Choosing the Right General Contractor for a Historic Renovation or Fix-and-Flip in Richmond, Virginia

by Gepetto Millworks | Sep 23, 2025 | Historic Renovation, Historic Restoration, Historic Wood Doors, Wooden Shutters, Wooden Windows

Richmond, Virginia, is a city steeped in history, with neighborhoods that showcase architectural styles from the late 18th century through the early 20th century. For homeowners, real estate investors, and architects, this makes Richmond a prime location for historic renovation projects and fix-and-flip opportunities. Whether you are breathing new life into a Church Hill rowhouse or restoring a Victorian in The Fan District, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right general contractor.

But a contractor is just one part of the puzzle. Your project will only succeed if the materials match the home’s original design and construction methods. That’s where Gepetto Millworks comes in. Based in Virginia, Gepetto is not a general contractor, but they supply historically accurate windows, doors, and millwork, along with consulting expertise, to ensure that your contractor and architect deliver a result that preserves the property’s charm and historic value.

This guide covers everything you need to know about:

How to choose a good general contractor in Richmond for a historic renovation
Key factors for fix-and-flip investors to maximize ROI while preserving character
Why historically accurate building materials matter for long-term value
How Gepetto Millworks partners with contractors, architects, and homeowners to create historically faithful results

Why Historic Renovation Requires a Different Approach

Renovating a historic home is not like doing a typical remodel. Richmond’s historic neighborhoods are filled with properties that are over 100 years old. Many of them feature construction techniques that are no longer common today, including:

Mortise-and-tenon joinery in window sashes and door frames
Solid wood construction using species like heart pine, oak, and sapele
Custom molding profiles that cannot be replicated with standard stock trim
True divided-light windows that require proper glazing techniques
Plaster and lath walls instead of modern drywall

Your contractor must understand how to work with these materials and techniques—or at least know when to call in specialists. A contractor who simply rips out old windows and installs vinyl replacements may make the house less valuable, both historically and financially.

The Richmond Neighborhoods Where Historic Renovations Shine

When planning your renovation, it’s worth considering the context of Richmond’s historic neighborhoods, each of which has its own character:

A contractor with experience in these neighborhoods will already be familiar with Richmond’s historic district guidelines, zoning requirements, and common renovation challenges.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing a General Contractor

1. Look for Historic Renovation Experience

A contractor who has done kitchen remodels in modern homes may not be the right fit for a 1900s Victorian. Ask potential contractors to show you examples of past projects specifically involving historic properties. One fun element to work from are historic pictures, did they use historic reference and research in their design decision making?

2. References Return our Humanity

Request references from other clients, ideally those who have renovated homes in Richmond’s historic neighborhoods. No construction project goes perfectly, so it’s more valuable to have a contractor that will bring issues to light, discuss and resolve instead of shuffling under the carpet or taking shortcuts.

3. Check Their Relationships with Specialists

Many contractors will need to partner with specialists such as plasterers, wood window restoration experts, and millwork suppliers like Gepetto. Ask whether they have established relationships with these subcontractors and trades. See the video below for reference about how Matthew Wiley, the ‘wood’ expert – brought a masonary element into question in the drawing stage to unify the design around the windows. Collaboration builds.

4. Ask About Communication and Project Management

Historic renovations can uncover surprises—hidden damage, outdated wiring, or structural issues. Choose a contractor who communicates clearly, documents changes, and can coordinate with your architect to turn an unexpected upset into a success. We have seen to many of these problems attempted to be buried, and they will only come back to haunt you. It’s a common mis-conception that a contractor provides a ‘quote’ of a fixed price – that is ‘all in’. You need to choose a contractor willing to build the trust and communication to weather changes. Payment schedules in professional contracts are not ‘half upfront’ they include healthy milestones and checkoffs for each stage of the build. If you read online, you’ll see the sad stories of those that were quotes the lowest price and ‘paid half upfront’.

5. Get a Written Proposal and Timeline

Historic projects can take longer than anticipated, so set clear expectations up front. A good contractor will provide a detailed written proposal and realistic timeline. Professional contracts have milestones that break the project into smaller pieces, as well as the payment schedule so that you can see your project coming to life as you’re writing incremental checks.

Fix-and-Flip Considerations for Richmond Investors

If you are a real estate investor doing a fix-and-flip project, you face a balancing act: maximizing your return on investment while preserving enough character to attract buyers. Today’s homebuyers in Richmond love properties with original charm. Here’s why working with the right team matters:

Curb appeal sells homes. Gepetto’s historically accurate windows and doors make a house stand out in a competitive market.
Buyers notice quality. Solid wood doors, real divided-light windows, and custom trim elevate a property beyond the “builder-grade flip.”
Historic tax credits may apply. In Virginia, there are state and federal tax incentives for rehabilitating historic properties that can ease the high cost of diving into an historic property.
Long-term durability matters. Properly restored or replicated elements last longer and reduce call-backs after the sale. If the windows are 100 years old, our exact replicas would be expected to last the same duration with the proper maintenance. Don’t loose sight of the amortization against 100 years, instead of looking only at today’s profit.

