PHW Supports Art in Old Town … in the Right Context

After a recent denial by Winchester’s Board of Architectural Review (BAR) of a Certificate of Appropriateness for a mural spanning the second story of the primary facade of two buildings on the pedestrian mall, the applicant is appealing to City Council to overturn the BAR’s decision.

As PHW is an education and advocacy organization, the PHW board of directors took a deep dive into the matter and unanimously decided to advocate in favor of the BAR decision. Here’s a copy of the letter that was sent to City Council on the matter. We also had this letter published as an Open Forum piece in the Winchester Star.

We want to make sure our membership is aware that we are committed to safeguarding the architectural heritage of our community. We also encourage you to speak up — if you feel compelled to do so — at the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m.

Letter to Winchester City Council:

City Council
City of Winchester, Virginia
Rouss City Hall
15 North Cameron Street
Winchester, VA 22601

Oct. 22, 2025

City of Winchester City Council:

Preservation of Historic Winchester (PHW) is an entity dedicated to preserving the history and architecture of Winchester. In light of the Board of Architectural Review’s recent denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness for a mural spanning the entire upper-level width of two South Loudoun Street properties, we would like to address recent discussion about the appropriateness of murals on primary building facades within the downtown Historic District.

While we are genuinely encouraged by the efforts of Friends of Old Town to bring public art, literacy awareness, and a general sense of liveliness to the Primary Historic District, the effort to promote art should not be at the expense of the architecture of Old Town Winchester.

PHW supports the incorporation of art into the fabric of Old Town, when done appropriately, and the Winchester Historic District Design Guidelines reflect this notion, stating that “Wall murals should not be discouraged but should be carefully reviewed for compatibility with the district character.”

It is the opinion of the PHW Board that the placement of the mural central to this particular application is incompatible with the district character as defined by the guidelines in place. These state that “…exterior alterations…shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment,” that new elements shall be designed in ways “…that respect the character, materials, and design of the building”, and that “…the historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved.”

The mural in this particular application is not appropriately scaled, as it extends across the entire upper-level front facade (primary elevation) of two separately constructed buildings. A mural of this size and scale would not only visually obscure the distinction between the two separate structures, it would effectively draw attention away from many of the character-defining features of both buildings, and interrupt the otherwise familiar rhythm of the upper-level windows.

PHW supports the BAR’s denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness for this mural, as the City’s adopted language paints a clear picture in its guidelines for appropriately incorporating artwork within the Historic District.

The BAR has already approved several murals and PHW would love to see more art successfully incorporated into the fabric of the City’s Historic District in compatible ways that do not compromise or confuse visitors and locals alike as to character-defining architectural components of a building. We encourage collaborative examination of the guidelines for ways to better clarify this language. Resources are available from comparable historic districts that can serve as references in addressing murals within historic districts. PHW would be happy to provide assistance with suggestions for appropriate criteria as well.

We are available as a resource for the City as it considers both this particular application as well as future submittals.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors
Preservation of Historic Winchester

2025 PHW Awards Nominations Now Being Accepted

Help us recognize local preservation projects and leaders!


We are currently accepting nominations for work completed or expected to be completed within the past calendar year (ending in May 2025). You may nominate more than one project and you may nominate your own projects!

Email phwinc.org@gmail.com for nomination forms. Please submit nominations by Friday, May 30, 2025 for consideration.

Nominations may be submitted for the following categories:

Lucille Lozier Award: For the renovation of a significant structure retaining 75% of the historic architectural fabric.

Katherine G. Rockwood Revolving Fund Award: For outstanding renovation of a Jennings Revolving Fund property.

Elsie M. Rosenberger Award: For the unsung volunteer or volunteers who selflessly contributed to the activities of PHW.

Ben Belchic Award: For significant contribution to understanding Winchester’s history.

Carroll H. Henkel Award: For outstanding leadership for historic preservation in the Winchester-Frederick County area.

