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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP202000013 Correspondence - DHR 2020-09-21COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA Department of Historic Resources Matt Strickler 2801 Kensington Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23221 Julie V. Langan Secretary of Natural Resources Director Tel: (804) 367-2323 Fax: (804) 367-2391 w .dhr.virginia.gov July 22, 2020 Ms. J. Lori H. Schweller Attorney Williams Mullen 321 East Main St. Suite 400 Charlottesville, VA 22902 3200 RE: Wavertree Hall, Albemarle County (DHR file # 002-0847) Dear Lori, At the request of Khris Taggart, Albemarle County planner and staff to the Architectural Review Board, you have asked our department to comment on the proposed Special Use Permit for Special Events for the above referenced property. Wavertree Hall, also known as Bellevue, is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. The Register listing for the property includes 21 contributing resources and 3 non-contributing resources. As we understand the project, it includes the renovation of the non-contributing riding ring to an event space, the renovation of 3 contributing stables for event support use and the removal of the contributing horse barn to provide a clearer view of the landscape from the event space. We appreciate the photographs, maps and documentation you have provided for our review. It is good to know that all the resources listed for Wavertree Hall in 1991 are still extant. Thank you, also, for clarifying that one of the tenant houses is no longer part of the Wavertree Hall property and for identifying two small sheds near the stables that were not included in the original inventory for the nomination. We will update our records accordingly. Renovation of the Riding Ring — this modern building is considered non-contributing to the registered complex because it was built outside the period of significance established in the nomination. However, its purpose and function are related to the long-standing equestrian use of the property. It is compatible in scale and massing to the other barns and stables. Should the renovations include any additions to this building, we recommend they be compatible in scale and massing as well. Western Region Office Northern Region Office Eastern Region Office 962 Kvne Cane 5357 Main Street 2801 Kensington Avenue Salem, VA 24153 PO Box 519 Richmond, VA 23221 Tel: (540) 387-5443 Stephens City, VA 22655 Tel: (804) 367-2323 Fax: (540) 387-5446 Tel: (540) 868-7029 Fax: (804) 367-2391 Fax: (540) 868-7033 Renovation of the Stables — The three stables proposed for repurposing are contributing to the nominated property. When repurposing historic buildings for new uses, we recommend following the Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines for Rehabilitation. The goal of these guidelines is to preserve the character defining historic features of a building while adapting to modern needs. They can be found at this link: bqs://www.nps.pov/tps/standardstrehabilitation/rehab/stand.htm In addition, we recommend you follow the guidelines and policies of the Albemarle County Architectural Review Board. We will be glad to comment on the design plans if you wish. Removal of the Horse Barn - This large and visually prominent bam is contributing to the nominated property and appears to be the centerpiece of the successful horse and cattle farm established by Col. Herman Danforth Newcomb during his ownership, which began in 1921. While removal will not diminish the overall integrity of the property to the point that we would recommend delisting, we do recognize that the integrity of the early twentieth century equestrian complex will be greatly reduced. Barns of this type are quickly disappearing from the landscape and with them the historic character of the agrarian and equestrian lifeways so well known to western Albemarle County. We recommend you reconsider demolition of this important building. Perhaps the owners would consider rehabilitation of the bam for the event space. Another alternative to demolition is "mothballing" it for a future use. Previously, I mentioned to you the Rehabilitation Tax Credit program. A substantial investment into the rehabilitation of any of the contributing buildings could allow the owners to recapture up to 45% of their rehabilitation costs in state and federal tax credits. However, a project that included the demolition of a contributing building would disqualify the entire project. For example, the rehabilitation of the stables would not qualify for the program if the bam was demolished. However, the stable project could qualify if the barn was left in place as is, or was also rehabilitated as part of the project. More information about the Rehabilitation Tax Credits can be found here: https://www.dhr.vir ig nia.gov/tax-credits/ Should the demolition of the barn proceed, we recommend the barn be thoroughly documented by a professional architectural historian. This should include: additional research and context on how this barn was used in the Wavertree Hall farm operations during the period of significance, interior and exterior photographs, a measured floor plan drawing and any additional recommendations from Khris Taggart and the ARB. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance. Sincerely, Elizabeth Hoge Lipford Architectural Historian Eastern Regional Preservation Office Western Region Office Northern Region Office Eastern Region Office 962 Khne Cane 5357 Main Street 2801 Kensington Avenue Salem, VA 24153 PO Box 519 Richmond, VA 23221 Tel: (540) 387-5443 Stephens City, VA 22655 Tel: (804) 367-2323 Fax: (540) 387-5446 Tel: (540) 868-7029 Fax: (804) 367-2391 Fax: (540) 868-7033