the year. I’ll cover several recent and upcoming community and association events. First, however, I thank you for allowing me to be your association president this year. Your support, advice and collaboration has been extremely helpful and have made it a pleasure for me to serve.

I also want to thank the excellent support received from our association’s board and officers!

2018 Board and Officer Election - We’ll be voting for our 2018 directors and officers during the November 20th membership meeting. The slate, recommended by the nominating committee and introduced to our membership, is quite impressive. Members of record, before our November meeting, are eligible to vote.

Pear Street Update - Many of you participated in letter writing campaigns, contacts with our elected officials and on-line requests to protect the Libby Hill Park view that named Richmond. Plans for a massive high-rise apartment building were reversed and project leadership changed hands. Louis Salomonsky, the current developer for the Pear St property, reviewed his fine plans for a five story apartment building during a combined meeting of our Board and Historic Preservation and Land Use Committee in early October. Drawings were also shown during October membership meeting. The view is protected and our collaborative efforts are a win-win for the developer and our community.

Youth and Education Committee - I’m pleased to report that Holly Mattocks Coy will chair our new Youth and Education Committee. You’ll remember that we decided to add this committee in direct response to survey findings earlier this year. I know that Holly will appreciate hearing from those of you who have committee related suggestions or an interest in serving. The committee’s charter will soon be finalized posted on our website (WWW. CHURCHHILL.ORG ).

Hogtober – Hogtober, again this year, was a great success! It was attended by many members from our community and from across the region. The music was great, the barbeque vendors outdid themselves and the refreshments provided an array of beer and cider offerings to satisfy all tastes. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time! We expect the profits will be in line with our budget. Please take time to thank board member Colin Schlueter for his hard work to make this event a success!

December Holiday Weekend Events – Genni Sasnett, and her committee, have made great progress designing a fun filled holiday weekend. Plans include a new inclusive design for our annual candlelight walk (December 8th).

The house tour (December 10th) will include visits to ~13 homes, a display of antique cars, horse drawn carriages, transportation trolleys, antique fire equipment and a wandering chorus of wonderful singers. Please visit our website to order your house tour tickets and to see additional details regarding the weekend’s activities.

Church Hill Walking Tour App – John (JJ) Johnson is making great progress developing material for a smart phone based downloadable app we’ll make available for residents and visitors who want to learn more about our community. It will have pictures, descriptions, and a narrative forming an informative self-guided tour. He is limiting the scope of the ‘first edition’ in order to prove the concept and determine interest. Once successful, he can expand the app’s range and content. Please contact JJ (mksm1@msn.com) with details if you would like to recommend a home or location.

Thanks Again - Let me close where I began. Thank you for trusting and supporting me in my role as your association president this year. Much more importantly, thank you for all that you have done to support our association’s efforts to make our community a great place to live, visit and enjoy. Best regards and my wishes for an excellent holiday season to you and yours!

Best regards to you and yours, John Sieg, President CHA 2017

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2001films Making Church Hill Home By: Amy Atticks

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fter living in New York and L.A. for the last decade, Jonathan Jones and Maggie Lines returned this year to live in historic, Church Hill North--or as Jones calls it “Church Hill Prime.” Through their boutique branding company 2001films, the couple are now showcasing the city of Richmond as a backdrop in promotional videos for innovative companies around the world.

This summer, 2001films released a commercial shot in Scott’s Addition, Richmond’s Downtown, and onboard the GRTC featuring Richmond locals riding Pedalflows--one of the world’s smallest bikes--as a promo for Switzerland-based company Micro.

The rooftop patio of the historic Hofheimer Building set the stage for Divoom, a Hong Kongbased bluetooth speaker company.

Bicycle courier service Quickness RVA cameoed in ads for Portland Growler Company.

And, Richmonders will recognize the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and Boulevard Burgers & Brew in new videos for California-based MonkeyLectric’s bike lights.

“We’re happy to be back in Richmond,” Jones explained. “We love this city, it’s where we grew up. There are so many great businesses and creative people in the area. We’re always finding new venues to highlight, and fun people to collaborate with.”

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In September, 2001films shot a promotional video for Pups who Pack in Church Hill North.

The harness dog packs are a new line by Maggie Modena who designs handbags for Nicole Miller, Lucky Brand, Franco Sarto and Jessica Simpson.

WPA partnered as a location host for the video starring local dogs including the couple’s own French Bulldog Bella and DC-based canine celebrities Sebastian & Luna--who had just returned from walking the runway at NY Fashion Week.

For the promo, the pups walk the brick pathways and tree-lined blocks near Jones’ and Lines’ own home in Church Hill North, and enjoy WPA dog biscuits, all while wearing Modena’s useful and high-fashion packs.

In October, working with instagrammer Luke Witt (@lukewitt) and Director of Photography Richard MacDonald, 2001films will complete their second commercial for Michigan-based Ride Scoozy. Locals will ride electric bikes to Union Market and on the Virginia Capital Trail, with a brief cameo by my own Church Hill North pups, Keats and Maya.

2001films continues to highlight products both local and international--with many promos and collaborations in production at a time. To take a look visit 2001films instagram @2001films. And please, join me in welcoming these new Church Hill Association members to the neighborhood.

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Church Hill 2017 Holiday House Tour Preview Sunday December 10th Noon-5pm

Church Hill - Where Richmond Began celebrates the 2017 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 10, 2017 from noon to 5 pm. Participants will be able to celebrate history while creating new holiday memories with family and friends. Designed by Major William Mayo in 1737, Church Hill is 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.