Why Historically Accurate Materials Are Crucial

When renovating a historic home, the wrong materials can diminish its value. Vinyl windows, MDF moldings, and hollow-core doors might be cheaper upfront, but they detract from the authenticity of the property. Gepetto Millworks specializes in:

Sapele solid wood windows built with mortise-and-tenon joinery for century-long durability
Custom solid wood doors that replicate the proportions and panel profiles of the originals
Exact-match molding profiles that blend seamlessly with existing trim
Architectural consulting to ensure every detail is period-appropriate

Collaborating Early with Gepetto Millworks

One of the most effective ways to avoid costly mistakes is to bring Gepetto Millworks into the conversation early. Here’s why:

Pre-construction planning: Gepetto can work with your architect to design historically accurate elements.
Material lead time: Custom windows and doors take time to fabricate—ordering early keeps your project on schedule.
Contractor coordination: Gepetto can consult with your contractor to ensure proper installation techniques.
Cost management: Early dialogue helps balance authenticity with budget.

By calling Matthew Wiley at Gepetto Millworks before your project begins, you establish a partnership that can guide your contractor and architect toward the right choices. His number is 804.8938.2094 and amidst all the spam and promotions you’ll probably be receiving as you google your way through this building journey – Matt is and old fashioned real person on the other end of the line. His 25 years experience in Richmond is a living rolodex of referrals and expertise for you to connect with.

How Gepetto Supports Architects and Contractors

Gepetto doesn’t just supply materials—they act as a technical partner. Their team can provide:

Shop drawings down to the millimeter for every window and door opening
Guidance on joinery and wood species to match historical standards
Advice on finish options to replicate period-appropriate colors and sheens
Ongoing communication throughout the project

This level of support makes the contractor’s job easier and ensures that the final product meets both the homeowner’s and the historic district’s expectations.

Preservation and Long-Term Value

For homeowners who plan to live in their house long-term, preserving its historic character is not just about aesthetics—it’s about protecting the property’s value. Homes that retain original wood windows, doors, and trimwork consistently sell for more than those that have been stripped of their historic charm.

Additionally, Richmond’s historic districts are a draw for tourism and community pride. By investing in a thoughtful renovation, you are contributing to the cultural fabric of the city.

Getting Started: Your Next Steps

If you’re planning a historic renovation or fix-and-flip in Richmond:

Research contractors with proven historic renovation experience.
Schedule consultations and request detailed proposals.
Contact Gepetto Millworks early to discuss your material needs.
Start a dialogue between contractor, architect, and supplier to ensure everyone is aligned.

Your first call should be to Matthew Wiley at Gepetto Millworks. He can guide you through material options, introduce you to historically accurate solutions, and set your contractor up for success.

Final Thoughts

A historic renovation or fix-and-flip project in Richmond, VA, is an opportunity to create something beautiful, authentic, and valuable. Choosing the right general contractor is critical, but so is choosing the right partner for your windows, doors, and millwork. With Gepetto Millworks supplying historically accurate materials and offering consulting expertise, your contractor will have everything they need to execute a renovation that honors the past and sets your property apart.

By starting early, collaborating with the right professionals, and insisting on authenticity, you can ensure that your project will stand the test of time—just like the historic homes that make Richmond one of the most charming cities in Virginia.

RA Praught General Contractor for Historic Renovation

arched and elliptical window builder Virginia

by Gepetto Millworks | May 13, 2025 | Wooden Shutters

@gepetto.millworks
Gepetto craftsmen remade the exterior arc & historically accurate replacement windows on the Black History Museum in Jackson Ward. Originally fabricated in a time where construction was done by many hands sharing the work creative solutions like making a window to fit the arc of the exterior wall was a common practice 'in the trades'. Today, you'll need to turn to me and my team of trained craftsmen to make new windows that last another 200 years. If you are seeing complex overlight arcs or exterior bowed windows and wondering how to match give me a call at 804.938.2094 to chat about #historicrestoration #historicpreservation #Woodenwindows #historicvirginia
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Arched windows and their many variations, including half-round overlights, Gothic arches, and elliptical forms, have been central to architectural aesthetics for centuries. In Virginia, from the early colonial period in the 17th century to modern architectural styles in the 21st century, these window forms have been adapted and reinterpreted to reflect changing tastes, technologies, and cultural influences. This document explores the appearances, styles, and contexts of rounded window forms as they appear in Virginian architecture from 1492 to 2025, offering comparative insight into how these forms evolved through history.

