Stone house at Hillside Park

I'm sure I've seen this topic on the forums before, but a search didn't bring up any old threads. Does anybody know what Van Metre's plans for the stone house are? My neighbor is extremely interested in finding a way to get this house restored and possibly put on the historical register, or maybe put to some community use, and I was wondering if Van Metre already has that in the works or would be open to working with a group of volunteers to put something in motion?

 

That's what we figured. My neighbor is willing to contribute to some kind of fund to raise the money necessary. It would take some work, but it's really important to her. I wonder if there's any interest in the community to make this happen?

 

I'm not sure how much money she'd be willing to contribute. I doubt she has pockets deep enough to bankroll the entire project, but is thinking more of starting some kind of a fund ( "Friends of the Stone House" kind of thing) that people could contribute to, maybe have some fundraisers, etc.

She's very disturbed by the state of the house, (I'm sure many people are) and wants to do anything she can (she's ill) to rectify the situation.

 

Costs could be significantly reduced if local (Broadlands) contractors are willing to donate time and materials to fix the house. Fund raisers are certainly a must (e.g., collection box at Broadland Live and other events).

I think a usuable house could be an excellent addition to the community. It may take several years to raise enough money to restore it right but now is a good time to start!

 

What exactly is wrong with the house?

 

Just about everything...if it were to be used for a public building not only would it need repairs and restoration, but it would need to be brought up to commercial code...we are looking at high six figures, at best.

 

Cat D9 will help bring that place up to code. Level it.

 

I think it would be very nice if it were restored. However there is a reason VM did not restore it. I believe that a site study and engineering plans would run over a $100k. To do something very basic would run an additional $150-200k. Then you will run into the unexpected problems and the bill will shoot up. All the new construction builders I know hate renovations because of this type of huge expense. That is why they knock down the old houses and start from scratch, it's much more cost effective. The stone house can not be knocked down.

Steve Campot
SGC Real Estate
Broker
703-399-5109
www.sgcrealestate.com


Note-the sign is required by law.

 

As mentioned, the house and surrounding 2 acres is still owned by Van Metre.
Their proffers state it can be used as residential or commercial space.
Van Metre is currently doing some plan amendments and was interested in turning it over to the county for them to maintain as a historical property or to use. The county is not interested in it.

The agreement reached between the resident Board members and Van Metre for the HOA becoming resident controlled in September is that if Van Metre chooses, the HOA will accept the Stone House and $100,000 towards repairs/improvements.

The interior of the house would pretty much have to be gutted and rebuilt.
An estimate I got about 5-6 years ago was at least $300,000 to make the house useable.
My primary interest in trying to ensure the HOA gets this property is that it sits in the middle of Hillside Park and I would not want to see it used as any type of commercial space out of the HOA's control.

 

If the HOA were to restore this building what would be it's purpose? Outside of the $100,000 should our HOA put more money into a project that would not serve our community? Restoration of historic sites should be the job of the county or a foundation not our HOA.

 

bulldoz it!

 

The HOA will not approve allocating HOA funds toward a project of this scope. I for one will not support it. Even if the community wants to raise funds through private donations there would have to be a strict timeline as I understand the house is unsafe in it's current condition.

 

I understand not wanting to allocate HOA funds to renovate the Stone House, it does seem quite overwhelming, but if the community is willing to raise the funds to restore the building, why would you be opposed to it? I understand that the building is not safe for habitation as it stands right now, but could be restored if the funds were available.

Action should be taken now to insure this example of Pennsylvania/German construction is preserved if the community wants it to be preserved. The house was built in 1874; it's 135 years old! Surely we can find a use for it if the funds can be raised to restore it.

 

If it is ever restored, who will pay for the maintenance? Would you propose renting it out for functions (private and public)? Then who pays for the liability insurance, upkeep? It opens up a can of worms.

 

It is not a "historic site." If it is turned over to the HOA, we could use it for whatever purpose we want.
It is not on a historic register and does not have any use limitations.