Patron’s Award: For that person or business who has been an outstanding supporter of the goals and programs of PHW.

Mary Scully Riley Lifetime Achievement: For a person who has worked for the goals and programs of PHW over many years.

Award of Merit: Houses or buildings whose renovation contribute to improving the character of their neighborhoods and maintaining the overall historic fabric of the city.

Awards will be presented at the PHW Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 22 — more details on that will be forthcoming.

Homeowners open their 18th-century house & its storied past

When Patrick and Ann Rodgers purchased their historic home in 2014, it was half the size it is today. Several years later they doubled it in a day by buying the adjacent house – a structure that was attached to their house but was being used as a separate dwelling. Both houses have storied pasts, and both are open for this year’s Holiday House Tour sponsored by Preservation of Historic Winchester (PHW) on Sunday, Dec. 8 from noon to 4 p.m.

522 South Loudoun Street

The Dr. Cornelius Baldwin House, a timber-frame, Federal-style home, was built circa 1784 and was the first of the two homes Patrick and Ann purchased. Dr. Baldwin was a surgeon in the Revolutionary War and was the physician to Lord Fairfax. Many of Baldwin’s children and grandchildren also made names for themselves in the fields of medicine and education. Perhaps best remembered is granddaughter Mary Julia Baldwin, the founder of Mary Baldwin College.

“I’ve always liked old houses,” says Patrick.

But when Patrick and Ann first looked at photos of the listing online, they weren’t impressed. They recall that the photos “didn’t really do the house justice.” Their realtor, John Schroth, suggested they take a look anyway, so they followed his lead. Unfortunately, when they toured the property, the power was off and they had to walk around with their cell phone flashlights to see the interior. Still, they saw enough to know that very night they wanted the house.

Patrick and Ann credit the previous owners for the effort and research that went into the restoration. “It was in great shape,” says Patrick.

That transformation didn’t happen until 1977 when the then-dilapidated house was restored by Tom and Katie Rockwood – a project made possible by PHW’s Jennings Revolving Fund. This was the second property acquired by PHW. (The first was the Simon Lauck House in 1974.) Before the Rockwoods’ restoration of the property, the house had undergone many changes including creating a facade that bore little resemblance to the original.

“It’s been an inn. It’s been a house. It’s been apartments,” says Patrick. “It was derelict. It even had some kind of a car shop in the basement.”

Fortunately, many of the interior details were still intact, including pine flooring, chair rails, cornices, molding and much original hardware.

524 South Loudoun Street

In 2021 Patrick and Ann purchased the neighboring house. The adjoining properties needed to be reconnected by interior doorways.

“Tommy Beavers (Beavers Carpentry) led the project to join the properties into the single residence seen today,” says Ann.

Built circa 1800 by Isaac Wilkes, 524 South Loudoun Street began as a three-bay log house with a typical two-room floor plan. It was clad in German wood weatherboard siding and expanded by rear additions. In the mid-1800s, 522 and 524 were used as a tavern and called “The Valley Hotel.”

Like many old Virginia homes, along with the rich architectural history comes a cultural history that is fascinating but not always pleasant. Records indicate that before the Civil War the property was owned by a slave trader who bought and shipped enslaved people to southern plantation owners. According to Frederic Morton’s book “The Story of Winchester in Virginia,” published in 1925:

“At the corner of Main (now Loudoun) and Monmouth Elijah Walker had a wagon stand, his sign being a wagon and four horses. … Later landlords here were Benjamin Richards and William Harr. The place was otherwise known as the ‘Negro Trader’s Jail,’ and it seems to be referred to in an advertisement of 1856 which says that a hotel and negro jail are for sale in the south end of the city, the former containing fifteen rooms and having been in use twenty years. The notice adds that there is a ‘large and safe brick enclosure with the necessary arrangements for the safe keeping of slaves. It would consequently be a desirable property for a person dealing in slaves.’”

