28 May 2008
SHCA DESIGNING RESTORATION OF HISTORIC HOLLY GROVE MANSIO

CHARLESTON, WV -- Swanke Hayden Connell Architects (SHCA) has been selected by the state of West Virginia to design a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for Holly Grove Mansion, a historic mansion located on the State Capitol grounds adjacent to the Governor’s Mansion in Charleston, West Virginia.



Built in 1815, the 5,300 square feet Classic Revival historic residence was originally constructed by pioneer Daniel Ruffner. The mansion gained its present day appearance in c. 1902 when new owner, John Nash, undertook substantial remodeling—which included the addition of the monumental front portico. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1979, the mansion underwent an extensive rehabilitation when it became headquarters for the West Virginia Commission on Aging. This included sand-blasting of the exterior brick façade, repairs to the exterior portico, application of new interior finishes, and the installation of a new mechanical system. Some of this work compromised the historic fabric of the building, which was later vacated in 2005.



The building retains a significant amount of historic fabric but suffers from antiquated mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, structural deficiencies and unsympathetic architectural modifications resulting in an incongruous appearance of the building interior. The building also suffers from deterioration and deferred maintenance to its exterior envelope and does not provide compliant access for the disabled.

The state of West Virginia recently made the decision to restore and rehabilitate the structure and explore appropriate new uses. SHCA performed a due diligence evaluation and researched adaptive new uses, such as offices, event space, guest house and house museum. The scope of services entailed a full building assessment, including evaluation and dating of the remaining historic materials, as well as an analysis of the requirements for stabilization and repair of deteriorated structural components and comprehensive modernization to make the space comfortable for occupants and fully code-compliant.



Based upon historic research and field observation, a period of significance was established as 1815 – 1902. SHCA identified non-contributing features to be removed, historic features to be restored and appropriate designs for replication of missing period elements.

SHCA is now moving forward with potential designs for re-use and restoration. New mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire suppression systems will be concealed and period-appropriate architectural finishes and features will be selected to support the building’s historic character.

Headquartered in New York City, Swanke Hayden Connell Architects is the continuation of an architectural practice founded in 1906. Staffed with more than 300 professionals located in eight offices worldwide, the firm provides services in five core areas of practice: architecture, interior design, master planning, strategic facilities planning, and historic preservation, working with a variety of corporate and institutional clients.



Holly Grove Mansion West Virginia: text / photo from Bruce Ross Associates Inc. 28 May 2008



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