Join us for our Annual Holiday House Tour - Church Hill Association of RVA is a 501C3 charitable neighborhood group. Proceeds from ticket sales go to support the many charitable causes that improve the quality of life in the Greater Church Hill neighborhood. Tickets available through our website: www.ChurchHill.org beginning in November. No tickets mailed. Additional sales locations are listed at the end of this article. Will call available at St. John’s Parish Hall 2401 E Broad Street, Richmond Va. December 10th starting at noon on December 10th.

Free old time enclosed and heated Trolley services to each home on a routine schedule begins in front of the Church at noon. No high heels please. Children must be supervised.

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The Candlelight Walk and Caroling

Friday, December 8th - Free to all –bring your candles and lanterns . The candlelight stroll down our historic streets will be hosted by CHA on Friday evening. The candlelight walk begins at Jefferson Park fountain (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 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 8th 2017 7:15 pm assembly 7:25 pm start 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* Cross E. Broad St. Continue on N. 24th St. Left on E. Grace St. Cross N. 25th St. Continue on E. Grace St. Right on N. 26th St. Left on E. Franklin St.** Right on N. 29th St. Caroling and Santa in Libby Hill Park * Following 7pm Vespers at St. John’s Church across the street ** Tribute to fallen officer

Bagpipers and drummers lead the parade! Bring candles and lanterns

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2515 E. Broad St. #5 Built 1850

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Walk up the grand granite staircase and through the large blue doors to access the first-floor loft unit located in a former Presbyterian church built in 1850.

Through the years it has been a church, a schoolhouse and is now home to beautiful condos developed by Richmond architect James Glave in the 1979.

The first floor boasts a small foyer, living room, dining room, and kitchen with original hardwood flooring. The grand original ceiling soars to 30 ft. The original staircase leads to the old choir loft that has been converted into a bedroom and office. A second staircase leads to the patio situated inside the belfry tower.

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407 and 407 ½ N. 27th St. Built 1809

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407 N. 27th is back by popular demand with the special addition of the charming 407 ½. The crowning achievement of wealthy grocer, merchant and property owner Capt.

Charles Wills, this is among the oldest homes in Church Hill and once the only house on the block. The original layout consisted of two single floor wings with a two-story center section and various out buildings. The north wing 407 ½ on the left was made a separate residence in 1904 and second floors were added to both wings. These homes were restored in 1986.

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603 N 27th St. Built 1884

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Presumed to have been built soon after 1884, both 603 and 601 were owned by Charles Jackson Billups, one of Church Hills oldest families, who operated the Billups Funeral Home at 2500 E. Marshall St. Number 603 is called the second Billups House. It is a well-detailed, side-hall-plan, Queen Anne townhouse. The ornamental upper-window heads and the pinnacles on the top of each pyramidal roof are typical of the era. The porch on number 603 is original. This home includes the lot at 605 north 27th St., currently being used as additional yard.

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3601 E. Broad St. Built 1847

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This elegant Greek Revival home typifies pre- civil war Richmond architecture. Dr. Buckner built the front house in 1847 for his bride. As a small farm it included the hillside from Government Road to Marshall St. He worked for the Chimborazo Hospital during the Civil War. The back addition was built in the 1870’s to accommodate his growing family. In the 1950’s the house was turned into 6 rental apartments/rooms. It was reconfigured to its original condition in 2007. With 2 floors over an English basement, the home has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 2 half baths. The first floor has a cozy family room with fireplace, spacious dinning room and kitchen.

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3607 E. Broad St.

e blue doors to access urch built in 1850. nd is now home to es Glave in the 1979. om, and kitchen with ars to 30 ft. The original ed into a bedroom and de the belfry tower.

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Please wear comfortable Builtshoes 2016 for our house tour, and be prepared for rain or shine. We will provide umbrella bags an Bu assume no liability; homes are not easily accessible forunconventional those who may have problems This unique “skinny” house built on an lot and designed in navigating stairs unaided or wit Pur

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the Amsterdam style, is one of the newest additions to the Greater Church Hill Chimborazo neighborhood. Designed by the architectural firm “Nested”, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, 2,466 sq. ft. of living space and was built with environmentally sensitive materials. It was built to suit the needs of a blended family of 7. The journey of this family from purchasing the lot to completion of the house has been featured in a series of articles written by one of the homeowners and featured in R Home Magazine. (http://richmondmagazine. com/home/blueprint-for-living/)

3406 E Broad St. Built 1920s

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3406 E Broad St. Built 1920s

and with the special crowning achievement perty owner Capt. st homes in Church Hill ck. The original layout with a two-story center he north wing 407 ½ dence in 1904 and ings. These homes were

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This home has Federal style on the exterior and Spanish-Moorish in the interior. The elliptical fan light over the panel front door is characteristic of the federal style and the decorative entry porch influenced by classical Greece. The front door is framed by fluted columns with Corinthian capitals. Influenced by a flurry of national interest in Spanish architecture at the end of the 19th century, along with the owner’s own fascination with Rudoff Valentino’s movies, the rooms are completed in the Spanish-Moorish style used in the 13th to the 16th centuries. The carved fireplace is arched, and 3 main arches are found in the living room with curved stairs decending through the central arch.

2809 E. Grace St. Built 1884

h 603 and 601 were Hills oldest families, who shall St. Number 603 is ed, side-hall-plan, Queen heads and the pinnacles e era. The porch on at 605 north 27th St.,

war Richmond 847 for his bride. As a nt Road to Marshall St. e Civil War. The back is growing family. In ments/rooms. It was 2 floors over an English and 2 half baths. The acious dinning room and

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been converted to 15 living a great deal of texture and intact. Developed by Stanle community project.

