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Historic Monument Avenue house project nears completion

Historic Monument Avenue house project nears completion

by | Oct 14, 2026 | Historic Restoration

Anticipation is building toward the completion of a massive undertaking to reinvent and reinvigorate 2315 Monument Avenue, an early 20th-century home designed by respected architect William Lawrence Bottomley. H.J. Holtz & Son team members have been part of the undertaking from day one, supplying painting, wallpapering, and carpentry services throughout the three-story home.

“We’re making the last push to get everything done,” says Michael Praught, owner of general contracting company R.A. Praught Construction. “We all want it to look the way it needs to look and get the job done right.”

Even in the final stages, Praught says, change orders often occur as design comes to life and maybe elements don’t mesh as anticipated. In this home, new trim was installed to create visual distance between dramatic wallpaper in the bar area and decorative ceiling tile. Wallpaper was also added in areas of the master suite past the time when the room was thought to be complete. Such alterations are common, Praught says.

“Some jobs have one wall color and one trim color throughout the house,” Praught says. “Here, each room is really its own space. So you might have to pause and reconsider [as the design is implemented]. Then you make a plan to get it done as quickly as possible with the level of excellence we all want.”

One of the strengths of the Holtz team, Praught says, is flexibility and willingness to respond to whatever might develop.

“Patrick [Picchi, the Holtz project manager] is great,” Praught says. “His response is always, ‘Let me know; we’ll get it taken care of.’ He just rolls with it and is as nice as can be, always with a smile on his face, just like every other project manager at the company.”

Praught says he also appreciated how Picchi was able to respond quickly to a request from owner Den Cralle, president and CEO of Green Front Furniture in Farmville, for an updated cost to completion after multiple change orders had been submitted. “I emailed Patrick to ask what’s left to bill,” Praught says. “Patrick checked and texted back within minutes. That’s great organization.”

Change orders and the time they can add to a project’s duration are realities that high-end contractors and service providers like R.A. Praught Construction and H.J. Holtz & Son have learned to accept, Praught says.

“Nothing about this project has been standard or conventional,” he says. “Room by room, everything has been made to specifications. It takes time to get it all done properly, make it look right, coordinate with everybody [working in the space]. H.J. Holtz & Son has done a great job as always, with folks who come with good attitudes and are pleasant and respectful. It’s been a great experience.”

All are welcome to follow the project on Instagram at monumentbygreenfront.

Painting a Historic Home in Richmond: What Actually Changes

Painting a Historic Home in Richmond: What Actually Changes

by | Sep 8, 2026 | Historic Restoration

If you own a pre-war home in The Fan, Church Hill, or Windsor Farms, you have probably noticed that painting estimates for your house look nothing like estimates for newer construction in Short Pump or Midlothian. There is a reason for that. A historic home painter in Richmond, VA is not doing a bigger version of a standard paint job. The scope changes. Preparation timelines stretch. Compliance requirements apply that do not exist for homes built after 1978.

H. J. Holtz & Son, Inc. has painted Central Virginia’s most valued historic properties since 1936. This guide breaks down what actually changes when the home on the estimate predates 1978, sits in a designated historic district, or both, so you know what to expect before the work begins.

Why an Estimate for a 1920s Fan Rowhouse Reads Differently Than One for Short Pump

The difference comes down to preparation. A newer home may need light sanding and a single coat of primer before finish coats go on. A 1920s rowhouse with original plaster, decades of layered paint, and years of settling requires significantly more work before any finish coat is applied.

Historic home painting in The Fan, Richmond, and similar older neighborhoods involves conditions that simply do not exist in modern construction. When you compare a Fan District estimate with one for a comparable home built in 2005, you will typically see more line items and more hours allocated to surface preparation. That is not padding. It reflects realities like these:

  • Multiple layers of old paint, some of which may contain lead
  • Plaster walls and ceilings that have cracked, shifted, or lost adhesion from the lath behind them
  • Original wood trim with milled profiles that cannot be sourced off the shelf if damaged
  • Windows, sashes, and mouldings that require careful hand-sanding rather than power tools
  • Substrate damage from moisture intrusion that must be resolved before new paint will hold

A responsible contractor accounts for all of this upfront in the estimate, not as a mid-project surprise. The goal is transparency: you should understand what each line item addresses and why it matters for the longevity of the finished work.

