Serendipity is one of the best rewards of travel. On a recent trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains, I encountered examples of historic preservation, renovation and adaptive reuse where people understand the "reuse" part of sustainability. A double rainbow announced what lay ahead.
Photo: Suzan Globus
Photo: Suzan Globus
The public library in Shepherdstown, W.V. is tucked into the former circa 1800 headquarters for the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Photo: Suzan Globus
The library is centrally located in the center of Shepherdstown's commercial hub, West German Street, a restored historic district.
Further south in New Market, VA., I happened upon a retired fireman, who is a descendant of Dr. Soloman Henkel, engaged in lovingly restoring his relative's former home.
Photo: Suzan Globus
According to this plaque on the home's exterior, I was given a much more gracious reception than the Yankee soldiers who came to town.
Photo: Suzan Globus
In what was the front parlor of the original home, thin sheet rock which allows for a reveal around the fluted door casing is being considered in lieu of repairing the plaster walls.
Photo: Suzan Globus
The stylized dentil frieze and angular corner blocks on the door casing echo the trompe l'oeil panels in the newer front parlor and are of a grand scale compared to the more modest bullseye corner blocks and trim surrounding the original six panel interior door above.
Photo: Suzan Globus
The cracked painted plaster ceiling presents some restoration challenges.
Images of the original interior design are guiding the renovation.
Photo: Suzan Globus
The next project for the fireman/renovator is Dr. Henkel's pharmacy behind the house.
