77 Children must be closely supervised at all times 77 No smoking on tour property, or inside the homes
Tour Guidelines
77 Photography only by permission of property owner 77 P lease refrain from wearing high-heeled shoes that may damage wood floors
Where the Money Goes... The money raised by the Parlor Tour each year is put toward to following worthwhile endeavors. We could not do them without you and we appreciate your participation. 77 M AINTENANCE & UPKEEP of the Alexander-Gish House as well as the garden and fountain area. 77 A NNUAL NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS EVENT Every year volunteers paint and landscape another resident’s home who is either financially or physically unable to perform the work themselves. 77 S UPPLIES FOR THE ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE FLOAT Old Southwest has placed 1st for Best Neighborhood for the past four years. 77 A NNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD MONTH – PICNIC IN THE PARK Supplies are purchased for the annual event which include games and activities for all to enjoy. 77 N USA (Neighborhoods USA) & VA STATEWIDE NEIGHBORHOOD CONFERENCES Grants pay for most of these two endeavors but money from Old Southwest, Inc. has also assisted. 77 A NNUAL YARD SALE, ETC. Advertisement is purchased for the annual event held in Highland Park. 77 N ATIONAL NIGHT OUT Supplies are purchased towards this event which brings out neighbors from all over in order to stand up against crime. 77 A NNUAL CITIZEN APPRECIATION A banquet and awards ceremony is held for individuals from the Police department, Fire/EMS station #1, City Employee and resident in Old Southwest who go above and beyond for the community. Old Southwest, Inc. c/o Alexander-Gish House 641 Walnut Avenue, SW, Roanoke, VA 24016 540.343.8794 | www.oldsouthwest.org
Welcome to the 2014 Old Southwest Parlor Tour of Homes. For over three decades now, Old Southwest has opened its homes and hearts to the public and we look forward to doing the same this year. We are excited to present: • Ten terrific properties all dressed up for the Holidays! • E xciting Silent Auction at the Alexander-Gish House (641 Walnut Avenue in Highland Park) Many thanks go out to our very gracious Parlor Tour Participants, who spend months preparing for this event and greet the many hundreds of visitors with a smile & welcome them into their homes. We also truly appreciate the benevolent sponsors that support our largest fundraiser for our neighborhood non-profit organization, as well as the support from the wonderful public as they tour our historic neighborhood. Best Wishes, Jason Cromer | President, Old Southwest, Inc.
Happy 35th Annual Old Southwest Parlor Tour. What an honor it is to stand here today and celebrate not only this very special anniversary, the 35th Annual Parlor Tour, but also the 40th anniversary of Old Southwest Inc as well. The dedication and sacrifice of countless individuals over these past 40 years has made Old Southwest what it is today. A vibrant microcosm of America. Rich in its history, its people and its future. I sincerely hope that you will find this years tour a blessing, and that with your continued support, many more tours to come. I would like to thank the many people who offered their support and words of encouragement to me as I under took this years tour. And to say thank you to the many individuals who volunteered to make this tour possible.
Happy Holidays and God bless
Tony Adams | 2014 Parlor Tour Chairman Old Southwest Board of Directors
Rent the Alexander-Gish House! Need a place to hold a Meeting or celebrate a Birthday party? In need of a place to have a Baby Shower or Wedding Shower? Or better yet, how about a place to have a Wedding or Reception?
Available Rental Time: 10 am - 11 pm
Look no further! Consider renting
641 Walnut Ave SW 540-343-8794
the historic Alexander-Gish House right here in Old Southwest!
Not available Sundays from 9am - 3pm
Large Banquet Room
Rates:
Comfortable Living Room
Members $175 Non-Members $250 $100 damage deposit, refundable if all clean after event.
Two Bathrooms Use of Kitchen Can serve alcohol on premises without permit Plenty of Parking
641 Walnut Ave. SW 1830 | Clapboard-Covered Log Alexander-Gish House
Nestled in the back of the beautiful Highland Park, the circa 1830 Alexander-Gish log house covered with clapboard is the sole reason behind the Old Southwest Parlor Tour. Resulting from poor maintenance and neglect, the house was nearly demolished until a few urban pioneers in the neighborhood took up the cause to save the house and the history it carries with it today. Built on property that has been a home site since before 1750, it remains one of Roanoke’s oldest structures and currently serves as a meeting place for organizations, classes and workshops, and is headquarters for Old Southwest, Inc., which has continued renovating and maintaining the house. We invite you to begin your tour here where you can enjoy refreshments and view photos of our past. This stop also provides restrooms for the tour. The home received a prestigious preservation award in 2008.
