Three Historic Tours Put On By DC Preservation League: July 12, 14 & 16

DC Preservation League has three events coming up. The first is for anyone interested in learning more about the energy efficiency of historic houses in DC; the second is for history buffs, fans of Gothic architecture, and those with an interest in design of sacred spaces; the third is a walking tour of St. Elizabeth's, a national historic landmark soon to be redeveloped. Of course, you may not know how fascinating you will find any of these subjects until you attend and learn more about them.  Here are the details for each event.

Tuesday, July, 12, 2011
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Historically Green Open House
1724 Park Road, NW
Mt. Pleasant, DC

The early 20th century saw the advent of a new type of Washington row house that was designed with more street frontage, a shallower floor plan, and a covered front porch. These innovations provided better lighting and air circulation within the structure -- a necessity in humid Washington summers -- and encouraged community relations.

Today, these porches serve their original purposes of animating streets and engendering community while the structure provides a renewable canvas for those looking to promote sustainability and energy efficiency in an historic context.

Join developer Jimmy Edgerton (jWEST Solutions, Inc.) and architect, Dave Bloom (DB Architecture) for an open house showcasing the design and technology solutions utilized in this recent condo conversion to retain historic integrity while encouraging an energy-conscious lifestyle.

Light refreshments. Free to DCPL members, $20 for non-members.

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Thursday, July 14, 2011
6:00 - 8:00PM
A Civil Union: Marrying the Historic and Modern
St. Thomas' Parish
1772 Church Street, NW
Near Dupont Circle

In 1970 St. Thomas Episcopal Church was destroyed by arson, leaving only the Altar and parish hall as remnants of the 1894 Gothic structure. Following the fire, the congregation renovated what remained of the parish hall, and converted the space where the edifice once stood to a park for the surrounding community to enjoy.

Join Matthew Jarvis of Auraform Architects for a presentation on the history and artifacts gathered for inspiration in creating a vision for St. Thomas' new sanctuary.

$15 DCPL members, $25 non-members. Space is limited, so register soon.

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Saturday, July 16, 2011
10:00am - 11:00am
Walking Tour of St. Elizabeth's West Campus

Join the DC Preservation League in partnership with the General Services Administration for a walking tour of the historic west campus of St. Elizabeth's Hospital, a National Historic Landmark.

Tours of the St. Elizabeth's campus are being offered on a limited basis depending on the course of construction activity. Tours will include an historical overview of the site, access to the point, and exterior views of the Center Building and Burroughs Cottage.

Space is limited and reservations are required. Because of security issues walk-ons will not be permitted on the tour.

This tour fills up fast, so reserve your spot now.

For more information on any of the above, or to become a member of DCPL, contact Amanda McDonald, Events and Administrative Manager, DC Preservation League, 202-783-5144.