This classic home sits in a pleasant row of Italianate town houses. Like the rows across the street, the composition is given visual interest by the center section’s slight projection. It features 3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths. It has a spacious master suite with a large walk in closet, private bath and laundry facilities. There are large living and dining rooms. The spacious kitchen opens onto the lovely yard and patio.

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This gray brick home with a bow projection topped by a domical turret is the simplest version of the so-called Chateauesque Style. It’s a mirror image of the house at 2718 E Grace across the street. Both were built speculatively on vacant parcels among the earlier homes. Liston W. Smith, a carriage manufacturer at 16 South 17th Street, first lived here. It is a single-family townhouse that has 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, and approximately 3,038 square feet. It has a beautiful front porch, and front bay windows.

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2709 E. Grace St. Builtshoe 1866 for rain or shine. We will provide umbrella bags and covers if the need arises. Please do not wear high heels. We ask that you bring no back

ot and designed in navigating stairs unaided or without Purchased by the current owner from the Historic Richmond Foundation in 1977, may have problems motorized assistance. the Greater Church Hill the original house was built in 1866 with a rear addition added in 1904. Five working ural firm “Nested”, it fireplaces have unique marble and slate hearths. The living area has a working pace and was built with fireplace with old English oak mantle reaching from floor to ceiling. The upper he needs of a blended portions of the mantle are authenticated from England (1700’s). An architectural he lot to completion highlight is the floor to ceiling windows which can be opened to walk-through. tten by one of the The library is highlighted by a brick fireplace with imported tiles and custom-made /richmondmagazine. bookcases and cabinetry on each side of the fireplace. The wainscoting in the room is made with 5-panel heart pine doors laid on their side and is repeated in the dining 10 room, with custom molding and detail work throughout the home.

d Spanish-Moorish in the ront door is characteristic orch influenced by uted columns with tional interest in Spanish ng with the owner’s own rooms are completed in he 16th centuries. The re found in the living central arch.

own houses. Like the

2600 E. Grace St. Saint Patrick’s Place Unit #1 Built 1914 This is an Urban loft style condo in the gas lamp district of Church Hill. Gourmet kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances & granite counter tops. Master bedroom, exposed wood beamsUrban Style loft condo in the gas lamp district of Church Hill. The building was formerly a school founded by St. Patrick’s Catholic Church as a girl’s academy in the aftermath of the Civil War. The apartment has exposed beams, a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances 11 and granite countertops, master bedroom with adjoining bathroom. This schoolhouse building and an adjoining one have been converted to 15 living units. The project retained many features original to the school giving the units a great deal of texture and architectural interest. Much of the original flow of the hallways was left largely intact. Developed by Stanley Shields, who was also involved in the nearby Pohlig Box Factory apartment community project.

2515 E. Grace St.

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intact. Developed by Stanley Shields, who was also involved in the nearby Pohlig Box Factory apartment community project.

Join us for our Annual Holiday Festival

2515 E. Grace St. Built 1848 moved 1972

CHA membership is not required.

Proceeds from ticket sales go to support the many charitable causes that improve the quality of life in the Greater Church Hill neighborhood.

2515 E. Grace arrived on Church Hill in 1972 when it was already 124 years old. Slated for demolition during expansion of the Richmond Public Library on Franklin Street downtown, it was one of a row of three unusual town houses built in 1848 on Second Street. The inimitable Elisabeth Scott Bocock had all three homes dismantled and re-erected one on this site. The house’s two siblings can be found in the 2600 block of East Franklin Street. This was the least altered of the three and with its pronounced stepped gables, exquisite iron balcony and handsome arched door, is a not-to-be forgotten tour de force.

Tickets available through our website: www.ChurchHill.org No tickets mailed.

Will Call available at St. John’s Parish Hall December 10th.

2208 E. Grace St. Built 1870

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Sales at these local businesses starting in November: 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

The land on this block formed part of the holdings of John Coles, an Irish immigrant merchant and an early resident of Richmond. Samuel G. Flournoy, a manufacturer of window sashes, blinds and doors, was the initial owner. The front, built circa 1870, had a cast iron front porch. The building was enlarged in 1900 with a rear addition and a revival style front porch was added. It was then converted to a duplex. The front yard’s iron fences were donated in the 1970’s by Historic Richmond Foundation.

Collections of old radios and phonographs, newer audio equipment, clocks, several hundred books and about 15,000 recordings are on display along with a restored Duo Art full size reproducing grand piano and a 1920 6 burner, 3 oven Magic Chef Monster kitchen stove.

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We ask that you bring no backpacks or large bags. Homeowners and the Church Hill Association

200 North 22nd St. Built 1968, renovated in 2007

Layout and printing by BambooInk

1922 Water Tower

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Other attractions to the House Tour include:

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Cover Design by Todd Hippensteel

Saint. Patrick’s Place Unit #1 2515 E. Grace St. 2208 E. Grace St. 200 N. 22nd St. 308 N. 24th St. Fire Station #1.

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1906 horse drawn steamer

St. John’s Re-enactment of Patrick Henry’s famous speech historicstjohnschurch.org

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• Enclosed, heated Trolley services at St. John’s Church and stopping at each home.

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Carolers, • Horse drawn carriages (The James River Driving Club) • Antique car show (Old

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• The Church Hill Ad Hoc

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Dominion Model A Ford Club).

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Holiday

HOUSE TOUR

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308 North 24th St. Fire Station #1 The Church Hill Fire Station, featuring antique fire equipment

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Shuttle service in front of St. John’s Church at noon and stops at each home on the tour. Continuous service about 20 minutes apart.

