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
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.
In the realm of architectural preservation and restoration, historic buildings hold a special place, preserving the essence of South Carolina’s rich heritage. When undertaking historic building projects, architects and construction managers can greatly benefit from the historic tax credit certification program. In this article, we will explore the significance of historic wooden windows in these projects, highlight the expertise of Gepetto Millworks as a supplier, and shed light on the advantages of leveraging the historic tax credit certification from a professional perspective.
Historic Wooden Windows and the Importance of Preservation
Architectural Integrity: Historic wooden windows are an essential component of a building’s architectural integrity. These windows showcase the craftsmanship, detailing, and design principles of a specific era, adding to the overall character and historical significance of a structure. Preserving and restoring these windows is crucial to maintaining the authenticity and charm of historic buildings.
Preservation Guidelines: When working on historic building projects, adherence to preservation guidelines is of utmost importance. These guidelines often dictate the retention or replication of original features, including windows. Gepetto Millworks specializes in producing historically accurate wooden windows that comply with preservation standards and bring the building back to its former glory.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Solutions: Contrary to misconceptions, historic wooden windows can be energy-efficient when properly restored and upgraded. Gepetto Millworks utilizes modern weatherstripping techniques and energy-efficient glass options to enhance the performance of historic windows while preserving their original aesthetics. This approach aligns with sustainable design practices and promotes energy conservation in historic building projects.
Expertise in Historic Wooden Windows
Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail: Gepetto Millworks has a well-established reputation for its commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their team of skilled artisans combines traditional woodworking techniques with modern innovations, ensuring the production of historically accurate and superior-quality wooden windows. Each window is meticulously crafted to meet the highest standards of excellence.
Customization and Replication: Gepetto Millworks understands the importance of customization and replication when it comes to historic building projects. They possess in-depth knowledge of various architectural styles prevalent in South Carolina, enabling them to replicate windows with utmost precision, even in cases of unique or intricate designs. Their ability to provide customization options allows architects and construction managers to tailor the windows to the specific requirements of the project.
Material Selection and Durability: Gepetto Millworks takes pride in sourcing only the finest materials for their historic wooden windows. Premium-grade hardwoods are carefully selected to match the original species used in historic structures. This meticulous attention to material selection ensures that the windows not only maintain an authentic appearance but also exhibit exceptional durability and longevity, supporting the long-term preservation goals of the building project.
Benefits of Historic Tax Credit Certification
Financial Incentives: The historic tax credit certification program offers significant financial incentives for owners and developers of historic buildings. By adhering to specific preservation standards, projects can become eligible for tax credits that can offset a portion of the rehabilitation costs. These credits can be used to reduce tax liabilities, attract investors, and lower overall project costs, making historic building projects more economically viable.
Preservation Advocacy: The historic tax credit certification program promotes the preservation and restoration of historic structures. By participating in the program, architects and construction managers contribute to the preservation of South Carolina’s architectural heritage. This involvement not only enhances the cultural value of the community but also positions them as stewards of historic preservation.
Marketing and Recognition: Buildings with historic tax credit certification gain recognition and prestige within the industry. They become eligible for various marketing
Gepetto craftsmen have been restoring windows with half-round lights above the window or full arc keystone panes (pictured in next photo) for over 15 years. Restoration of water rot or damaged sashes, or completely new solid wood replication to fit your historic Virginia home or church. Gepetto uses a mixture of modern shop tools and hand assembly to speed the building process. Historic homes of the 18th and 19th century relied heavily on the natural light from windows as remember it was either candles or oil lamps for light after the sun had hit the horizon.
Made with Love in the Blue Ridge Gepetto Craftsmen supply plantation house, row house, and all manner of 18th and 19th centrury historic replica windows. Specifically hard to find are craftsmen skilled and trained to replicate or repair uniquely shaped round windows or upper window panes of various arc lengths.
Rounded Top Replica Historic Windows
If you are a homeowner who needs window service, it’s best to bring in a local contractor because Gepetto acually supplies local contractors. If your local contrator or handyman seems shy to work with your historic wooden windows, have them give Matthew a call and we’ll be glad to assure them of the skills or techniques they would need to have the hardware fabricated at our millwork shop, and installed by them locally. Our craftsmen are generally millwrights and while they can install windows, it’s simply not time efficient for us as most general contractors can do a good job.
Arch & Radius Arc Wooden Window Builder
Historically Accurate Round Windows
Arc top classic southern historic window builder supplying replacement windows from our Virginia shop. Built by hand to historic standards and matching solid wood mortise and tennon construction of the original windows. Whether it’s a specific wood rot, that just needs some restoration we can replace anthing from a section to the whole window. Bring in a single sash to our shop in the blue ridge and we’ll gladly restore it by hand. We have also handled large scale commercial restorations supplying as many as 900 sashes (450 windows and frames) to a single building historic restoration.
