Hayes Design Group Holds Second Annual Adopt-a-Landmark Program
April 21, 2017
On Friday, April 21, the associates at The Hayes Design Group Architects held its second annual “Adopt-a-Landmark program.” During the day the firm volunteered at the Woodville Plantation in Bridgeville, PA.
Throughout the day, the firm’s associates worked with the Plantation’s Facilities Manager to plant, weed and clean-up the landscapes surrounding the Plantation and also replace railroad ties and colonial-style snake fencing.
The firm’s Adopt-a-Landmark program is focused on the important role that the architectural profession can play in honoring local Historical Landmarks to ensure their upkeep and maintenance so everyone can continue to enjoy the rich local history and culture they provide.
“There are many examples of landmarks in our area that are in critical need of volunteers to help with the upkeep,” stated Kevin Hayes, Principal, The Hayes Design Group. “As architects, our focus is on designing and building strong communities and we have a great opportunity to showcase our profession and skills through helping to keep these important landmarks maintained and looking good.”
“The very existence of Woodville helps people in this region re-connect with Western Pennsylvania life in the eighteenth century,” said Arthur Ziegler, President of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF). Over the years, PHLF was able to raise funds to restore the house by setting priorities and phasing the work in affordable stages. We are grateful that Hayes Design Group is contributing its knowledge and expertise to assist in the ongoing restoration of Woodville. We encourage people throughout the region to volunteer their time to care for and promote the historic landmarks in their neighborhoods.”
Woodville is one of the most significant architectural landmarks in this region––and it has been saved and opened to the public through a partnership of volunteers and nonprofit organizations. After serving as a family home for two centuries, the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) acquired the Virginian vernacular house––so it would not be demolished for a gas station––and helped form a volunteer association in 1976 to care for and open the house to the public. That volunteer association, The Neville House Associates, now owns and operates the National Historic Landmark and PHLF retains a preservation easement on the house, grounds, and ancillary building and continues to provide funds for the basic operation of the house. The Allegheny County Committee of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America has been instrumental in acquiring furniture for the house and providing restoration guidance.
The Woodville Plantation had a total of 2,500 visitors in the year 2016.