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Architect: Philip Johnson, renovation by Baskervill Philip Johnson’s WRVA radio station building goes beyond padding Richmond’s architectural resume with an illustrious name. The building functions as a beacon of creativity and innovation in one of Richmond’s oldest neighborhoods. The materiality of concrete and glass along with broad and uninterrupted faces have a classically modern identity, but the irregularly spaced rounded windows reveal the mind of an architect in a state of flux.

This building is now home to ChildSavers who guides our community’s children through life’s critical moments with trauma-informed mental health and child development services. The cheerful interior is designed with street signs, light posts, and mailboxes to mimic a child’s neighborhood. There is a large art collection that covers each wall, featuring the works of local artists and supporters. Visit ChildSavers.org

Map Key: 1. 2515 E. Broad St. #5 2. 407 N. 27th St. 3. 407 ½ N. 27th St. 4. 603 N. 27th St. 5. 3601 E. Broad St. 6. 3607 E. Broad St. 7. 3406 E. Broad St. 8. 2809 E. Grace St. 9. 2711 E. Grace St. 10. 2709 E. Grace St. 11. 2600 E. Grace St.

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Bellevue Elementary School Gets New Trees

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By: Trish Bernal

ellevue Elementary School was the most recent recipient of free trees from the Richmond Tree Stewards’ Community Roots Program. On a balmy Sunday morning in mid-October a small group of teenagers and adult volunteers from Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church volunteered to dig holes and help to plant several trees. Church Hill neighbor and Bellevue School volunteer, Neely Dykshorn submitted the application for the school and generously volunteered her time to organize the planting group. Bellevue was the recipient of two dogwoods for the school grounds and two street trees for city tree wells that border the front and east sides of the school.

Richmond Tree Steward Trish Bernal was on hand to supervise and assist with the planting. The two street trees and their planting locations were approved by the Urban Forestry Division. The tree well in front of the school was planted with a Chinese Pistache and the east side of the school received a beautiful Sycamore which promises to grow into a wonderful large specimen tree.

Additionally, one of the dogwood trees was planted in front of the school near the “Dancing Man” statue on a recent school day. Several classes came out to observe the tree being planted and to learn about why trees are important. These classes have agreed to adopt the trees.

Adoption entails monitoring rainfall and committing to water the trees in the spring during the school year for the next two years. Neighbors across from the school will help with watering the trees in the summer months when the school is not in session. This will truly be a community effort in support of trees.

Grace & Holy Trinity Volunteers in front St. John’s Church has also been awarded four trees by of newly planted Sycamore.

Community Roots for the tree wells on Broad Street in front of the churchyard. Church Hill neighbor Paul Broughton helped with the application and coordination of the planting with St. John’s Church. As of this writing they will be planting those trees in early November and have committed to keeping the trees watered and maintained for the crucial first two years after planting. Watering needs to occur May through October whenever rainfall is less than one inch for the week.

The trees planted under this program last year in Chimborazo Playground by the Church Hill Boulefrogs and the ones in Libby Park by the Church Hill Planters are all doing well. Church Hillians clearly love trees and are willing to support them through unselfish volunteer work.

Community Roots is made possible through a generous grant from the Overton and Katherine Dennis Fund. For more information about trees, check out this website - http:// richmondtreestewards.org/

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Church Hill Real Estate Market Report Popularity of the City vs. Suburbs, in Sales Statistics Across the United States, the desire to live in cities is trending. Richmond - being a mid-sized city - is even more appealing because of the affordability. Working in Real Estate, we receive calls monthly from people relocating from bigger cities like NYC, DC, or San Francisco to Richmond. Here, they can afford to not just own property in the walkable economic epicenter, but also still afford the food, culture, and lifestyle that go along with our wonderful city. Many blame this trend on the boomers and the millennials... just kidding, not going there.

We thought it would be fun to see how this has played out in our own market - City vs.Suburbs, the numbers. Using the MLS sales data from the last 10 years, it is clear that the city has grown in popularity and price. Richmond has increased 13.6% in average sales price comparing 2007 to 2017, where the West End has an increase of 4%. * There was not room in this market report to include the entire chart of listed homes vs sold homes over the last 10 years. Please feel free to contact us for that information if you are interested. ** All information gathered from the Central Virginia Regional MLS.

While real estate on a whole has seen a major rebound since the dog days of 2008-2010, Richmond City has experienced the largest spike in demand. This is evidenced in the above chart by the percentage of homes sold vs those listed over the last 10 years. This number is also important because it shows that people aren’t leaving the city. Fewer people selling, combined with more people buying, is leading to an increase in sales price and a decrease in the total days a house is listed for sale before being snatched up. We continue with low inventory and high demand as we finish out the year.

The Facts* ⌂ ⌂ ⌂ ⌂ ⌂ ⌂ ⌂

2017 year-to-date Average Sale Price: $250,255 2017 Q3 Average Sale Price: $236,558 2017 year-to-date Average Days on Market: 27 2017 Q3 Average Days on Market: 23 2017 year-to-date List Price to Sale Price: 99.62% 2017 Q3 List Price to Sale Price: 100.32% Current Active Average Price: $284,210

⌂ Highest Sold Price in 2017 to date: - 2604 E Franklin St - Sold for $715,000 - Days on Market: 5 ⌂ Highest Sold Price in Q3 2017: - 625 N 27th St - Sold for $467,000 - Days on Market: 4

*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

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Amy Tesauro & Catherine Gilmer linchpin@linchpinrealestate.com linchpinrealestate.com 804.292.0852

CHA of RVA Annual Candlelight Walk and House Tour Volunteers Needed!!!

