1402 PARK AVENUE. This orderly, sophisticated townhouse has a Cajun flavor, with shades of pale gray lending a harmonious flow throughout the interior.  The expansive foyer features six lovely French botanicals from the early1800s found in New Orleans.  A slight lavender paint hue in the front room adds a lighter touch to the imposing architecture.  Here, the clean, straight lines of a taupe sofa are softened by two upholstered Belgian chairs, a Lucite table tops a sisal rug, and a petite secretary from the owner’s family accompanies a small chair, overlaid in Mexican silver.  The bay window holds an abstract painting by Seattle artist and relative Adele Sypesteyn.  In the dining room, a stunning gray and white kyanite table, constructed by Stokes of England in Keswick, Virginia, takes center stage.  Surrounding it are cerused oak Louis XVI chairs upholstered in beige linen.  A blue and white Canton soup tureen adds a splash of color, and a black lacquered sideboard underscores a large, abstract painting by North Carolina artist Steven Seinberg.  Neutral colors continue into the kitchen and family room, accented by a large abstract oil by Sypesteyn and a wall of handsome bookcases.

A private garden lies just beyond the glass wall.  Artfully arranged pots, tended garden beds, an appealing tiled path, a wall of flowering clematis, and a cleverly mirrored terracotta fountain are reminiscent of un petit jardin Francais. Open for the first time by the owners, Mr. and Mrs.John Cheairs Porter, Jr.

1004 WEST AVENUE. Disparate themes of African wildlife and contemporary art blend beautifully in this fashionable West Avenue home built in 1905. Strong colors and artful arranging showcase the collections.

A small settee has an interesting provenance: it was once owned by Madame Chiang Kai-shek.  The front parlor, with a zebra-skin rug underfoot, is rich with art:  Chagall, Picasso and Matisse lithographs, a Julien Binford watercolor and a Salvador Dali sculpture.  The owner’s grandfather crafted the Tennessee chest of drawers, and the oil over the mantel was commissioned for his family.  Note the abstract encaustic painting by Richmond artist Cindy Neuschwander. The library is highlighted by animal print fabrics and handsome bookcases, a Nouguchi table and the first of two Sally Bowring paintings.  Surrealist Joan Miro and metarealist Nancy Witt add a bit of playfulness to the dining room, where guests are invited to sit in the palms of gilded chairs fashioned by Mexican artist Pedro Friedeberg.  This dramatic room is further accented by antelope heads, a Neirmann Weeks chandelier, crimson walls and a stunning tilt-top Bavarian table.  In the kitchen/family room area, a chocolate sofa, cherry club chairs and two Corbusier cowhide seats are arranged in harmony with the large abstract oil by Sally Bowring.  As you enter the courtyard, a 16th century Italian fountainhead from Florence sets a peaceful tone.  Open for the first time by the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Jack M. Enoch, Jr.

1015 WEST FRANKLIN STREET. Designed by Richmond architect Marcellus E. Wright and built in 1913, this four-story structure is a splendid example of Georgian Revival style, drawing its character from the mansard roof, arched windows and Corinthian-columned, second-story porch. The house was originally built for Dr. Paul Howle; his medical office and surgery suites, and his servants’ quarters, were located on the ground floor.  On the second and third floors, the residence is still accessed either by a tiny elevator, most unusual to construction of that period, or by a magnificent L-shaped staircase.  A peaceful domicile above the urban fray, the owner’s living quarters are bathed in natural light which streams through mullion, fan and bay windows.  The crisp, white, finely detailed woodwork and the intricately carved mantels are original as is the French lithograph wallpaper, so beautifully prominent in the dining room.  The present owner reconfigured his modern kitchen from four small rooms, creating and combining an efficient culinary area and a comfortable, cozy den retreat.

The rooms are brimming with interesting eclectic pieces honoring the family’s homesteading history, reflecting the owner’s world travels, and testifying to an appreciation of both fine and decorative arts.  Open for the first time by the owner, David Van Blaricum.

