News Summary
The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation has announced a $3.4 million phased rehabilitation plan for Pope Villa in Lexington. Restoration starts this year and will be overseen by Mitchell Park Companies. Built in 1813 for U.S. Senator John Pope, the villa is one of three remaining designs by architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. The project aims to preserve its unique Neoclassical architecture, providing cultural significance and educational space upon completion.
Lexington to Restore Historic Pope Villa with $3.4 Million Plan
The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation has unveiled a $3.4 million phased rehabilitation plan for Pope Villa, a significant historical site in Lexington. The restoration is set to begin this year and will be managed by Mitchell Park Companies, a historic property development firm based in Washington, D.C.
Pope Villa, completed in 1813 for U.S. Senator John Pope and his wife, Eliza, is situated on Grosvenor Avenue off Rose Street in central downtown Lexington. Notably, it is one of only three surviving homes designed by the esteemed architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who is also recognized for his contributions to the White House and the porticos of the U.S. Capitol.
Details of the Restoration
The announcement regarding the restoration was made during a news conference attended by various local officials and supporters. The rehabilitation project will adhere to the Pope Villa Master Plan, which was adopted by the Blue Grass Trust in 2018. Funding for this extensive restoration will derive from a mix of private investments, donations, and public funds, including a $478,000 grant from the National Park Service as part of the Save America’s Treasures program.
Jonathan Coleman, the executive director of the Blue Grass Trust, described the project as “the culmination of a dream four decades in the making.” The Trust had previously acquired Pope Villa in 1988 following a fire that caused considerable damage to the property. At that time, the villa had been converted into ten apartments primarily occupied by University of Kentucky students. However, upon acquisition, the Trust found that much of the original structure remained intact, providing hope for a successful restoration.
Challenges and Cultural Significance
Mark Letenzi, managing member of Mitchell Park Companies, is set to oversee the restoration process, which is anticipated to last approximately three years. The mayor of Lexington, Linda Gorton, emphasized the cultural importance of the project, referring to Pope Villa as “the best surviving example” of Latrobe’s architecture, serving as a vital cultural monument in Lexington.
Upon completion of the project, the secondary rooms of the villa will be utilized for light-use office space, while the primary rooms will remain accessible to the public for educational purposes. Historical research has highlighted the villa’s early 19th-century Neoclassical architecture and its innovative domestic design, distinct for its time.
Architectural Features
Latrobe’s design for the villa includes a square brick exterior, a concealed second-story rotunda, and unconventional entertainment room layouts that define its unique character. In his correspondence, Latrobe expressed concerns about the complexities associated with the design for the Pope family and builders, reflecting the challenges inherent in such architectural endeavors.
The aim of the restoration is to preserve Pope Villa as a key example of Latrobe’s residential architecture and a significant artifact from the Federal era. This project is generating excitement and hope within the local community for the preservation of an essential part of Lexington’s rich history.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Smiley Pete: Pope Villa Restoration
- Kentucky.com: Opinion on Pope Villa
- Lane Report: Latrobe House Rehabilitation
- Kentucky.com: Local News on Pope Villa
- Antiques and the Arts: Historic Homes in Bluegrass Country
- Wikipedia: Benjamin Henry Latrobe
- Google Search: Pope Villa Restoration
- Google Scholar: Pope Villa Restoration
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pope Villa
- Google News: Pope Villa Restoration
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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