Restoring the Past, Building the Future

This article details the journey of Alex Pires, a Washington attorney turned Dewey Beach restaurateur and nightclub owner, and his wife, Diane Cooley, in building their shingle-style cottage in Dewey Beach, Delaware. The project began when Pires purchased a 1920s oceanfront cottage six years prior. Initially, Pires attempted two renovations to bring the cottage in line with the shingle style, inspired by the architecture of Henry Hobson Richardson in his hometown of North Easton, Massachusetts. Dissatisfied with the renovations, Pires and Cooley decided to demolish the existing structure and build a new home that truly reflected their vision. They enlisted long-time friend and architect David Jones of David Jones Architects in Washington, D.C., for the design. The objective was to create a distinctive residence that stood out among the typical developer-built cottages in the area. Jones, who developed an appreciation for historic architecture throughout his career, embraced the challenge of designing a shingle-style dwelling. The project presented unique challenges, including editing Pires's numerous ideas and adhering to height restrictions while maintaining the style's verticality. To ensure historical accuracy and detail, Pires and Cooley researched shingle-style architecture extensively, including touring historic "cottages" in Newport, Rhode Island, designed by pioneers of the style. The shingle style, originating in the Boston area in the 1880s, is characterized by unpainted wooden shingles and a departure from Victorian fussiness, favoring unembellished surfaces, honesty of form, and purity of line. Interiors were designed with fewer, larger rooms to maximize sunlight. Pires compiled photographs of notable architectural details, such as the small, multi-paned windows of Richardson's William Watts Sherman house and the turret inspired by the Isaac Bell House in Newport, designed by McKim, Mead and White. The house, situated on a corner lot, features two facades: a broad gable with a deep porch facing the ocean to the east, and a more vertical tower and gable facing the street and beach path to the north. Forest green trim bands contrast with the sand-colored cedar shingles. Nautical motifs, such as a lighthouse-shaped newel post, are incorporated into the exterior. The main floor is elevated to protect against ocean surges, with breakaway walls on the lowest level for the garage and storage, a design element that allows water to flow through without compromising the structural integrity of the house. This functional and aesthetic approach prevents the common "stranded" appearance of many beach houses built on pilings. Finding a builder capable of executing the intricate design proved difficult, with three companies declining the project. Pires ultimately hired Bob Purcell, known for his craftsmanship, after admiring a home he built in Lewes. Purcell accepted the job, committing to Jones's insistence on an entirely wooden construction, which is rare in modern building practices. The detailed design earned architect David Jones a 2008 national Palladio Award for best new house under 5,000 square feet. For the interiors, Pires and Cooley collaborated with Pinehurst, North Carolina-based designer Brenda Lyne, impressed by her work at the Bellmoor Inn. While Cooley initially desired a less formal style, she appreciated Lyne's ability to combine elegance with durability suitable for a beach house. The interiors feature a neutral palette with blond Australian cypress flooring and white painted wood paneling. The main level's living-dining room, facing the beachfront, is furnished with white linen slipcovered sofas, Asian-themed accents in blue, and contemporary local art. A screened-in wrap-around porch includes a hot tub and ocean views. The kitchen, though compact, is highly functional with a bead board-covered island, cream-colored cabinets concealing appliances, and blue Bahia granite countertops. Pires's office, in contrast to the breezy aesthetic of the rest of the house, features dark walnut paneling, plantation shutters, and built-in library shelving, displaying his collection of boxing memorabilia. The second floor includes an office-sitting area, a guest room, a bedroom for Pires's daughter, and a master bedroom with ocean views from the turret. Pires reflects on the project, stating their goal was not merely to build a large house but a well-designed and crafted home, honoring American architectural history while creating a lasting, beloved residence. #HomeDesign #CoastalArchitecture #ShingleStyle #HistoricPreservation #DeweyBeach #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #OceanfrontHome #CustomBuilt

Los Angeles County outlines a streamlined rebuilding process for residents affected by wildfires, establishing one-stop permit centers to assist with navigation. Construction cannot commence until debris removal is complete, but residents are encouraged to apply for necessary permits as soon as they are ready. A guide titled "The Road to Rebuilding" helps residents understand the steps involved in the complex rebuilding process after a wildfire, including an animated video overview. Key rebuilding highlights include scheduling appointments at one-stop permit centers, applying for building or fire debris removal permits, learning about like-for-like rebuild options, obtaining temporary housing permits, and utilizing mapping resources. Information is also available for navigating manufactured and factory-built homes. The article addresses frequently asked questions related to fire rebuilds, covering topics such as what to expect, permitting timelines, and fees. A "like-for-like" rebuild, as defined by the Zoning Code, involves a replacement structure that is the same size, in the same location, and for the same use as the previous one. In the Palisades Fire affected area, modifications that do not increase floor area, size, height, or building footprint by more than 10% are allowed. In the Eaton Fire affected area, modifications can increase these aspects by up to 10% or 200 square feet, whichever is greater. These structures can have different internal floor plans or be smaller and do not need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements but must adhere to current Building, Fire, and Health and Safety Codes. The timeline