1136 WEST AVENUE. At the turn of the last century, when West Avenue was on the cusp of Richmond’s westward expansion, this street was affectionately called Stork Alley because it attracted young marrieds beginning their families; notice the stork plaque at the front door.  The home’s commodious rooms hold this family’s history and reflect their interests.  A grand piano is surrounded by comfortable seating and a remarkable collection of paintings by Addison Hodges, Ralph Gray and Loryn Brazier, with portraiture by Mary DeLeftwich Dodge and Barbara Sullivan.  A pier mirror and an ancient cedar box were painted and decorated by friend and artist William Perrine.  A marble-top drugstore counter, used as a buffet, was paint-decorated by Bonnie Thomas.

In keeping with the original Victorian character of the house, five fireplaces, shut down by intermediate owners, have been restored.  In 1976, the expansive kitchen/family room was reconfigured from a small confined kitchen, a butler’s pantry and servants’ quarters.  Doors inviting light and breezes replaced small kitchen windows, and French doors salvaged from a local convent contribute to the room’s light airy quality.  The balustrade deck and beautifully planted patio were created by the owner, who is an author and garden historian.   Mr. and Mrs. George C. Longest, owners.

Richmond—1515 West Avenue

1515 WEST AVENUE. Designed by renowned Richmond architect Duncan Lee and built in 1915, this Dutch Colonial style house, with its Amsterdam roof line, vestibule entry and signature center staircase, exhibits the precise, refined interior detail for which the architect was famous.  Large windows to the front and to the rear of the residence, paneled woodwork and the owners’ chosen pastel palette conjure a sense of Danish fairytale enchantment.  Four beautiful landscape paintings by New England artist John Traynor, a collection of intensely colored, porcelain oyster plates and a very unusual sharkskin secretary appoint the living room.  The sweeping center hallway, passing the charming Harry Potter-like powder room, carries guests into an elegant, octagonally configured dining room, featuring paired corner cabinets and blocked English wallpaper. The spacious kitchen, renovated in 2003, folds into a cheerful breakfast room, and weather permitting, out into a walled Charleston garden, complete with boxwood plantings and trickling fountain.  Open for the first time by the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Chewning.

1518 WEST AVENUE. What do you get when you take a 20th century row house and an innovative 21st century architect, then add one savvy contemporary art dealer, five children and a dog?  The answer is to be found at this address.  Thirty years ago, when the current owners renovated this home, they wholeheartedly embraced Fan District living, while discarding all thought of period purity.  The redesign of the first floor presents one uninterrupted living space, with activity areas defined by partial walls, free-floating cabinetry and vertical oak posts.  Since natural light was a scarce commodity in this house, French doors and a light-well were employed to capture sunlight.  While the ascending stairway is original to the structure, the descending stairwell is fabricated of sandblasted steel, one of many distinctive features showcasing the architect’s point-counterpoint style.

The long, narrow interior is punctuated by an outstanding art collection, pieces by internationally esteemed artists whose works are found in the world’s major museums.  The foyer is host to a Sally Mann photograph and a Donald Sultan print.  The living room boasts works by Ellsworth Kelley and Cy Twombly.  The dining room table is surrounded by Bellini chairs, and a Curtis Ripley painting hangs above a sea captain’s chest. Also of note is a large print by Richard Serra, titled “B.B. King,” and a Lucien Freud Nude.  The uniquely reinvented bones of the house and its remarkable art collection make visiting this particular residence a visually fascinating experience.  Mr. and Mrs. Sanford Bond, owners.

HT: John M.

On Tuesday, March 23rd the FDA presents a lecture tracing the progression of the Palladian window from its ancient first floor beginnings to the tops of Fan homes. The lecture will take place at 6:30 PM at Fox School.

The hour long lecture features two VCU professors: Charles Brownell, Professor of Art history at VCU, will take the tale of the Palladian Window: “From Babylon to the Boulevard.” Allison Frew, Assistant in Architectural History, will then tell the story of  ”The Rise of the ’Palladian Window’ To the Rooftops of the Fan!”