Early Colonial and Georgian Period (1607–1780s)

Though 1492 marks the start of European contact with the Americas, permanent architecture in Virginia began with the Jamestown settlement in 1607. Early structures were utilitarian, made of timber, and typically lacked ornate window treatments. As settlements grew and wealth increased, more elaborate styles emerged.

In the Georgian period (ca. 1700-1780), architectural influences from England dominated. Georgian architecture emphasized symmetry, proportion, and classical detail. Arched windows began to appear in high-status buildings, often in the form of fanlights—semi-circular or elliptical overlights—placed above central doors. These fanlights were not just decorative; they allowed natural light to enter entry halls. In Virginia, examples can be found in plantation homes such as the Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg and Carter’s Grove, where arched windows framed in brick or wood conveyed classical elegance. The arches tended to be segmental or elliptical rather than Gothic, reflecting Enlightenment-era ideals of rationality and order.

Federal Style (1780s–1820s)

The Federal period retained the Georgian emphasis on symmetry but refined it with greater delicacy and lightness. Fanlights remained a hallmark of this style, often accompanied by sidelights flanking the door. Arched windows became more sophisticated, with thinner muntins and more intricate tracery. Elliptical arches grew more prevalent, aligning with the neoclassical revival that idealized ancient Roman forms.

Thomas Jefferson, Virginia’s most famous architectural mind, integrated arched windows in his designs at Monticello and the University of Virginia. His interpretation of Palladian architecture included Venetian windows (a central arched window flanked by two rectangular ones) and thermal windows (large, semi-circular windows) that drew from Roman precedents. Jefferson’s use of arched windows was both aesthetic and symbolic—an architectural assertion of Enlightenment ideals and republican virtue.

Greek Revival and Gothic Revival (1820s–1860s)

The Greek Revival movement, popular in Virginia from the 1820s through the Civil War, emphasized strong, rectangular forms and classical columns. Arched windows became less common in this period, with architects favoring pedimented frames and simple, rectangular openings. However, elliptical fanlights continued to adorn doorways, subtly maintaining the arched motif.

In contrast, Gothic Revival architecture reintroduced the pointed Gothic arch to Virginian architecture. Churches, in particular, embraced this style, with pointed arch windows filled with stained glass. The use of Gothic arches conveyed verticality, spirituality, and historical continuity. Examples include St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Richmond and the Chapel at the University of Virginia, both of which feature lancet windows and tracery consistent with the Gothic Revival aesthetic. Unlike the classical round or elliptical arches, the Gothic arch is defined by its pointed apex, lending a different emotional and visual character—one more dramatic and evocative.

Victorian and Eclectic Styles (1870s–1910s)

In the late 19th century, the architectural landscape of Virginia diversified. Victorian styles, including Queen Anne, Romanesque Revival, and Second Empire, used a rich vocabulary of window forms. Arched windows were common but varied greatly in form and context.

Romanesque Revival buildings, such as the Old Post Office in Richmond, featured heavy stone arches with rounded tops and deeply recessed windows. These semi-circular arches conveyed strength and permanence. Meanwhile, Queen Anne homes might include arched windows in tower elements or as decorative gables, often with stained or leaded glass.

In this period, technological advancements in glass production and steel allowed for larger and more elaborate windows. The use of segmental, elliptical, and full-round arches became more decorative than structural, signaling the increasing role of aesthetics in residential and civic architecture.

Colonial Revival and Neoclassical Styles (1890s–1940s)

Colonial Revival architecture looked back to the Georgian and Federal periods for inspiration. As such, arched fanlights and Palladian windows reappeared in Virginia homes and public buildings. These forms were not mere copies but idealized reinterpretations, often with exaggerated proportions and decorative glass. For example, the Virginia Executive Mansion, remodeled in the early 20th century, includes numerous fanlight-style windows that evoke the state’s colonial heritage.

Neoclassical styles of the early 20th century, especially those used in banks, courthouses, and universities, often incorporated large, symmetrical arched windows to convey grandeur and civic virtue. The domed rotunda of the University of Virginia continued to inspire buildings across the state.

Modernism and Minimalism (1940s–1970s)

With the rise of Modernist architecture, arched windows became rare. Modernism emphasized function, simplicity, and new materials, favoring large rectangular panes and curtain walls. However, exceptions existed—especially in ecclesiastical architecture—where arched windows retained symbolic and aesthetic value.

Some mid-century modern homes and buildings incorporated abstracted versions of arched windows, often in the form of curved rooflines or minimalist, half-round clerestory windows. These nods to historical forms were subtle and reinterpreted within the modern vocabulary.

Postmodernism and New Urbanism (1980s–2000s)

Postmodern architecture allowed for the reintroduction of historical elements with a sense of irony or playfulness. Arched windows returned in exaggerated or stylized forms, often detached from their traditional contexts. In Virginia, suburban developments and public buildings adopted elements like oversized Palladian windows or rounded porticoes, mixing styles in eclectic combinations.