1412 Maple Ave SW 1910 | American Foursquare Mike, Debbie, and Lexie Mellis
This American Foursquare house was built in 1910 by James F. McTier, and it has many classical elements. The wraparound front porch is supported by classicallyinspired fluted columns, and there are Ionic columns at the attic windows. The interior has been lovingly restored, with original heart pine floors, original plaster walls and ceilings and all original woodwork and the original claw-foot tub and mantles. Period light fixtures accent the front hall, the dining room and the kitchen. Most of the window glass is original to the house, and the kitchen has been renovated with period styling, including Shaker style cabinets and soapstone counters.
315 King George Ave. SW 1902 | Colonial Revival Lynn and Jim Hunt
315 King George Ave began in 1902 as a large Colonial Revival mansion built by Lt. Henry Shaver Trout for his daughter, Mary Trout Davenport. Henry Shaver Trout served in the 28th lnfantry and was twice wounded at Gettysburg. He was a Virginia State Senator, Mayor of Roanoke and a vibrant member of the community. He is credited with starting the 1st National Bank and Trust of Roanoke. The present owners, Lynn and Jim Hunt purchased the home in May 2005 as a viable commercial, office building. There were 5 active tenants conducting business at that time. When the recession of 2008 affected all of the tenants, the Hunts made a decision to move to Roanoke and open a bed and breakfast. Three bathrooms, a commercial kitchen, whole house electrical rewiring, painting, refinishing and new plumbing completed the final restoration which is what you see today. The original crown molding pocket doors and five working fireplaces, as well as the original Butters pantry and third floor ballroom make this home a remarkable historic Bed and Breakfast that provides 8,400 sq. of elegant and gracious accommodations for visiting guests from all over the world.
418 King George Ave SW 1915 | American Foursquare of Greek Revival Style Amy and Mark Garland
Owners, Mark and Amy Garland, are nearly complete with an extensive renovation. Purchased in 2011 by Amy, when she and Mark were first dating, the house was in foreclosure and in severe disrepair. Crumbled plaster throughout, water damage, and original wiring and plumbing made the house uninhabitable. Vines grew through the second floor windows, squirrels lived in the attic, and the furnace and radiators had been sold for scrap. Together, Amy and Mark have restored the house in accordance with Virginia’s DHR Historic Rehabilitation guidelines. The entrance is welcoming with a full width front porch, fluted Corinthian columns, and leaded glass windows. Inside, the foyer, parlour, and living room have been restored to original appearance. They rearranged the kitchen and bath layouts to create a more livable floorplan. Improvements include: new electrical, plumbing, kitchen, walls and ceilings, porcelain tile, windows, front porch, and new and additional bathrooms. All wood floors and first floor oak trim have been restored to their original beauty. All doors and hardware have been refurbished. Much of the work was completed by the owners but not without the help of contractors, family, and friends. Amy and Mark were married in September and have moved in for the first time. The work is nearly complete and they are thrilled to be a part of Old Southwest.
533 King George Ave. SW 1920  |  Dutch Colonial Revival Steven Epps and Lisetta Stone
This lovely home was last restored in 2012-2013 by neighbor Mark Page. But since its purchase by Steven and Lisetta, a number of additional changes have been made to make it more their own. Steven moved to Roanoke in 2012 and Lisetta followed shortly thereafter. They fell in love with the historic character of the homes in Old Southwest and the warm friendly people they encountered here. Deciding this was where they wanted to make their new life together. They purchased their home in October of the following year.
502 Woods Ave. SW 1905 | Victorian Style John and Amy Guthrie
So the history we know begins in 1982 (l called the library trying to get into the Virginia room for the earlier history, and just got a message saying it would not be open until the Fall.) when the previous residents, Tom and Sherry Gushirg, purchased the home and performed a complete renovation. They kept and restored all of the original fireplaces, which are really the most impressive structures in the home. They enlarged the kitchen adding an island wrapped in glass rescued from Highland Park Elementary. The back porch on both levels were also enclosed at this time. ln 1997, a sun room with a deck overtop was added. We have asked Tom and Sheny to be on hand for the tour since this house is really all about them, and they will be most able to describe the home and the details of the renovation. We moved into the home in 2012. We previously lived in Franklin County. We first lived in Roanoke in 1988, and settled permanently in the area in 1990. A bit of irony, Amy worked with Lenore Willis in the early 90s, and we came to have dinner with them at that time in their newly purchased home at 501 Woods Avenue. After Amy changed jobs, we lost track of Dick and Lenore until we moved in across the street from them almost 20 years later.