The Annual Church Hill Holiday Festival is just around the corner. The Holiday Events Committee has been very busy confirming the houses to be toured on Sunday December 10th, planning improvements to the Candlelight Walk scheduled for Friday December 8th and organizing the marketing campaign for launch. We are all systems go!

It’s a very full tour this year with 15 different stops on the shuttle route. You will see in the preview that we have a couple of special treats in addition to our usual array of beautiful homes.

One is Child Savers, located at 200 N. 22th Street. The Child Savers building, sometimes referred to as the WRVA building, is notable for being designed by the renowned architect, Phillip Johnson. Not only is the architecture interesting and the view stunning, there is also a terrific art collection inside. Be sure to drop by while you are on the tour to enjoy the art and architecture and to learn more about this amazing agency and its mission of providing trauma-informed mental health and child development services to our community’s children.

Another fun stop will be Firehouse # 1 at 25th and Broad Streets. Last year we were delighted to be able to share two antique fire trucks that are housed at the station. A third antique fire truck has now been added to the collection! If you haven’t seen these beautiful pieces of antique firefighting equipment you must make the firehouse a stop. To make it even more special, The Old Dominion Model A Ford Club will have their collection of stunning antique cars displayed on the route near the firehouse.

A huge debt of gratitude is owed to the homeowners, staff at Child Savers and Fire Station #1 and others who are volunteering to make the tour possible. Thank you all so very much. It takes a village to pull off these events! It’s now time for the village to step up and volunteer to help on the evening of December 8th for the Candlelight Walk or the afternoon of December 10th for the House Tour. We are especially in need of docents for the house tour. Shifts are usually 2 ½ hours long and docents get free tickets to the tour. If you can assist with either or both events please contact CHA of RVA VP, Genni Sasnett at vp@churchhill.org

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322 N. 25th St.

644-8200

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CHA of RVA Board of Directors Election from Genni Sasnett The selected slate of new officers and at-large board members was published in the October newsletter by the CHA of RVA Nominations Committee. The candidates on the slate were also introduced at the September membership meeting. We hope you were there and had a chance to meet them. At that same meeting, the floor was opened for additional nominations. The floor remained open through September and October. At the time of the writing of this article, no floor nominations had been made. The candidates on the slate are as follows:

Debra Melisi – Vice President Steven Keeler – Assistant Treasurer Audrey Auyeung – Assistant Secretary Reshma Gola – At Large board member Brian Loos – At Large board member To review their bios and see photos of the candidates on the slate, please go to the CHA of RVA website and access the October newsletter there. You may also access the Nominations Committee charter and operating guidelines on the website.

Now it’s time to vote. This is your association and its important to make your voice heard. Please attend the membership meeting on November 21st and cast your vote. It matters!

If you have questions about the Nominations Committee, the nominees on the slate or any other aspect of the election process, please contact the Committee Chair, Genni Sasnett at vp@churhchill.org.

Community Organizations Promotion Share Thanksgiving Day with an International Student: VCU’s Global Education Office invites you to share this special holiday with VCU international students and scholars who are eager to visit an American home and make new friends. Broaden your understanding of another culture by including an international student around your Thanksgiving table. For more information, contact Pam Haney at pohaney@vcu.edu or call 828-8309 no later than November 6 or go to https://global.vcu.edu/ media/geo/pdf/students/ThanksgivingVolunteerInfo.Form.pdf Church Hill Newsletter | 15

PLEASE JOIN AND BE A 2017 MEMBER OF THE CHURCH HILL ASSOCIATION! 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 North 25th St – (804)225.8275 Millie’s Diner 15% 2603 E Main St – (804)643.5512 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 Stroops Heroic Dogs (free Stroopwafel with purchased hot dog) 2709 E Marshall St – (804)644.3647 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 Blackbird Salon $5 off service/treatment 402 N 25th St – (804)344.7072 C. Alexander’s Cleaners 5% off ALL Cleaning orders 2007 Venable St – (804)592.3138 Eric Schindler Gallery 10% off one art work 2305 E Broad St – (804)644.5005 Mowhawks 15% off landscaping (garden, tree service, grass) 2312 M St – 1(855)mowhawks/1.855.669.4295

Pets at Play 5% 319 N 25th St – (804)286.4665 Richmond Balance 20% off first month 1806 E Main St – (804)225.7130 Seven Hills Studio 20% discount to new clients 501 N 25th – (804)344.0620

Get your membership card and start enjoying!

Sign up through the website, email, or in person at CHA meetings: 1. For the website, go to: http://www.churchhill.org/cha/join/ 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.

NOTE: CHA of RVA is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your membership is tax deductible to the full extent of the law as no goods or services are received in exchange for your contribution.

Church Hill Association (CHA) Membership Form Membership is valid one year from date of joining.

New Member

Date:

Renewing Member

Membership is Individual, not by household. Email is used only for communicating information to members.

Member Name #1

Email:

Member Name #2

Email:

Address, street, city, zip: Member #1 Phone: Cash:

Member #2 Phone:

Check:

(Make check payable to the CHA)

$30 per person x For office use: Membership card

16 | November/December 2017

Members = $ Bag

Directory

List

CC

)

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Church Hill Newsletter | 17

Newsletter Content & Advertising The Editor would like to offer a reminder that your neighborhood newsletter is in need of monthly content, including: • Informative, educational, historical articles with a focus on Church Hill • Photographs to go with articles and/or pictures that represent the neighborhood (will be printed in black & white, 300dpi, JPEG or TIF file, must be credited, and remain the property of the person submitting) • Environmental or safety information that pertains to the neighborhood • Letters to the Editor (as space allows, 250 words) • And more!!