New Urbanism, which gained traction in the 1990s and 2000s, sought to revive traditional urban forms. In places like Reston and parts of Alexandria, arched windows appeared in buildings that mirrored early 20th-century styles, aiming to create walkable, historically resonant neighborhoods.

Contemporary and Sustainable Architecture (2010s–2025)

In the 21st century, architecture in Virginia reflects a blend of tradition and innovation. Rounded windows are used selectively to add softness to otherwise rectilinear forms. In luxury homes, arched transoms and elliptical overlights are often included to enhance natural lighting and evoke classical elegance.

In commercial and institutional architecture, designers sometimes employ large elliptical or circular windows as focal points, drawing on both classical and modern precedents. Sustainable design principles have also led to new interpretations of arched windows that maximize passive solar gain and energy efficiency.

Contemporary churches and cultural centers in Virginia occasionally revisit the Gothic arch, integrating pointed windows in a sleek, minimalist style that blends spirituality with modern sensibilities.

Arched windows across Virginian architecture serve as a visual and symbolic link across centuries of changing styles. The classical round and elliptical forms of the Georgian, Federal, and Colonial Revival periods communicate balance, order, and refinement. The Gothic arch, by contrast, is dynamic and emotive, typically associated with spiritual and ecclesiastical structures.

While early uses of arched windows were often structural as well as decorative, later periods employed them more for stylistic effect. Materials have shifted from hand-blown glass and wood to steel, aluminum, and high-performance glazing.

The variations—fanlights, Venetian windows, thermal windows, lancet arches, elliptical transoms—all tell stories of cultural aspiration, technological advancement, and aesthetic evolution. Whether in a rural plantation house, a downtown courthouse, or a sustainable modern home, these windows reflect Virginia’s layered architectural identity.

From the early colonial settlements to contemporary designs, arched and rounded windows have remained a consistent yet evolving element in Virginia’s architectural tapestry. Their forms—be they half-round overlights, Gothic arches, or elliptical windows—embody both continuity and change. In comparing these styles over more than five centuries, we observe not just architectural trends but broader cultural values, from Enlightenment rationalism to modern ecological consciousness. The story of Virginia’s arched windows is, ultimately, a story of adaptation, innovation, and enduring beauty.

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Bowed Windows Made in Virginia

by Gepetto Millworks | May 13, 2025 | Architectural Millwork, Wooden Windows

Round, Arc, Gothic Arch, and Bowed Windows Handcrafted in Virginia:

When it comes to bespoke architectural woodwork, Gepetto Millworks stands at the pinnacle of craftsmanship in Virginia. Specializing in historically accurate, handcrafted windows, our artisans are trusted by preservationists, architects, and homeowners alike. Among our most requested products are our round, arc, Gothic arch, and bowed windows—each style offering a unique aesthetic and functional value. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of a fully round window, the graceful curvature of an arc or bowed window, or the soaring lines of a Gothic arch, Gepetto Millworks captures the essence of historic Virginia architecture.

Round Windows: Architectural Focal Points Throughout the Centuries

Round windows have served as distinctive focal points in architecture throughout Virginia’s history. At Gepetto Millworks, our craftsmen meticulously re-create round windows to match the historic build style and quality ranging from small porthole-style accents to large oculi that dominate gable ends and facades in many prominant buildings. Fully round windows were especially popular during the Georgian and Federal periods as symbols of harmony and balance. The round, arc and elipsis windows appear above entryways or in pediments as focal features. In Victorian homes, especially in Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival styles, round windows added a touch of whimsy and light to stairwells, turrets, and attics.

If your historic Victorian home has a turret, the windows were likely crafted to fit, the exact outward arc to match the circumfrense of the turret. Gepetto’s craftsmen are specifically trained to reproduce the quality construction that has lasted a hundred years by using the highest quality sapele utilizing traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery true to the period. If you’re not familiar with Sapele it’s a similar wood to mahogony which comes from Africa, instead of South America. Sapele lumber is a hardwood sourced from the Entandrophragma cylindricum tree, native to Africa. It’s often used as a substitute for mahogany, especially South American mahogany, due to its similar appearance and properties. Sapele is known for its rich reddish-brown color, which can darken with age, and its natural luster. The grain can be interlocked, creating beautiful figures like ribbon, quilted, and pommele. Most important for windows, Sapele and Mahogany are used as they machine very straight, and have a high resistance to rot from absorbed water. The new choice for stabilized and rot resistant wood stock is called Accoya – read about the treatment of Acetylation for wood.