“It’s part of the story,” says Patrick. “It’s not our favorite part of the story, but it’s part of the story. It’s part of history and it’s good to talk about it,” says Patrick.

“Not talking about it would be disrespectful,” adds Ann.

Today, the Rodgers house is bustling with the positive energy of a modern family: Patrick, Ann, their two children and several furry four-footed friends.

Tickets to all the homes on PHW’s Holiday House Tour can be purchased at Kimberly’s and the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center. Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 on the day of the tour. Tickets can also be purchased at any of the tour locations:

122 W. Cork Street (Peter Bullough Foundation Resident House)
120 W. Cork Street (Peter Bullough Foundation Collection & Offices)
124 E. Clifford Street (Joseph Hodgson House)
522 S. Loudoun Street (Dr. Cornelius Baldwin House)
524 S. Loudoun Street (Old Valley Hotel)

Tickets to the tour will also be for sale at PHW’s “Bough & Dough Shop.” The popular pop-up shop is stocked with sweets, holiday decor and fresh greenery. This year’s shop will be located in a booth at Winchester’s Winter Village at the open-air market in Old Town on Friday, Dec. 6 from 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bough & Dough Shop – New location!

PHW’s Bough & Dough Shop will be set up at Winchester’s Winter Village beginning Friday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. Sweets and decorative items will be available for sale, including these magical holiday lanterns created by the Tim Youmans family. Get yours before it’s gone! You can also purchase tickets to the Holiday House Tour at the PHW booth.

Pictured: PHW board members Tim Youmans and Vivi Meder.

PHW’s 48th Annual Holiday House Tour Will Feature Five Historic Homes

PHW welcomes you to join our signature fundraising event and beloved holiday tradition! Five historic Winchester homes — all decked out for the holidays — will be open for tour on Sunday, December 8, from noon to 4.

This year we’ll be hosting the “Bough & Dough Shop” stocked with sweets and fresh greenery at Winchester’s Winter Village at the open-air market in Old Town Winchester.

Tour tickets will be available beginning Nov. 22 at Kimberly’s and the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center. Tickets can also be purchased at PHW’s Bough & Dough Shop booth during Winchester’s Winter Village weekend. Advance tickets cost $25. Tickets purchased at tour sites will be $30.

Bough & Dough Shop hours are Friday, Dec. 6 from 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A Winchester historic landmark is saved — again

A circa 1790 house has a new lease on life thanks to The Adams Companies.

Preservation of Historic Winchester (PHW) has presented the Winchester-based business with the Katherine G. Rockwood Revolving Fund Award for outstanding renovation work done at 311 S. Loudoun St., also known as the Simon Lauck House.

Richard Bell and Sarah Adams Bell of The Adams Companies recently held an open house celebrating the property and the firefighters who were instrumental in saving it from total devastation.

Three and a half years ago in the middle of the night, a catastrophe was averted thanks to serendipity. Most of the city was peacefully sleeping, but Winchester firefighters Allen Ballenger and Trent Phillips were on duty. As they approached the house, they saw smoke.

“When we noticed the fire, we were actually going to another call,” recalled Ballenger, as he stood inside the freshly renovated property during the open house. “We turned down Loudoun Street and we noticed smoke. As we were rolling past the house we saw flames underneath the door.”

They called for extra help and began the preparations for putting out the fire that was quickly burning the interior of the log structure. The damage was substantial but primarily contained to the interior of the home.

The cause of the fire was determined to be a burning cigarette discarded in the mulch outside the front door.

The Adams Companies hired Vintage Restoration to meticulously repair and resurrect the building. Richard Bell says the building will be available in the near future for professional office space.

This wasn’t the first time the building was saved from destruction.

Sarah Adams Bell listened to Ballenger’s memory of that night in 2021, and responded that the firefighters’ drive-by at just that time was “providential.”