Gepetto builds to order Wooden Home Products for delivery and installation in Cape Charles that meet the ordinance for historic renovation and construction. Your home remodel or restoration will meet local code and building guidelines with our handmade wood products from downtown Richmond Virginia.
The most used piece of architecture in any room, the focal point of the front of your house, we handmake your door to refurbish the historic look or to take the appearance in new directions with creative elements. All doors will be hand made from solid wood stock in whatever specie you specify. Oaks classic to Virginia, Walnut for a dark rich look or Mahogany to weather the humidity and moisture we can advice and collaborate on any technical or design issue you may have. We have years of experience working with and through historic societies, planning and zoning boards and local inspectors. Gepetto can join you at any stage of the building process and support the collective goals of the Cape Charles zoning and building ordinances.
The windows on many historic buildings are an important aspect of the architectural character of those buildings. The window design, craftsmanship, and aesthetic quality make them worthy of preservation. Cape Charles town wide effort to keep that ‘charm’ and historic authenticity may seem like an inconvenience, but it does elevate the real estate value and create a harmony among the buildings. If you are frustrated by the design, approval or historic wood building standards start a discussion with Matthew or one of our staff at Gepetto to get a tradesman on site to move your home’s needed repairs forward. Gepetto’s skilled historic restoration craftsmen don’t normally do house calls, but if a local tradesman does not know where to turn to source authentic materials – come to Gepetto on Williamsburg Road downtown Richmond.
Historic Windows Richmond VA
Millwork for Historic Virginia
“Built-in” room elements
bookcases
custom storage shelving
entertainment and media centers that hide all the wires
Cabinetry and Casework of any unique dimension
Ceiling trims & embellishments
Beams and live edge mantles, countertops, and table tops
Chair rails and wainscoting
Columns and cornices
Doors made of solid wood
Moldings for: sashes, doors, windows, and architectural details
Custom trim profiles
Fireplace mantels
Stairway, stair parts, and balustrades
Switch-plates and interior wall access points
Wall crowns, Coves, Casing, Panel Mould,
Caps and baseboard moldings
Wall covers or cladding, paneling, and corner beads
If you are a contractor or handyman in Cape Charles Virginia or the historic districts of Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Norfolk give us a call to produce the exact replica, or freshly milled to order lumber for any project. Big box retailer pricing reflects their staggering inventory and a small mill like us can find and produce opportunities that beat or match lumberyard prices for finished lumber. We can turn spindles, cut custom profiles and turn your project into a unique finished result that a one size fits all lumber yard can not do. Keep (804) 938-2094 in your address book and Matthew will directly service your contractor needs like a fellow professional. Our facility on Williamsburg Rd is easily accessible for load-out of either of our two production bays and you can get right back on I64 or I95 for delivery to your jobsite. If you need delivery by Gepetto, we can optimize your timeline with on-site delivery.
Cape Charles Wood Building ProductsCape Charles VA Historic Renovation Supplier
Work Scope: Restoration projects primarily focus on the appearance of the house or technical business, while remodels change its whole functionality. With the renovation, you will install new appliances and fixtures and improve the business’s application. In contrast, the remodel allows you to totally change the place when cosmetic changes aren’t enough to change this matter. Customization choice: Renovations will make the business a more fashionable show and bring more useful components to the business, but they can’t change the system entirely. If you need to move up the way by pulling down the wall or totally change the place to make it your own, you’ll need to do a full remodel.
Before you start any remodeling house tasks check with the local authorities to determine the permits needed for this job. Most government and local town halls need licenses to confirm all the work is done according to Cape Charles codes and ordinances. All the required licenses must be recieved before starting construction. Gepetto can refer local contractors and architects who are familiar with the process and can negotiate it with you if it’s your first time.
Gepetto has been in business since 1998 and was founded by former residents of Cape Charles. The company has a strong reputation as one of the best builders in Cape Charles, and they have supplied over 100 homes in the Capes with custom millwork. Gepetto also offers a variety of services including: · custom building services for residential buildings · custom building solutions for commercial buildings · customized design solutions that include interior design, exterior design and interior decoration.
Arriving at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay in late April, they named the Virginia capes after the sons of their king, the southern Cape Henry, for Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales, and the northern Cape Charles, for his younger brother, Charles, Duke of York. On April 26, 1607, upon landing at Cape Henry, Chaplain Robert Hunt offered a prayer, and they set up a cross near the site of the current Cape Henry Memorial.
The site came to be known as the “first landing.” A party of the men explored the area and had a minor conflict with some Virginia Indians. This is where we come in. Our team of experts can help you get started on the right path instead of starting historic battles with the native population. Hopefully that’s now how you feel about the zoning and historic boards, so we can build out the exterior or interior of your home beautifully.