Arc Windows: Graceful Curves for Historic Spaces

Arc windows feature a curved top with straight sides. Often featured in church buildings, estate homes, and public structures across Virginia, arc windows bring an understated elegance like a flower at the top of a stem. In historic Virginia architecture, arc windows made their appearance during the late Federal and early Victorian periods as craftsmen were called on to fabricate the more elaborate designs of architects. Especially prevalent in Southern plantation homes, often installed above doors, you’re subtly familiar with their placement but as you start to google for a contractor to repair or replace them, you’ll find that it’s nearly a lost art! Not to worry, Gepetto’s staff are trained and experienced in the mathematical proportions, and the tooling needed to producing these complex shapes to exactly match your historic window. At Gepetto Millworks, our arc windows are handcrafted to match. We replicate traditional molding profiles, sash styles, and muntin patterns while integrating modern glazing technology.

Gothic Arch Windows: A Testament to Virginia’s Ecclesiastical and Romantic Heritage

Gothic arch windows are instantly recognizable by their pointed arches and narrow vertical proportions. Found in churches, academic buildings, and large estates, these windows are emblematic of the Gothic Revival movement. The Gothic Revival architectural movement in the United States swept into Virginia, occurred in the building furvor from approximately 1840 to 1880. Crafting a Gothic arch window requires immense skill and precision. Gepetto Millworks artisans sculpt each piece from premium hardwood, ensuring the pointed apex is structurally sound and visually perfect. These windows often feature intricate tracery and divided lights, requiring a high degree of technical craftsmanship that the shop at Gepetto keeps alive. Our Gothic arch windows grace both restorations of Virginia’s historic churches and modern homes that seek to incorporate classical drama. Whether you are restoring a cathedral in Richmond or adding a Gothic-inspired touch to a custom estate in Charlottesville, Gepetto’s windows are your go-to source.

Bowed Windows: The Victorian Love Affair with Curves

Bowed windows curve outward from a building’s facade, often found in Victorian homes, especially those with turrets and bay extensions. In Virginia, these outwardly bowed windows became especially fashionable during the mid to late 1800s as urban and rural homeowners sought to display their wealth and architectural savvy through the new homes they were building with the most intricate or ornate results. Bowed windows require a mastery of compound curves and precision framing. Gepetto Millworks brings over three decades of experience crafting bowed windows that seamlessly fit into historic turret structures in wood or stone. Our team works closely with architects and homeowners to ensure the curvature and mullion spacing complements the building’s scale and period for an exact match.

Each bowed window is assembled by hand using traditional joinery methods and features high-performance glazing for durability and energy efficiency. Our craftsmen have recreated bowed windows for homes in Alexandria, Norfolk, and Staunton—preserving the distinctive Victorian charm of their turrets and facades.

Federal Period Elipsis Overlights: A Distinctive Accent of Historic Virginia

Elliptical overlights—also known as fanlights—were a hallmark of the Federal period, providing natural light and architectural refinement above entry doors. In Virginia, these elipsis-shaped windows were often adorned with intricate muntin patterns and flanked by sidelights. Gepetto Millworks specializes in accurately recreating these elliptical overlights using historical blueprints, archival photos, or surviving fragments. Our reproductions have graced the doorways of plantation homes in Williamsburg, townhouses in Fredericksburg, and government buildings in Richmond. Using custom bending forms and precision-cut jigs, our artisans handcraft each elliptical frame, fitting it with period-correct glazing and mullion patterns. We also offer restoration services for damaged or incomplete overlights, ensuring these iconic features endure for future generations.

What sets Gepetto Millworks apart in Virginia’s landscape of historic window craftsmen is our relentless attention to detail and commitment to authenticity. Every round, arc, Gothic arch, and bowed window is a testament to our passion for historical accuracy and our dedication to artisanal woodworking. We collaborate with historical societies, preservation commissions, and homeowners who want their architectural features to reflect the period styles of Virginia’s diverse architectural heritage. From the coastal Georgian mansions of the Tidewater region to the highland estates of the Shenandoah Valley, Gepetto Millworks is proud to be the trusted name for period-specific window design and fabrication.

Our craftsmen utilize time-honored techniques:

Mortise-and-tenon joinery
Hand-carved moldings
Custom-milled sash profiles
Historically accurate glass lites and muntins
Fine finishing using natural oils and historically accurate paint
Each window is more than a product; it is a legacy piece that honors the architectural lineage of Virginia.

Monticello Region: In Charlottesville, a late-Federal style estate required a full set of elliptical overlights and arc windows. Gepetto Millworks used historic blueprints and archival photos to reconstruct each window, earning praise from the local historical society.

Downtown Richmond: A restored Gothic Revival church needed over a dozen custom Gothic arch windows, including tracery patterns unique to the building. Our craftsmen worked on-site to ensure a seamless fit and aesthetic harmony.

Norfolk Victorian Mansion: This turreted Victorian home received a full bowed window rebuild, fabricated in our workshop and installed with precision to preserve its dramatic street-facing curve.