for rebuilding is not definitive, with applications for temporary housing and like-for-like rebuilds generally required within two years of an emergency declaration. Extensions may be granted, but building permits expire if construction doesn't begin within 12 months. The duration of the permitting process varies based on project complexity, with expedited services for like-for-like rebuilds and pre-approved plans. More complex projects will still be expedited, with initial reviews within 10 business days and rechecks within 5 business days for Regional Planning. Additional agency approvals, such as a water agency "Will-Serve" letter, are usually required before a building permit can be issued. Minimum submittal requirements include one application with architectural plans and property ownership information to initiate review, with additional materials like structural and energy plans requested later. A debris removal permit is only necessary if homeowners opt out of the government-assisted program. Reusing existing foundations requires evaluation by an engineering consultant, ensuring the foundation meets current building code requirements after thorough testing and forensic analysis. Demolition permits are not required for those in the government's debris removal program if the foundation remains. The article also addresses specific code requirements, including exemptions and waivers for certain like-for-like rebuild projects in the Eaton Fire area, such as electric vehicle-ready infrastructure, cool roof requirements, graywater-ready plumbing systems, and low impact development (LID) requirements for buildings constructed before 2009. LID requirements are not waived in the Palisades area. Guidance is provided on cross-lot drainage and the process for determining previous square footage and available construction plans. Pre-approved building plans are available for homeowners, and solar panels are no longer mandatory but homes must be solar-ready. Fire sprinklers are required by current codes, and while new buildings must be electric-ready, gas appliances are still permitted. Wood-burning chimneys are now allowed for fire rebuild projects. Information on property tagging ("Yellow" or "Red" tags) provides details on access restrictions and safety concerns, with contact information for local Building and Safety District Offices and One-Stop Permit Centers. Temporary housing, including RVs, manufactured homes, or mobilehomes, is allowed with proper connections, and approvals expire two years after the emergency declaration, with possible extensions. Manufactured and factory-built homes can serve as permanent replacement structures if they meet fire-resistant construction requirements and are installed on a continuous concrete footing. Building new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) is permitted as temporary housing while the primary dwelling is rebuilt, with expedited permitting and compliance with current codes. Utility-related questions cover septic systems, sewer connections, and undergrounding utilities. Existing septic systems can be reused if in good working order for like-for-like rebuilds, but upgrades are required if wastewater flow increases. Connection to county sewer lines is mandated if a property is within 200 linear feet of a sewer main and repair of a septic system is needed. Homeowners are responsible for the cost of lateral connections to underground utilities. The County supports the creation of community-driven sewer districts and clarifies that Public Health Department management keeps all inspectors informed of changes regarding septic, cesspool, and sewer systems. Incorporating greywater systems is encouraged for environmental benefits, though specific policies for new ADUs are still developing. Regarding swimming pools and spas, temporary fencing is required if existing barriers are damaged, and debris removal from pools is covered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers if within the ash footprint. Draining pools to the sewer requires a permit and specific conditions, otherwise, private water haulers must be hired. The rights of new buyers are also addressed, clarifying that while temporary housing eligibility is tied to prior residency, expedited permitting is available to all within two years of the emergency declaration, regardless of property ownership changes. Lastly, contact information for one-stop locations and various rebuilding resources for different cities within Los Angeles County are provided, including links for FEMA assistance, disaster loans, tax relief, and insurance claims. #WildfireRecovery #RebuildingProcess #LAcountyPermits #TemporaryHousing #LikeForLikeRebuilds #BuildingCodes #SepticSystems #SewerConnections #DisasterAssistance

Jon Gray and Pinky Noll reside in the Yates Mansion, a historic home in Springfield's Washington Park neighborhood, which has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984. Pinky Noll led the private restoration of the house, consulting with Victorian experts to ensure the mansion authentically reflects its original period. The residence, located at 1190 Williams Blvd., was designed by Springfield architect George H. Hemle and completed by James Culver in 1905. The Hemle family, prominent architects in central Illinois during the late 1800s and early 1900s, were responsible for numerous public and private buildings. Notably, the wrought-iron railing in front of the Yates Mansion was salvaged from the Abraham Lincoln Hotel, another of Hemle's designs. The house exhibits Romanesque architectural elements, such as its stone foundation, first floor, open porch, turret, and arched and squared columns, alongside late Victorian shingle design characteristics like a steep, gabled roof and shingled upper stories. The mansion boasts a finished area of approximately 2,500 square feet per floor across three stories. