Commonwealth Preservation Group

Easements

Kenmure, Norfolk, VA

Kenmure Interior Norfolk, VA | Before

Kenmure Interior Norfolk, VA | Before

Kenmure was originally constructed in 1845 as a two story dwelling; c1855, a third floor and cupola were added to the existing building. The Greek Revival dwelling is one of the most significant residences in the West Freemason Historic District.

Kenmure Interior Norfolk, VA | After

Kenmure Interior Norfolk, VA | After

By the mid-twentieth century, the dwelling had been subdivided into 8-10 apartments; in 1977, the previous owner began the task of meticulous restoration and was able to reduce the use to a single family residence and two offices (located in the basement and on the first floor). The previous owner placed an easement on the property in conjunction with its restoration. This reduction in the intensity of its use has significantly benefited the dwelling however some inappropriate alterations remain in place due to the need to subdivide the separate units.

When the new owner of Kenmure purchased the building in 2007, he was not informed of the easement status on the building. When he began to inquire about historic tax credits for the rehabilitation he was about to undertake, he quickly realized that he also had an obligation to conform to the terms of the easement on the property.

CPG has worked with the property owner and architect to ensure that the proposed treatment plan is appropriate. Through several phases of planning, we have explored a proposed addition, changes in use and alternate restoration strategies. The property owner now occupies the building for his dwelling and residence, and restoration efforts will continue for the next couple of years.

Allmand-Archer House, Norfolk, VA

Allmand Archer House Interior, Norfolk, VA

Allmand Archer House Interior, Norfolk, VA

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, the Allmand-Archer House is a c1790 masonry building originally constructed for residential use; it has most recently been in commercial and office use. There is an easement on the building which has been held by VDHR since 1977.

Allmand Archer House, Norfolk, VA

Allmand Archer House, Norfolk, VA

Several inappropriate exterior treatments have been introduced in the past twenty years, including digging out the basement approximately 3 feet and inserting a modern concrete foundation, and two layers of modern stucco treatment have trapped moisture in the building. In addition, the building was hit by a car in the mid-1980s, and was most recently owned by a non-profit organization with limited funds resulting in substantial deferred maintenance.
When the building was recently purchased for use as an attorney’s office, it was in an advanced state of disrepair and had major structural problems. Through extensive consultation with VDHR (the easement holder), the CPG was able to assist the property owner in obtaining both approval for treatment of the building through the easement program as well as the state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credit program.