Fredericksburg Federal Home: Damaged elliptical overlights were restored to their former glory, complete with fan muntins and clear restoration glass.

Architectural Continuity and Innovation

While our windows reflect historic aesthetics, they also meet modern performance standards. All Gepetto Millworks products are available with insulated glazing units, low-E glass, and weather-sealing. We believe that preserving Virginia’s architectural history should not come at the cost of energy efficiency. Our design team works in AutoCAD and Revit for precision planning, and we offer full shop drawings for complete sizing, fit, and approval for client visualization. Blending of old-world craft and modern technology makes Gepetto Millworks a leader in both restoration and new construction projects. From conceptual design through installation, Gepetto Millworks offers a collaborative and professional approach. Our window specialists consult on site-specific challenges, whether it’s ensuring a bowed window maintains the correct radius or replicating a Gothic arch to meet preservation board standards.

We welcome:

Homeowners restoring historic properties
Architects designing period-sensitive new builds
Contractors managing adaptive reuse projects
Preservationists requiring documentation and authenticity

Craftsmanship Rooted in Virginia History

Round, arc, Gothic arch, and bowed windows have each played a defining role in Virginia’s architectural evolution. At Gepetto Millworks, we honor that legacy with handcrafted windows built to exacting standards. Whether you’re restoring a Federal period home with elliptical overlights, adding a bowed window to a turreted Victorian, or installing a fully round window as a dramatic focal point, our team are Virginia natives that live in and pass by the history that has made us each day. Call Matt direct at 804.938.2097 to schedule your project into the pipeline. Reach out today to bring historical accuracy and artisanal detail to your project.

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Church Hill Richmond Virginia Historic Millwork and Restoration Wood Supplier

by Gepetto Millworks | Mar 31, 2025 | Custom Millwork, Historic Restoration

Church Hill in Richmond, Virginia, Richmond’s first neighborhood, is a historic district boasting antebellum homes and architectural styles like Greek Revival, Federal, Queen Anne, and Italianate, known for its cobblestone streets and gas streetlamp

The Church Hill neighborhood stands on the south hilltop looking back toward ‘downtown’ across the shockhoe valley. If you long to reside in a historic home, there are few older or more historic places in the united states. The area is the oldest neighborhood in Richmond and legend suggests its name originated when William Byrd ll stood in the area now known as Libby Hill park and saw how the view below resembled the view of Richmond on Thames in London, England. Most of the homes in this area are pre Civil-War and architecture consists of Colonial, Greek Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne. The city has restored more than 200 historic properties in the Church Hill area since 1983. Live here and you will enjoy evening strolls down charming tree lined streets illuminated by the area’s distinctive gaslights. As you stroll you will pass charming row housing and townhouses adorned with wrought iron, ornate wood porches, lavish scrollwork and facades of stone and brick. The overlooks to the James river are mostly parklands allowing for a beautiful neighborhood experience with playgrounds and open spaces nearby.

Historic Building Tax Credits

by Gepetto Millworks | Dec 19, 2024 | Church Restoration, Historic Restoration, Historic Wood Doors, Old Window Restorer, Virginia, Wooden Shutters, Wooden Windows

Maximizing Historic Building Tax Credits with Gepetto Millworks’ Authentic Wood Architectural Elements

Restoring historic buildings is both a labor of love and a commitment to preserving cultural heritage. While the process is rewarding, it can also be financially daunting. One significant financial incentive available to property owners and developers is historic building tax credits. These credits can offset the costs of preservation and restoration, especially when using historically accurate materials and techniques.

Gepetto Millworks, a premier manufacturer of authentic wood architectural elements based in Virginia, provides an invaluable resource for those seeking to maximize these tax credits. This article outlines key considerations for qualifying for historic building tax credits and highlights how Gepetto Millworks’ custom-crafted products can be instrumental in achieving compliance with historic preservation standards.

Gepetto Project History of Tax Credit Projects

Understanding Historic Building Tax Credits

Historic building tax credits are financial incentives offered at both federal and state levels to encourage the preservation and rehabilitation of historic structures. These credits reduce the tax liability of property owners who undertake qualified restoration projects.

Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program

The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program, administered by the National Park Service (NPS) in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), offers a 20% tax credit for the rehabilitation of income-producing historic buildings. Eligible structures must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places or located in a registered historic district. Arlington VA Historic Window Builder credits are an example of a historic district.

State-Level Tax Credits

Many states, including Virginia, offer additional tax credits for historic preservation. These credits can often be combined with the federal program, providing substantial financial benefits for property owners. In Virginia, for instance, the state’s Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program offers a 25% credit for qualifying expenses.