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by walnut woodwork, interior columns, and molded plaster medallions and ornaments on the central hall and dining room ceilings. A sitting area is located in the turret just past the front doors, with a large parlor and formal dining room flanking the hall. Both rooms feature original, floor-to-ceiling mirrors. The interior design adheres to the historical period, with most furnishings being antique and formal. Wallpaper, a common feature in older homes, is extensively used throughout, with Pinky carefully selecting patterns to match the house's original style, such as the yellow and cream pattern in the dining room that mimics draperies. Original sliding pocket doors separate the dining room from the central hall, with leaded-glass artist Julia Schad creating wisteria patterns for them and stained-glass transoms for the main hallway's front doors. The main hall also features a large landing with a cobblestone fireplace, which Pinky discovered after learning from a former owner that a marble slab covering it was merely a facade. The fireplace, constructed from Illinois River rock, contains petrified skeletons and two cannonballs from the Chattanooga battlefield, gifts to Governor Richard Yates Sr. A house legend states that touching both cannonballs simultaneously grants a wish. The extensively remodeled kitchen retains an Old World feel, with cabinetry designed to replicate an original cabinet door found during the renovation. Despite its grandeur, the Nolls found the home suitable for raising their three children. The distinguished first-floor office, once used by Governor Yates, now occasionally stores toys for their grandchildren. The second floor comprises a master bedroom, five additional bedrooms, and several bathrooms, all accessible from a large 8-by-20-foot landing. The master bedroom, situated in the turret, features a carved oak fireplace mantle originally from the State Capitol. The master bath includes a brass basin in an ornate vanity and a clawfoot tub, both acquired by Pinky. Several other bedrooms serve diverse functions, such as a private study, a piano room, and a former maid’s room with a servant’s staircase. One bedroom, previously a chapel during the Episcopal archdiocese's ownership, was modified by Pinky to expose a beloved leaded-glass window. Throughout the mansion, details are preserved, including ornate light fixtures, extensive woodwork, and original glass doorknobs, which Pinky meticulously cleaned of paint to reveal their star-like designs. Both Pinky and Jon appreciate the home's history. Governor Yates Jr., who owned the house from 1904 to 1928, lived there for 14 years and referred to it as “our beloved home in Springfield” in his autobiography. Adlai E. Stevenson, a former Illinois congressman and U.S. vice president, also resided there at one point. Yates treasured the attic, calling it his “Romance Room.” A brochure about the home mentions a resident ghost in the attic, near the turret room, heard on full moon nights. The Nolls' daughters, as teenagers, shared a finished third-floor apartment with two bedrooms, a large bath, a study, and an informal living area. Pinky dedicated nearly two decades to renovating the home, balancing this work with her full-time job and equestrian pursuits. Exterior features include a large stone porch, a lawn overlooking the park, and a fenced-in pool area. The carriage house, left untouched for about 90 years, was extensively remodeled into a cozy apartment and pool cabana, providing additional living space. After 25 years in the Yates Mansion, the Nolls express their deep attachment to the home, despite its size for just two people and a cat, acknowledging the emotional and financial investment they have made. #HistoricHome #YatesMansion #VictorianArchitecture #HomeRestoration #NationalRegisterOfHistoricPlaces #SpringfieldIllinois #GeorgeHHemle #ArchitecturalHistory #InteriorDesign

Pat McNeill, a 77-year-old retired teacher, is known for his dedication to various projects, ranging from physical challenges like triathlons to intricate restorations. One of his notable undertakings was the restoration of a 1925 historic home he shares with his wife, Lynn Hamilton, in Monterey. The couple purchased the property in 2013 with intentions to move from Salinas. Despite initial advice to demolish and rebuild, they discovered the house was on the City of Monterey’s historic buildings list, necessitating its preservation, particularly the exterior. During the renovation, McNeill made a significant discovery in the attic: a board inscribed with the name of the home's first owner, Tajuro Watanabe. This finding sparked a deeper historical investigation into the house and its original inhabitants. The couple subsequently learned about Watanabe's prominent role as a pioneer in the Monterey abalone fishing industry and a co-founder of the Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple in Seaside. The Watanabe family had owned the home until 1964. McNeill recounted a remarkable coincidence where, while sharing this story at a dinner party, he met Watanabe’s granddaughter, who was present at the gathering. The historical research also shed light on the Watanabe family's experience during World War II, when they were forcibly relocated to internment camps. Tajuro Watanabe was sent to Rohwer, Arkansas, while his wife and daughters were sent elsewhere, a separation attributed to baseless suspicions of his contact with the Japanese Navy due due to his profession as a fisherman. An artifact discovered by Monterey historian Tim Thomas, a letter preserved at the JACL museum, details how a friend sold Watanabe's stranded boat during a storm and sent the proceeds to the interned family. McNeill, with a background in anthropology and archaeology, was not deterred by the historical preservation requirements for the home, finding the transition easy given his understanding of historical and cultural resource protection. He observed that living in a historically significant home often leads to encounters with people who have past connections to the property, frequently sharing memories of parties or personal milestones that occurred there. Beyond home restoration, McNeill remains active with triathlons, a pursuit he started in 2006, competing three to four times a year. He views these events as motivators, providing an objective to maintain physical activity. His other significant projects include converting a 1973 VW bus to electric power, undertaken during the pandemic, and more recently, electrifying his sister's riding lawnmower. He is currently seeking another vehicle for an electric conversion project. #HistoricHomeRestoration #VwBusConversion #PatMcNeill #ElectricVehicles #Triathlons #MontereyHistory #DIYProjects #HistoricalPreservation #CommunityConnections