May 15, 2010Bob and Roger have put countless hours of their own time as well as lots of money into their project of restoring their historic Italianate Victorian home on Harrison Street between 10th and 11th Streets. The inside has undergone at least as much restoration as the outside, and this year the house is the recipient of one of the coveted Dr. Edward Harvey Historic Preservation Awards (or Harvey Awards for short). The recipients are given a framed certificate from the mayor; the awards were created to "celebrate the best in preservation by individual property owners" according to the Daily Astorian. Bob and Roger did a lot of research as well as hard work. I remember a special trip to San Francisco to get exactly the right gold paint for some of the trim. This house is often open to the public as part of official home tours.
You can also see in this photo some of the issues that owners of older homes have to contend with on Astoria's hills. Cracks in the retaining walls are always something to be considered! And, historic houses like this are bound by strict rules when it comes to preserving the original character and materials. I know very little about this aspect, but I'm sure that many readers will know what I'm talking about.
What caught my attention about the house in yesterday's sunlight was actually the gorgeous purple azaleas at the foot of the steps. I noticed them from up the street where they were not in competition with any other colors, since I viewed them with the neighboring retaining wall blocking the colors of the house.
Congratulations, Bob and Roger! You certainly deserved this award.
9 comments:
Love that color and all the info.
Oooo la, la! What a beaut. Love the color, too.
Re your comment about VP: He knows just about EVERYTHING!
You don't feature houses very often and this one is much appreciated. It helps us get a feel for the character and charm of Astoria. Clicking on the photo to enlarge, I am struck by how well all of the colors of paint match! Oh what fun.
Thank you for visiting Sunday's labyrinth. By the way, just how DID you get so interested in tapirs?
Jan
GDP
They are well deserving of the award. Well done!
I lived in this house for six years when it was configured as upper and lower living spaces. I loved living upstairs. The view of the river from the back (north) side of the house is unbelievable. Very fond memories.
What a beautiful house - and a wonderful restoration. They definitely deserve that award!
I say thank God for the strict rules! There are many in Versailles.
This turned out gorgeous, garden, flowers and all!
I remember when this house was so decrepit that I used to call it the Munster House. It used to be all white, peeling, and I marvel at the job these guys have done. It's now magnificent!
An amazing house with a lovely distinctive color. I have never seen an Italian house like this...
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