Editorial Policy Submissions for inclusion to the Church Hill Association’s newsletter are welcomed. Editorial Policy does not allow for personal attacks or inappropriate tone, profanity, or anonymous submissions. Submissions may be edited for space and editorials should not exceed 250 words. CHA will not print editorial letters that are abusive or non-truthful. It is only as a courtesy that we may occasionally print letters from non-members when they add value to the conversation. Final approval of all submissions rests with the Board of Directors. The Church Hill Newsletter is distributed by volunteers throughout the Church Hill neighborhood (North and South of Broad Street).

We also distribute to several area merchants. A total of 1200 issues are distributed monthly.

Send Materials Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Send ad files to: newsletter@churchhill.org

Ad Size, Pricing & Specifications Half-page: $60 at 7.5” x 4.75” Quarter-page: $45 at 3.5” x 4.75” Full-page: $115 at 7.5” x 10” Back cover: $125 at 7.5” x 10” Black and white art only File formats: 300 dpi, PDF, TIF or JPEG Files must be sized correctly Borders must fall within the size of ad space MSWord, .DOC or .DOCX files will not be accepted

Payment 10% discounts for orders of 3 months or more.

Payments for ad space should be received no later than the 15th of each month for the upcoming issue.

No ads will run if payment has not been received.

Payment by check only to: CHA Newsletter P.O. Box 8031 Richmond, VA 23223

Contact If you are interested in advertising in the Church Hill Newsletter, please check the website for ad specifications at ChurchHill.org, or email questions to newsletter@churchhill.org.

Due Dates Copy must be submitted by the 14th of each month to newsletter@churchhill.org.

Ad submissions must be received before the 15th of each month for the upcoming issue.

What’s Next?

18 | November/December 2017

What corner of Church Hill’s history would you like to explore?

Send suggestions for the next historic article to: newsletter@churchhill.org

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Church Hill Newsletter | 19

Can't Stop Won't Stop

By Matt Crane

T

he GPS unit, one of those boxy devices that existed before the service became ubiquitous on our ultra-slim phones, was mounted to the windshield, and insisted that Craig Dodson and his elite amateur cycling teammate Wade were in the correct location.

“This can't be right. You sure this is it?”

Creighton Court had sounded, on paper, like a fancy gated community. But this did not look anything like what had been envisioned based on that name.

This was in the spring of 2008, and it was on that night that the seed for Richmond Cycling Corps was planted. Craig and Wade, dressed in khakis and sponsor correct polo shirts, wheeled their $5,000 bicycles into a rec center in Creighton Court to present to a group of youth about how they, too, might follow their dreams toward a career of their choosing.

When they walked out an hour later, Craig Dodson knew, in the depths of his heart, that no bridge existed, that he knew of, between the circumstances of those youth and the propositions he had presented to them about how he had gotten ahead in mainsteam society.

In 2011, Richmond Cycling Corps was formed as a means of providing that bridge, through cycling, to new opportunities and better futures for youth in Richmond's public housing. It was thought, at that time, that riding bicycles, perhaps racing them, would give these youth a vital tool needed to escape systemic poverty.

This was a naive assumption.

The program was born at the Fairfield Court Boys and Girls Club, on Phaup Street. Richmond Cycling Corps began working with a handful of youth selected by the club to join the fledgling operation. The director of that Boys and Girls Club gave the program a few weeks, tops, before it fizzled out. So many of the others sports programs had.

The youth began their cycling adventure that spring on hand me down bicycles. Hybrid bikes, mostly. By summer, the program was still strong – and so were the youth. They were putting together long rides, eyeing fifty mile excursions.

It also became readily apparent that they needed a lot more than just bicycles. This became most obvious at the time of the tragic murder of 19 year old Jamal Cobb, a regular at the Boys and Girls Club and a frequent mentor to youth in the RCC program. They knew him as a strong older figure to look up to. Cobb was going to make it. He was headed to college to play baseball.

20 | November/December 2017

When Cobb was fatally shot not far from the Boys and Girls Club, in an argument stemming from a Facebook post, the RCC youth turned to the program in their time of grief and need. RCC was forced to grow up, to provide the adult figures and guidance that these youth were asking for. And so, Richmond Cycling Corps began to grow deeper than the surface, to go further than just riding bicycles.

Bicycles were great at developing character, could instill a fair amount of grit in a young person. After all, who else was going to ride the bike up that steep hill? The lessons imparted by the two wheeled steed were indeed valuable.

By the end of RCC's first year, the bike had moved from encompassing the entirety of the program's offering to becoming the hook for something much larger and more profound.

That larger piece continues to grow today.

Youth living in Richmond's public housing require far more than a sports program. They are ill served by hand outs of toys and school supplies. What they need is to become self empowered. To find the value within themselves and strive for a world beyond the confines of Richmond's uniquely sequestered corner of public housing.

Today, Richmond Cycling Corps begins this vital endeavor through a finely refined hook: a prestigious and attractive competitive mountain bike racing program. RCC youth compete in mountain bike races throughout the state of Virginia, among a field largely composed of youth from private school (high school mountain bike racing came to Virginia in 2013 and has since blossomed into a large-scale movement with hundreds of participants).

Attached to the racing team, RCC offers the twelve members of its program any resource required, as assessed on an individual basis, to fulfill the ambition of enabling each youth, under his/her power, to access a future outside of public housing. Staff are on call 24/7 to act as mentors and guardians.

Richmond Cycling Corps is a cycling program – on the surface. Truly, it is a mentoring program.