This special program is open to Fan Neighbors and the public at no charge. Please direct questions to FDA Board member Jane Hotchkiss at jhotchkiss2@netzero.net.

On Sunday night in the Fan area, Sector 313 Officers Daniel Dixon and Matthew Sacksteder responded to a residence in the 2900 block of Idlewood Avenue after receiving a complaint for the smell of marijuana.

After receiving permission to enter the residence, the officers saw several narcotic-related items. A search later resulted in the seizure of approximately 5 to 6 pounds of marijuana, $12,000 to $13,000 in cash, cell phones and a computer.

Resident Bryce T. McClellan, 22, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Hosted at the VCU Commonwealth Ballroom (907 Floyd Avenue in the VCU Student Commons Building, 2nd floor) on Saturday, March 20th, 2010. The event will start at 7:30 pm and conclude at 11:30 pm. You will be treated to quality live dance music by Freddie “C”, and fill your bellies with fabulous complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks (wine, beer and soft drinks)!

The “Hat & Tie” membership party is The Fan District Association’s way of thanking each and every one of you for your support and volunteerism throughout the year. For FDA members, your good standing membership is your ticket in! For anyone wishing to attend, you can join as a friend of the FDA (living outside the Fan District), or as a voting FDA member (those living within the Fan District) at the door for a mere $20.00. Parking will be available on the street, with additional parking in the Cherry & Main VCU parking deck.

For more information please contact Susan Finch at yogafinch@gmail.com, or by phone at (804) 334-9642.

Thursday, 4 March 2010, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, 13 May 2010, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, 23 September 2010, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, 2 December 2010, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

All meetings will be at Richmond Police Department, 4th Police Precinct, 2219 Chamberlayne Avenue.

For more information, please contact Jan Girardi, at 804.646.6532 or  jan.girardi@richmondgov.com

The water main transmission work on The Boulevard between Kensington and Grove scheduled for this weekend, which would have shut down the southbound lanes, has been postponed until March 12-14. Detours will be marked.

This from the Department of Public Utilities:

Beginning Fri. March 5 at 7:00 p.m. through Sun. March 7, 2010 at 6:00 p.m., the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) will close the southbound lanes of N. Boulevard between Kensington Ave and Grove Ave in order to construct and connect a 42 inch water transmission main.  Work will take place, weather permitting and will be rescheduled in the case of heavy rains.

Motorists traveling south along N. Boulevard will be detoured right onto Kensington Ave; left onto N. Belmont Ave; left onto Grove Ave. and a right back onto N. Boulevard.  Motorists traveling west toward N. Boulevard on Stuart Ave and Hanover Ave will be advised at N. Mulberry St. that there will be no left turns at N. Boulevard.

Northbound traffic along N. Boulevard in this area will be unobstructed.  Appropriate traffic control measures and detours will be provided and the work area will be secured for the safety of construction crews and public. Work will be performed over night and on the weekend to cause minimal traffic disruption.

Registration for a team of 15 adults is $600, or $15 per player. Additional team members will cost $30 each, and individuals can register to play for $45.

There will be two divisions of play: one for co-ed flag football and one for two-handed co-ed touch football, which will be less competitive and more social. The games, including playoffs, will be played on Saturdays from April 10 through June 5.

Adults age 21 and older and teams of adults are invited to register for co-ed flag and two-hand touch football on March 3 and March 4. Registration will take place between 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Blanton House, located at 700 Blanton Ave. near the Byrd Park tennis courts. All checks or money orders should be made payable to Richmond Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities. No charge cards will be accepted.
For more information, call 804-646-1441.

From the flyer:

Stand up for public education. The General Assembly is preparing to cut $1.8 billion from public education funding. This means approximately 30,000 education employees or 1 in 6 educators will lose their jobs. This will destroy public education as we know it! Many senators and delegates claim that these cuts are what their constituents want. As a citizen and a tax-payer, is this really what you want? Don’t sit quietly while it happens. Make your voices heard! Everyone is encouraged to attend!!