520 Allison Ave. SW 1916 | American Foursquare Jerry and Amanda Correa
This amazing home was first purchased by Henry Frank and Mary Greenwood on December 5th, 1916. And remained in the family for nearly 50 years by way of their daughter clara Edwards. ln 1948 the house was converted into a duplex by Clara. ln 1964 Alton Parker purchased the home and ran his business Parker Photography Studios from it. Parker sold the home in 2001, and it has seen 5 owners since that sale. ln 2008, Jerry and Amanda moved to Roanoke from Dallas, Texas and purchased this home, knowing they had been called to restore her. Affectionately called “Mirabelle”, Spanish for “looks Beautiful”. A few of her charming features include a square bathtub ln the downstairs bath, farmhouse sink in the mudroom, original to the House. Also note the beautiful built in china cabinet in the kitchen, Wall of built in bookshelves in the upstairs bedroom and the coffee Bar tucked into a corner of the master bedroom.
368 Albemarle Ave. SW 1894 | Free Classic Queen Anne Dr. William and Mrs. Diana Austin
This amazing home was built by Thomas DemovalArmistead, M.D. a prominent citizen and physician of early Roanoke. Since those early days, Significant renovations have been made to the original structure. But special attention paid to historical features when possible. The kitchen and dinning area have been incorporated as a great room. Original windows remain. Upstairs, the new master bedroom, facing the back of the house, has been enlarged with its own bath. A summer porch style office with sliding windows is off the third bedroom. The original full bath, traditionally downstairs off the kitchen has been converted into a laundry room and bath more suited to today’s needs. Bill and Diana came to OSW in 2000 as investors purchasing 3 apartment buildings. They have since fallen in love with the area and history.
548 Day Ave SW 1895 | Victorian John Shelor
Built in 1895, this beautiful Victorian was completely gutted and renovated and redesigned in 1980 by John as a thesis project for his degree in architecture from Virginia Tech. When John purchased the house it was boarded up, condemned, and in danger of being demolished. For the past several years, John has been giving the house another face lift due to years of wear and tear. This has provided John a chance to fine-tune some areas of his original design. Note how each room transitions from one to the other. The ceiling was partially removed over the living room, opening, yet not too open, to the room above. This gives the two story window bay an identity of its own. Between the master bedroom and the upstairs den is an “operable” wall. The floor to ceiling cupboards in the library were made using two door from the original home. A small Victorian balcony overlooks the backyard and is “aimed” at the Mill Mountain Star. Note the separate guest area at the back of the home.
636 Day Ave. SW circa 1910 | Queen Anne Diane Hailey
Diane Hailey’s circa 1910 Queen Anne style home is back on the Tour this year after some substantial changes in 2014, not the least of which is a complete change of the exterior colour palette. After consulting with feng shui urban planning expert Kevin Walters, of Richmond, she chose greens and browns to enhance her natural energy. The earth tones balance with the surrounding colors on the street and consider Diane’s own energy forces. The original front door and transom were recently restored by Astonish Restoration, of Roanoke. Many layers of paint were removed to bring back its original finish and the egg and dart millwork was stained a dark chestnut. A new kitchen will delight returning tour guests as well. Diane’s home qualified for the City’s tax abatement program and taxes on the home will not increase for 15 years.
602 Marshall Ave SW 1925 David and Dawn Sandoval
The house was built in 1925 and it is a foursquare home. Post-renovation, the house has three bedrooms, laundry on the second floor, a beautifully remodeled kitchen, and 2 1/2 bathrooms. The master bedroom boasts an en suite bathroom with a claw foot tub, two sink vanity, and glass shower enclosure. The original woodwork, fireplace mantles and pocket doors have been preserved. As for my husband, David and I...we were renting in the historic Gainesboro district and decided we wanted to purchase an old home with the early 1900 craftsmanship with modern amenities. This house appears to be the perfect fit!
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
The Neighbors Helping Neighbors event helps another neighbor in need with home repairs such as painting and landscaping. Volunteers come together for another neighbor in need who is either financially or physically unable to perform the work themselves. If you know of a neighbor in need, please contact info@oldsouthwest.org and submit a request. Many thanks to the Volunteers in Old Southwest and beyond who have helped another neighbor
Happy 35th Parlor Tour AND
Merry Christmas from Charlie and Wendy Naïve & Family
Season’s Greetings FROM NORMAN & PAULA PRINCE
Warmest Holiday Wishes from your Old Southwest neighbors Mark Page, Johann Rodriguez, John Page & Page Appraisal Inc.
SAL ON & DAY SP A
306 McClanahan St. Roanoke, VA 24014 (540) 343-7211 • lescheveuxsaloninc.com
Architectural Design Consultant
540
314. 9380
Roa n oke VA
Ch a r l esto n SC
Taryn Anderson TarynAnderson.com
Congratulations on 35 years! Wishing you happy holidays from our family to yours!
S. Roanoke Home Depot is available for all of your renovation needs 4176 Franklin Road Roanoke VA 24014 Store 540-772-3087 Contractor Sales 540-772-8802
Specializing in
Historic Preservation and Restoration
540-330-3046 Email: mclarksouthwest@gmail.com