If youth in public housing needed just cycling to change their lives, Walt Disney would perhaps like to make a film about it. The reality is that these youth are brilliant and complicated individuals from an incredibly challenging background. Under their own power, they are able to find strong mentors who will stop at nothing to enable their empowerment.

The RCC motto from the very early days has been “Can't Stop Won't Stop,� and has always applied to the program's attempts to use any resource available for the sake of the youth it serves.

With the resources at their disposal, the question has always been, why stop at just cycling?

Church Hill Newsletter | 21

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Church Hill Newsletter | 25

Church Hill Flags (2 sizes) Order Form

Proudly display your flag for “community pride” and Church Hill Festivals & Events (Hogtober, Richmond Day)

Quantity ______ at $30. each 2’x3’ Custom Printed Vertical Outdoor Nylon Single Reverse Flags with Header and Grommets (purchase your pole & bracket at most hardware stores) ______ at $20. each 12”18” Custom Printed Vertical Garden Flags (3-piece bracket needed)

Total amount enclosed__________________ From the Artist: The look is consistent with some of the graphics we already use on the ChurchHIll.com website. A few landmarks really set us apart from other neighborhoods, and our history is reflected in them, including St. John’s Church, the gas street lamps, the wrought iron fences, and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. We are also a neighborhood and that is seen in the trees, curving paths of the parks, hillsides, and homes with porches.

The background behind the silhouettes is where the color comes in (not seen here in black and white). The color changes from a blue sky at the top, yellow through the middle, and down to red at the bottom. They are our neighborhood brand approved colors, and are representative of our changing seasons and sunny hilltop location.

–Karen A. Chase

Order your flag at each Church Hill Association membership meeting or Send your check (with contact information & quantity above) Made Payable to: Church Hill Association (Flag) P.O Box 8031 Richmond, VA 23223

26 | November/December 2017

Name:______________________________ Address:____________________________ ____________________________ Email or Phone:______________________

My back porch is falling apart. I’d like to tear down the remains and put a new porch on.

Since it isn’t visible from any street or alley, do I need CAR review?

Thanks, Potential porch production Thanks for writing, Potential porch production – Work that is not visible from the public right of way or a public place does not require CAR review. CAR staff can visit your property to confirm the visibility of the alterations. If the work is visible from the public right of way, the demolition and construction of the porch would require CAR review and approval. Please note that if you are completely demolishing the structure, the new porch must meet zoning requirements; and we encourage you to speak to the zoning division before beginning the work. To reach a CAR staff person you can call (804)646-6335 or email DCDHistoricPreservation@ RichmondGov.com. To reach the zoning division you can call 804-6466340 or send an email to DCDZoningAdministration@richmondgov. com.

I own a historic home in the Church Hill North Historic District. It is a double house.

The entire house -- both sides (owned by two different households), are brick, with facades (one face) painted red. Since the brick is already painted I would like to paint the exterior of my half, window frames, and porch other colors. The palette on the document I found online is quite restrictive -- it seems I can only paint it other shades of red, one or two yellows or a purple. Is this truly the case? Is a white or cream not appropriate? Can I use different accent colors on the porch if I use a neutral general color for the facade? Would it be possible to have a person from CAR come to meet me at my house and walk me through the restrictions?

Thanks, Pondering paint palettes Thanks for writing Pondering paint palettes – Historically, brick was rarely painted. For this reason, the CAR’s guidelines strongly encourage the colors of natural brick be used went painting previously painted masonry and that the paint color should match the original brick color when possible. The wooden elements of the home including the porch may be painted different colors, and staff is available to meet on site to discuss any painting proposals.

What restrictions does CAR put on lighting in the historic districts? Some new developments have recently gone up with dusk till dawn LED lights (not motion detected), which is changing the feeling of the neighborhood. Does CAR currently or is CAR considering regulating things like this?

AskCAR

Do you have a question for AskCAR? If so then send your questions to secretary@churchhill.org with ASK CAR in the subject line. Each month I will select a few questions and post the answers in this column. Needless to say, if the questions are inflammatory, derogatory or threatening in nature, they will not be published. Stay tuned!

What is AskCAR anyways?

In an effort to provide a resource to the community, I created this “ASK CAR” column. If you don’t know already, CAR or the Commission on Architectural Review is the City’s official historic preservation body and helps to preserve the unique qualities of these designated districts.

Since there are four of these districts in this area (St. John’s, Chimborazo, Union Hill, Church Hill North) chances are that if you are a homeowner you will have or have had some interaction with CAR. This column is aimed at providing clarity and understanding of a process that at times may seem daunting or frustrating.

Marianne Pitts, Secretary of the Planning and Preservation Department in the City of Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review has kindly agreed to assist me in answering the questions that I receive from the readership.

Thanks, Loathing LED lights Dear Loathing LED lights – The CAR reviews the design of the lighting fixtures for compatibility.

The CAR does not address concerns with light pollution.

Church Hill Newsletter | 27

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CHA Historic Preservation and Land Use Committee (HPLUC) By: Barbara Cotter The Historic Preservation and Land Use Committee met jointly with the CHA Board for a presentation from Louis Salomonsky, architect and developer, regarding his plans for the development of Pear & Main Streets (just below Libby Hill). HPLUC attendees were Martha Faulkner, Martha Broughton, Eugenia Anderson-Ellis, Waite Rawls, Barbara Cotter, Karen Jones, and Bill Dinkin.