Key Considerations for Filing Historic Building Tax Credits

To qualify for historic building tax credits, property owners must meet specific criteria and follow a structured application process that is often hindered by supplying historic restoration millwork! Here are the critical steps and considerations:

1. Determining Eligibility

Historic Designation: The building must either be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, contribute to a historic district, or meet specific criteria outlined by the SHPO.
Income-Producing Property: For federal tax credits, the property must generate income, such as through commercial use or rental housing.

2. Meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation

The NPS evaluates projects based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, which emphasize retaining and preserving historic character. Key principles include:

Repairing rather than replacing historic materials.
Ensuring new additions are compatible with the building’s historic character.
Avoiding alterations that destroy significant historical features.

3. Qualified Rehabilitation Expenses (QREs)

Only certain costs are eligible for tax credits, including:

Exterior and interior structural repairs.
Restoration of historic architectural elements.
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems integral to the building’s structure.
Architectural and engineering fees related to the project.

Non-eligible expenses typically include landscaping, new additions, and furnishings.

4. Application Process

The application involves three parts:

Part 1: Certify the property’s historic status.
Part 2: Obtain approval for the proposed rehabilitation work.
Part 3: Certify that the completed work meets approved plans and the Secretary’s Standards.

The Role of Gepetto Millworks in Historic Building Restoration

Gepetto Millworks specializes in manufacturing authentic wood architectural elements that are essential for restoring historic buildings to their original grandeur. Their expertise and dedication to craftsmanship make them a trusted partner for projects seeking historic building tax credits.

1. Authenticity and Craftsmanship

Gepetto Millworks employs traditional techniques and materials to create wood elements that match the original features of historic buildings. From intricately carved moldings to custom windows and doors, their products are designed to seamlessly integrate into existing structures while meeting the Secretary’s Standards.

2. Custom Solutions for Unique Projects

Every historic building is unique, requiring tailored solutions to address specific restoration challenges. Gepetto Millworks offers custom fabrication services to replicate original designs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with preservation guidelines.

3. Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a core value at Gepetto Millworks. They source premium, responsibly harvested wood and prioritize eco-friendly manufacturing processes, aligning with modern sustainability goals without compromising historical authenticity.

Key Products by Gepetto Millworks for Historic Restorations

Gepetto Millworks’ product offerings encompass a wide range of architectural elements critical to historic restorations. Each product is crafted with attention to detail and adherence to historical accuracy.

Custom Windows

Historical Accuracy: Gepetto Millworks replicates historic window designs, including sash, casing, and muntin profiles.
Energy Efficiency: Modern performance standards are integrated into historically accurate designs, ensuring energy efficiency without sacrificing authenticity.

Architectural Moldings

Period-Specific Designs: Gepetto’s catalog includes moldings that reflect the styles of different historical periods.
Custom Fabrication: Unique designs can be reproduced to match existing elements precisely.

Doors and Entryways

Handcrafted Quality: Gepetto’s custom doors capture the elegance and craftsmanship of historic entryways.
Variety of Styles: Options range from Georgian and Victorian designs to mid-20th-century modern aesthetics.

Staircases and Railings

Traditional Joinery: Gepetto employs traditional woodworking techniques to craft staircases and railings that embody historical authenticity.
Custom Components: Balusters, handrails, and newel posts are tailored to the building’s era and style.

Compliance with Preservation Standards

Using Gepetto Millworks’ products in your restoration project can simplify compliance with preservation standards, enhancing your chances of approval for tax credits. Places like Cape Charles, VA 23310 have Historic Building Materials local ordenances that keep the character of the whole town that you would know about as you purchased the property.

Adherence to the Secretary’s Standards

Repair Over Replacement: Gepetto’s focus on repairing and replicating original features aligns with the Standards’ emphasis on preservation. Our shop built wood products are built with the same solid wood mortise and tenon construction that was used 200 years ago. Most other products you will find on the open market do not use historically accurate building techniques, they shortcut the quality for speed of production in the factory.
Compatible Materials: Their use of authentic wood ensures compatibility with historic structures.

Documentation Support

Gepetto Millworks provides detailed documentation of their products’ historical accuracy and manufacturing process, which can be included in your tax credit application to demonstrate compliance.

Case Studies: Gepetto Millworks in Action

1. Restoring a 19th-Century Townhouse in Richmond, Virginia

Challenge: Replacing deteriorated windows while maintaining historical integrity.
Solution: Gepetto crafted custom wood windows replicating the original sash profiles and integrated energy-efficient glazing.
Outcome: The project received both federal and state tax credits.

2. Renovating a Historic Church in Alexandria, Virginia

Challenge: Restoring ornate moldings and woodwork damaged by decades of wear.
Solution: Gepetto’s team recreated intricate carvings using traditional techniques.
Outcome: The restoration earned praise from the SHPO and qualified for tax credits.

