Rehabilitation vs Restoration A COMPARISON OF METHODS TO PRESERVE HISTORIC PROPERTIES

Rehabilitation vs Restoration A COMPARISON OF METHODS TO PRESERVE HISTORIC PROPERTIES

What does it mean? Rehabilitation- the process that makes it possible to create a compatible use for the property through repair, alterations and additions while preserving the parts or features that expresses its historical and architectural values. Restoration- a means for accurately replicating the form, features and character of the property from a particular period of time, often when it was first constructed.

A CASE FOR REHABILITATION vs RESTORATION Case Study #1 The Murfree-Williams House, Circa 1801 Murfreesboro, North Carolina

Protecting the History The purchase conveyed deed restrictions in the form of protective covenants as set forth by the Murfreesboro Historical Association and the Historic District Commission. New owners were required to submit any plans for alteration of the exterior of the house for approval including paint colors, additions of fencing, alterations to windows, etc.

The First Plan Compiled by the Community Development Group, School of Design at North Carolina State University in the mid 1970s Called for the house to be rehabilitated as a rental efficiency apartment Recommended removal of all except the earliest additions and most of the front porch Alternate use as an information center was proposed

Is this the right plan? Meant the removal of all additions including: Porch built in1850 by architect A. G. Jones Town dentist office built in 1900 18 th century Indian school Large 1930 s addition to the rear of the house. Leaving only two rooms and a hallway and resulting in the tremendous loss of original designs and materials. Circa 1970

Another Option Brought to the Table Local architect Shurley Vann, Chairman of the Historic District Commission and several forward-thinking Board members allowed purchasers to argue the case for Rehabilitation rather than Restoration. Permission was granted to retain the existing footprint and to add a large rear deck The Federal brick portion of house was painted in the 1950 s. The old brick was too porous to remove the remnants so permission was granted to repaint. Pressure washing would have destroyed the original brickwork.

Why rehabilitation is best The house is one of the oldest surviving structures on its original site, and historically significant because of its builder and the remodeling done in the mid 1850 s by prominent architect A. G. Jones. It was rehabilitated preserving important evolutionary features and honoring the living history of those who lived in it over the past two centuries. Restoration would have resulted in the loss of the character and history of the house

The Murfree-Williams House c1801 Constructed as a one room and hall, Federal cottage plan on a raised basement. Brick exterior walls are 18 thick laid in English bond. Style uncommon in North Carolina and the South. Surviving wooden guttering, shutter dogs, beaded weatherboards, H and L hinges on the remaining original raised paneled doors and brick end gables

More Details of the house Dining room retains original Federal style moldings and doors although the windows were replaced with two-over-two style during the 1850 remodeling. Traces of original wood shingle roof remain under the existing standing seam tin roof installed in 1850. Original exterior cornice moldings preserved when later additions were added Wraparound porch and hand-crafted railings were replicated using old photos

A.G. Jones Remodel The mid-19th century remodeling updated it to the popular Greek Revival style Added fluted window and door trims with large bullseye corner moldings The parlor mantel includes his signature style of double fluted column supports.

Jones Remodel Cont d Double chestnut front doors and sidelights feature unique multiple sized lozenges laid point to point and a hand-cut railing Added during the 1850 remodel by Jones. Current owners replicated the railings from old photos.

Dentist Office The addition on the east of the house Added circa 1900 Added after the wraparound porch as the original porch flooring is under the flooring for the room. Mr. Pipkin Remembered that he had had his teeth worked on with a foot operated drill. More Murfreesboro history that would have been lost had we been forced to adhere to the initial ruling.

Indian School Rev. Joseph Gurley operated a school on the site to educate local Native American children of the Chowan and Meherrin tribes until 1793. The school was moved up and attached to the rear of the house early in the 19th century by its second owner by narrow "linkage". Likely the 1st addition to the house as an original wooden gutter exists between its roof and that of the school room addition.

The Life of a House Rental Property in 1930 and 1940 s Housed Six Families during WWII Added large room for Kitchen and a Bathroom in 1940 s The late. Homa Gordon, former town librarian, lived here during 1950 s. Her son was born in the room we feel was Rev. Gurley's school. Another younger visitor remembers having his bedroom in a corner of the wide central front hall. Empty 1975-1985 Used for storage by Murfreesboro Hist. Assoc.

Passage of time Neglect, theft of interior elements and the passing of time had taken a heavy toll on this once lovely home. The current owners chose to rehab rather than restore thus preserving all the important architectural elements while allowing for continued practical contemporary use. Circa 1910

Life Continues The MW House continues to flourish, thrive and contribute to the historic district and Murfreesboro. Heritage Weekend celebration and tea party in April 1987 Then Governor James G. Martin, and his staff enjoyed tea and scones and discussed the owners rehabilitation plan. Included on the annual Christmas Tour 3 years Operated as a full-service tea room for 3 years Residential lease for 2 years Operated as an art gallery and gift shop Hosted a Historic Resource Trade Fair. Its next incarnation is scheduled to begin this fall Vacation Rental.