Mr. Salomonsky shared the current design of the building – both views from Main Street and Pear Street (east and west sides), as well as his evolving thoughts on designing the building so that it fits well in the neighborhood and is attractive from Libby Hill Park. It will be five stories on Main Street, with an additional one or two stories in the rear (where the grade drops towards Dock Street). Its design will create the appearance of two separate buildings, making it seem less large. Staggered frontages, curved balconies, features giving the feel of a residence on the first floor, greater concealment of underground parking access, landscaping, and other elements are being considered. The Board and HPLUC discussed various issues such as access to underground parking and notably what will be seen on the roof (that is, how the view of rooftop AC units will be camouflaged).

The CHA members greatly appreciated Mr. Salomonsky’s responding thoroughly to CHA’s earlier design questions. They were also appreciative of the time and effort that he invested to create an aesthetic designthat takes into account the building’s visibility from Libby Hill Park, as well as its compatibility with surrounding structures. The group requested the opportunity to review and comment on design updates, including the plan for placement of roof mechanicals.

In addition, Mr. Salomonsky spoke about his prior commitment to put his East Main Street corner property (which borders CSX as Main Street turns south) in a conservation easement that will help protect the Viewshed from Libby Hill. The discussion noted the possibility that the easement would be held by the Capital Region Land Conservation organization, of which Parker Agelasto is Executive Director. Scenic Virginia is involved, and Mr. Salomonsky is expecting its Executive Director, Leighton Powell, to give him guidance on the next steps and the terms of the easement.

After the presentation, the group had some additional discussion on the proposed building. Bill Dinkin raised the question as to whether or not the B-5 zoning allows for the additional story/stories on Pear Street due to the drop in grade, but no one present knew the answer to the question. (This will be checked on.)

After the joint meeting, the HPLUC met very briefly to discuss the status of other projects, but took no action. Items discussed were: CARR’s meeting on October 10th, 29th & Franklin Street changes, the development of an overview schematic on the Viewshed (downstream and upstream toward downtown) as input for upcoming new zoning to be proposed by the City Planning Department, and the Glenwood Ridge Housing Project (on Glenwood Avenue just beyond Chimborazo Park) regarding the status of its trolley barn preservation and related 106 Review.

30 | November/December 2017

Kristina Hamlett’s Musings On Her Second James River Writers Conference

I

n October I attended the sold-out 15th Annual James River Writers Conference. The weekend was comprised of master classes and panels on the business and craft of writing, the Library of Virginia Literary Luncheon featuring an interview with honoree and Richmond native David Baldacci, and one-on-one meetings with agents. I sat in on the sessions discussing social media strategy, paths to publication, writing sexy narratives, and content marketing. Sessions ran concurrently so as one can imagine, I wished I could have been in two places at one time for most of the weekend!

A pinnacle moment for me was the interview with Hidden Figures author Margot Lee Shetterly. Her story of growing up in a Hampton neighborhood full of professors, engineers, and mathematicians without the knowledge of their global impact was astounding! I held onto every word as she described her journey from Wall Street analyst to magazine publisher to author. An audible gasp filled the room when we heard how fast her book and movie deal came together after her book proposal was accepted by a publisher.

The conference concluded on a playful note. Parodying the TV show The Dating Game, a few lucky writers got to play The Agent Dating Game. Here’s how the game was played: an agent (the bachelorette) asked three writers (bachelors) questions about their stories, characters, and themselves. Then the agent selected the writer they wanted to learn more about. Hearing these brave souls pitch their books in front of a crowd of strangers was inspiring.

James River Writers’ 2017 Conference strengthened its membership by expanding its diversity inclusion. It was comforting to see a more honest reflection of Richmond’s writing community all weekend long.

Kristina is a writer and blogger who lives in Henrico, Virginia with her husband and too many books. Her work has been featured on kimberlyelise.com, Lifein10minutes.com and foreverbemoved.com. If you would like to read a more in-depth review of the conference, visit her blog site at www.kristinahamlett.com.

2319 E. Broad St. Richmond, VA 23223 • Telephone: 804.433.3790 Visit us at www.jamesriverwriters.org for information on upcoming programming, Writers Wednesdays, contests, and to view our video!

It’s easy to make a donation or become a member with our online forms.

Church Hill Newsletter | 31

Important Notice About Change in City of Richmond Leaf Collection Process By: Trish Bernal

Fellow Church Hillians, this article is a summary of the new City of Richmond process for leaf collection. The most important thing to know is that the city will not be doing street leaf collection except by paid request. The new expectation is that city residents will need to bag all leaves, preferably in biodegradable or compostable bags (special plastic bags or paper leaf collection bags). The city will collect up to 10 bags a week when left out by your supercans on your regular trash collection days. There will be one designated week for each trash collection sector during which you can leave out more than 10 bags (e.g. Thursday trash collection day leaf collection week will be November 16-25th).

It is important when putting out your bags for collection that you do not block alleys, sidewalks or other thoroughfare or you may be cited for violation of city code. Also, the failure to remove leaves is also a Class 3 misdemeanor. As always, residents are responsible for removal of leaves from adjacent sidewalks and from the gutter to the middle of the street and in alleyways to the middle of the alley.

Look out for announcements of special “bag giveaways” by the city when you can get 10 biodegradable bags with proof of residence. Otherwise, you will be responsible for purchasing your own bags, available at most hardware stores and some grocery stores.

PLEASE NOTE: Our city district here on the hill is not included in the City’s pilot program for utilizing volunteers through the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program. If you have an elderly or disabled neighbor PLEASE OFFER TO HELP.

For more information go to the City of Richmond’s website http://www.richmondgov.com/publicworks/leafcollection.aspx

32 | November/December 2017

Church Hill Newsletter | 33

34 | November/December 2017

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