Photos of old houses (Union Hill)

Quaint and wonderful as only Church Hill is.

L. Motley

Quaint and wonderful as only Union Hill is.

Lu, no problem…it’s just growing pains.

Not to be too critical of the photographer,the house you say was hideous belongs to a wonderful woman who into her 90’s does her best to keep her lawn mowed and the house in good repair. While it may not meet your standards, she is certainly preserving a building in an area where so many were lost. I just wouldnt want her to get word that people consider what she takes great pride in, to be an eyesore. While she may not be keeping up with recent historic or not so historic restoration efforts, she hung in there while much of the neighborhood was crumbling. Next door to her is a good example of a beautiful house that was abandoned, neglected and demolished and now is a vacant lot. I like and appreciate the photos of Union Hill, but would like to see a more sensitive approach to critiquing the homes of long time residents that are doing their best. The house is actually in fairly good condition and could be restored to its original historic glory because this person cared to keep it maintained over the years.

Thanks for taking time to photograph so many architectural treasures in Union Hill. I hope my comments are taken in the spirit they are offered. Peace.

I just wanted to put the picture and caption in an historical and human perspective. A picture alone allows us to take in the aesthetic. The caption gives the photographer’s take on the subject at the moment the picture is taken. The blogger that lives near the subject of the picture can add a human side to the story, that may add to the conversation and a better understanding of the subject matter, or at least my own personal take on the subject.

Boz, funny you should ask, I thought I heard an announcement on WCVE radio recently about a forthcoming architectural tour of Church Hill. I just called the Virginia Center for Architecture (turns out that’s the name) and got the following info – the tour is on July 22 (Sunday), from 2:00 to 3:30; fee is $10 for adults, $5 for kids, seniors and students; and the tour is of residential architectural projects in the area with the architect who completed the renovation/restoration, Jim Pociluyko. I couldn’t get much more info other than that interested parties should call the Center at 644-3041, punch in extension 100 which will take you to the receptionist, and sign up. Apparently currently they don’t have a large crowd signed up, so I’m wondering if my posting this will bring some interest in this tour – and perhaps in other, more comprehensive tours of the different neighborhoods that make up Church Hill.