Steps to Get Started with Gepetto Millworks

Consultation: Schedule a consultation with Gepetto Millworks to discuss your project needs and goals.
Design and Fabrication: Work with their expert team to develop custom solutions that align with your building’s historical character.
Installation Support: Gepetto provides guidance to ensure proper installation and compliance with preservation standards.
Documentation: Receive detailed documentation to support your historic building tax credit application.

Conclusion

Securing historic building tax credits requires meticulous planning, adherence to preservation standards, and a commitment to quality restoration. Gepetto Millworks’ authentic wood architectural elements are a crucial asset for achieving these goals. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability practices, Gepetto Millworks ensures that every project not only preserves history but also meets the highest standards of excellence.

Partner with Gepetto Millworks for your next historic restoration project and unlock the full potential of historic building tax credits. Contact their Virginia fabrication facility today to learn how they can bring your vision to life while honoring the past.

Custom by Architects

WholeSale to Builders

MADE IN VA

Sustainable & Reparable

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VCU SCOTT HOUSE Window Restoration

by Gepetto Millworks | Jun 9, 2024 | Architectural Millwork, Historic Restoration, Project Spotlight, Virginia, Wooden Windows

SCOTT House on VCU Campus

Window Restoration

Beaux Arts style Window Restoration

Authentic Craftsmanship

THE SCOTT HOUSE is one of Richmond’s most significant examples of American Renaissance architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was completed in 1911 and acquired by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2001. The 18,000 sf mansion was built for Frederic William Scott and his wife Elizabeth Strother Scott. It was modeled after the Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island, which referenced the Petit Trianon at Versailles. Interior plasterwork is attributed to prominent sculptor and plaster contractor, Ferruccio Legnaioli.

VCU commissioned Glavé & Holmes Architecture (G&H) to provide a feasibility study to assess existing conditions, programming, and conceptual design. Subsequently, G&H was selected to provide a historically-sensitive rehabilitation to allow the building to serve as meeting and event space for visiting and University groups.

Goals for rehabilitation the Scott House included restoration of the exterior masonry and windows supplied by Gepetto Millworks Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems were upgraded to modern standards. New restrooms, and conversions to office space and meeting rooms became part of the plans to serve the University Campus. While the rehabilitation will serve a variety of modern programmatic functions, the building’s historic fabric was restored in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and the University’s preservation philosophy for historic buildings.

Historic preservation seeks to find effective and artful ways of maintaining and reusing significant buildings, landscapes, and communities. Central to the discipline is the attempt to preserve cultural identity in the face of the threats of urban sprawl and loss of social diversity.

Maintain, protect, and repair authentic character defining features, materials, and finishes. If features are deteriorated beyond repair, replace them in-kind. Retain authentic historic building fabric to the maximum extent possible.

Historic building restoration respects the evolution of historic changes, fashion, taste, and use – do not try to “improve” the design of authentic building features.

Avoid installation of conjectural “historic” features.

Do not use maintenance methods or materials that damage significant building and landscape fabric.

Authentic Window Restoration Richmond

Richmond VA Authentic Historic Window Restoration

Scott House was built in 1907, and is a three-story, 40,950 square foot, Beaux Arts style mansion. The house is seven bays wide and is faced with a pale Indiana limestone. It features a central portico of four, giant Corinthian order columns and two Corinthian pilasters that dominate the highly formal, symmetrical entrance façade. Elizabeth and Frederic Scott bought the property from Lewis Ginter in 1903, Elisabeth Scott Bocock, moved into the house in the mid 20th century. While there, she founded the Historic Richmond Foundation, the 2300 Club, and the Hand Workshop (now known as the Visual Arts Center of Richmond). In the 1960s, the house was subdivided and used as dorms for VCU students, which continued into the 90s. A renovation in 2004 led to the Scott House opening its doors to the public, and the designation of the building as a Virginia Historic Landmark.

The historic Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island was chosen as inspiration for the Richmond structure, which was itself modeled after the Petit Trianon in Versailles. It stands proudly removed from West Franklin, an exception to the block’s density. The stately house, a handsome combination of limestone and terra cotta, is grounded by green-tiled wrapping terraces and a porte-cochére, shaded by trees in the house’s garden. Oxidized copper and careful cast iron work beautifully balance the gravity of the building’s exterior. Oversized fluted columns with Corinthian capitals give the mansion a sense of monumentality. The interior is a classic example of the American Renaissance style, originating in the 18th century. The occupant moves through the symmetrically divided rooms with no hallways on the first floor, structured around a main entrance stair which lies under a magnificent stained glass dome. Servants’ quarters are to the rear of the building, and a large English style carriage house is hidden behind the mansion. The Anderson Gallery, constructed in 1888 from the former Ginter House stables, also stands behind the Scott-Bocock House. The splendor of the structure is a reminder of Richmond’s insurance and banking glory days in the early 20th century, when it was an indulgent capital of the South.

Authentic Historic Window Restoration Virginia