“What I love about hearing this story — right here and right now in this house — is that 50 years ago PHW, from the Jennings Revolving Fund, purchased this house to save it so it wouldn’t be demolished,” she said. “It’s important for the community to all understand the value of working together for the best of Winchester.”
PHW’s first house purchase

In 1974, the Salvation Army purchased a duplex at 309-311 S. Loudoun St. with plans to demolish the building to expand operations of its then-headquarters at 303 S. Loudoun St. PHW was interested in preserving the building because hidden inside the three-story, white-sided duplex was the 18th-century, two-story log cabin of a renowned early owner, Simon Lauck.

Simon Lauck, whose brother Peter Lauck built the circa 1783 Red Lion tavern at 204 S. Loudoun St.,) set up a gunsmithy on this property. Signed Simon Lauck rifles are highly collectible.

When PHW approached the Salvation Army to purchase the Simon Lauck house, they were offered the logs that would be left over after the house would be razed. After much back-and-forth negotiation with regional Salvation Army leaders, PHW was able to purchase the intact building. The 1976 restoration involved removing the siding, the third story and the addition, bringing the building back to its 1796 form.

Richard Bell said The Adams Companies purchased the property in December 2010 after its previous occupant, Northern Virginia Travel, closed down their business.

“We owned the adjacent properties and also had the parking lot and other infrastructure in the rear to support the use. And it was just a cool building and we wanted to make sure it was cared for properly.”

PHW’s 2024 Annual Meeting Honors Top Preservation Projects

PHW celebrated the best in recent local historic preservation projects at its 60th annual meeting on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

Newly-elected board president Ben Ford honored several people and properties at the gathering held at Winchester Brew Works.

“We want to show our appreciation for those who are working hard to improve the historic charm of Winchester and Frederick County,” said Ford, who is a Frederick County native and Winchester resident. “PHW’s mission is to encourage the people of Winchester to maintain and improve the historic architecture of our community through a program of education and support.”

Kyle Hopkins, owner of Four Square Architects, was honored with two awards. Hopkins received the Lucille Lozier Award for the renovation work done on his firm’s office building at 39 E. Piccadilly St. Hopkins also received an award of merit for his firm’s adaptive renovation of the new Paladin Restaurant building at 31 E. Piccadilly St.

The Katherine G. Rockwood Revolving Fund Award for outstanding renovation of a Jennings Revolving Fund Property was awarded to The Adams Companies for its work on 311 S. Loudoun St. which had sustained damage due to a fire. Richard Bell accepted the award on behalf of the company.

Jennings Revolving Fund properties include dozens of historic buildings that PHW has purchased and resold with added protective covenants throughout the years. Built in 1790 by renowned gunsmith Simon Lauck, 311 S. Loudoun St. is the first property that was purchased by PHW.

Tim Youmans was honored with the Carroll H. Henkle Award for outstanding leadership in the field of preservation. Youmans is author of “Streets and Alleys of Winchester, Virginia” and is retiring as the planning director for the City of Winchester.

Steve Resan, a local interpreter who is known for his first-person portrayal of Col. James Wood, founder of Winchester, was honored with the Ben Belchic Award for significant contribution to understanding Winchester’s history.

Bruce and Donna Downing were honored with the Elsie M. Rosenberger Award for volunteers who selflessly contribute to the activities of the PHW. Ford thanked the couple on behalf of PHW, saying, “Their contributions to our organization over the years have been continuous and outstanding. Bruce has been a former president of the organization and Donna’s continued contributions have been among the best the organization has known.”

PHW’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mary Scully Riley.

Board secretary Anne Scully made the presentation, announcing that this particular award has been renamed “The Mary Scully Riley Lifetime Achievement Award.”

“PHW has been through a lot in the last several years,” said Anne Scully. “Keeping things going through the COVID-19 pandemic, the introduction of the Bosley scholarship, the implementation of the micro grant program, a new executive director, and board members coming and going. During this time and for many years before it, there has been one constant at PHW. That constant is Mary Scully Riley. Mary has quietly given her time and considerable effort not just to keep PHW going, but to make it better. Her dedication is second to none, and that’s why we feel so strongly about honoring her work.”

Awards of Merit for houses or buildings whose renovations contribute to improving the character of their neighborhoods and maintaining the overall historic fabric of the city went to several people.

Albert Andersen, owner of Greenway Welding and Fabrication, was honored for his meticulous restoration work on the entryway and lighting at 445 Fairmont Ave..

Other awards of merit included Nerangis Properties, honored for the recent renovation of 439 S. Braddock St., and The Pifer Companies, honored for its renovation and reuse of the Gaunt Drug Store building at 1 W. Gerrard St..

PHW also held elections for board members. In addition to Ford being elected president for 2024, Anne Walker Schroth is vice president, Anne Scully is secretary, Mary Scully Riley is treasurer and Ted Kalbach is assistant treasurer. Board members include Vivi Meder, Bobby Light, Keven Walker and Tim Youmans.

PHW’s recently-hired executive director, Wendy Kedzierski, invites others who are dedicated to preserving the history and architecture of Winchester to become members of the organization.

“Winchester is a treasure trove of historic architecture reminding us that we are the oldest city in the Commonwealth west of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” says Kedzierski. “But we’ve also lost some amazing landmarks. PHW was formed in 1964 to preserve and protect what remains of the rich historic fabric of our region.”

Nominate a noteworthy preservation project or leader!

Help us recognize preservation projects and leaders in Winchester and Frederick County! Nominations should encompass work completed or expected to be completed within the past calendar year (ending in May 2024). You may nominate more than one project and you may nominate your own projects! Please submit nominations by June 1, 2024 for consideration for an award.

Nominations can be mailed to PHW, 530 Amherst St., Winchester, VA 22601 or emailed to phwinc.org@gmail.com.

Please include your name and contact information as well as the nominee’s name and contact information, and a brief description of the project/activity of the individual or organization that is being nominated, including before and after pictures if available.

Nominations may be submitted for the following categories:

Lucille Lozier Award: For the renovation of a significant structure retaining 75% of the historic architectural fabric.
Katherine G. Rockwood Revolving Fund Award: For outstanding renovation of a Jennings Revolving Fund property.
Elsie M. Rosenberger Award: For the unsung volunteer or volunteers who selflessly contributed to the activities of PHW.
Ben Belchic Award: For significant contribution to understanding Winchester’s history.
Carroll H. Henkel Award: For outstanding leadership for historic preservation in the Winchester-Frederick County area.
Patron’s Award: For that person or business who has been an outstanding supporter of the goals and programs of PHW.
Lifetime Achievement: For a person who has worked for the goals and programs of PHW over many years.
Award of Merit: Houses or buildings whose renovation contribute to improving the character of their neighborhoods and maintaining the overall historic fabric of the city.

Last Call! Grant Applications Due Wednesday

The deadline for the first round of PHW Micro Grants is coming up next Wednesday, January 31! If you’ve been procrastinating, this is your last weekend to get your application together for the first round. Remember to include supporting documents, like drawings, material specifications, estimates from contractors, and images of current conditions, just like you would for an application to the Board of Architectural Review.

If you are not quite ready yet to apply, keep an eye out for the second round, which will be set for May 31, 2024.

History Events This Weekend!

Get ready for an exploration of Winchester’s streets and alleys on Saturday, January 20! Tim Youmans, planning director for the City of Winchester, will discuss the years of research he conducted discerning the origin of the streets and alleys that are currently within the corporate limits of the City of Winchester in his recently published book. The event will take place 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the Handley Regional Library Robinson Auditorium, 100 W. Piccadilly St.

Learn more at Handley Regional Library or visitwinchesterva.com!

Looking for something to do on Sunday, January 21? The Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society will be hosting an open house at 415 N. Braddock St. in honor of the 200th anniversary of Stonewall Jackson’s birth. The event will feature free admission for tours of the house museum between noon – 4:00 PM.

Learn more on Facebook or visitwinchesterva.com!