Lead-Safe Painting on Pre-1978 Homes: What EPA RRP Requires

Any home built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Federal law requires contractors to follow specific safety procedures when disturbing painted surfaces in these homes. This is not optional, and it directly affects how your project is planned, staffed, and priced.

The EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule sets containment, cleaning, and disposal requirements for renovation work in pre-1978 homes. In Richmond, where nearly every home in The Fan, Church Hill, Westhampton, and parts of the West End predates that cutoff, this applies to the majority of painting projects on older properties.

Here is what lead safe painting on a pre-1978 home looks like in practice:

  • Containment barriers isolating the work area from the rest of the home and yard
  • HEPA-filtered equipment for any sanding or scraping of painted surfaces
  • Careful collection and disposal of paint chips and dust as regulated waste
  • Post-work cleaning verification before the space is returned to you
  • A certified renovator present on-site during the work

These steps add time and cost to the project. They also protect your family, your neighbors, and your property. Not every contractor follows them rigorously, so when evaluating any historic home painter in Richmond, VA, ask specifically how they handle lead-safe procedures and whether they are EPA RRP certified. H. J. Holtz & Son follows EPA lead-safe work practices on every pre-1978 property we work on.

Repair Comes First: Plaster, Substrate, and Original Woodwork

Paint does not fix structural problems. It hides them temporarily. In Richmond’s historic homes, plaster walls and ceilings often need stabilization, patching, or partial re-skimming before any finish coat will bond correctly and last.

Plaster repair before painting is one of the most commonly underestimated steps in Richmond historic home projects. Homes built before the 1950s typically have lath-and-plaster construction rather than modern drywall. Over decades, plaster develops hairline cracks, loses its key to the lath behind it, or retains ghost patterns from old water damage that was never properly addressed. Painting over these conditions without correction means the new paint will crack, peel, or bubble within a few years.

Original wood trim, crown moulding, and window casings present their own challenges. These elements were often milled on-site during construction, and their profiles may be impossible to match with modern stock materials. If a previous contractor damaged them or buried them under thick layers of paint, restoring them takes skilled hand-work. Our craftspeople approach original woodwork with the goal of preservation, not replacement. You can see this approach in practice in our restoration of St. John’s Mews on historic Church Hill.

As one Richmond homeowner, Betty Dobbie, described her experience with our team: “My home was built in 1947 so, while sturdy, it has suffered the usual effects of age. My Holtz team made repairs as they went along, and no detail was overlooked.”

This repair phase often accounts for close to half the total project time on a historic interior painting project. It is also the work that determines whether your new finish lasts five years or twenty.

When Your Color Choice Needs Someone Else’s Approval

If your home sits on the National Register of Historic Places or within a locally designated historic district, your exterior paint colors and sheens may require formal approval before work begins. This is a regulatory requirement, not a contractor preference, and failing to comply can result in fines or a mandate to repaint at your own expense.

Historic district paint color approval in Virginia varies by jurisdiction and designation level. In some districts, a local Architectural Review Board must approve color selections before exterior work can proceed. For properties with state or national historic designation, documentation requirements can be more extensive and time-consuming.

When H. J. Holtz & Son painted the exterior of Federal Hill in Fredericksburg, a late Georgian home built circa 1792 by Virginia Governor Robert Brooke, every color, specification, and sheen required state paperwork approval before any brush was lifted. The property holds both National Register and Virginia Historic Register status. That approval process became a defined phase of the project timeline, not an afterthought.

For homeowners in Richmond’s locally designated districts, including Church Hill, St. John’s Church Historic District, and portions of The Fan, similar review processes may apply to exterior changes. A Church Hill historic home painter who understands these requirements builds the approval timeline into the estimate so there are no delays once the crew is scheduled. If you are unsure whether your property falls within a regulated district, your contractor or your city’s planning office can help you determine your obligations before work is scoped.

How Long a Historic Repaint Really Takes, and Why

Expect a historic home painting project to take meaningfully longer than the same square footage in newer construction. Preparation time runs close to a 1:1 ratio with actual paint application on most historic exterior painting projects, and interiors in plaster-walled homes follow a similar pattern.

On a modern home, surface preparation might account for 20 to 30 percent of total project time. On a historic home, it often reaches 50 percent or more. That ratio reflects everything covered in this guide: lead-safe containment and cleanup, plaster and substrate repair, careful preparation of original woodwork, and potential regulatory timelines for color approval.

On the Federal Hill project in Fredericksburg, H. J. Holtz & Son used a Sherwin-Williams special bonding primer to address peeling issues and a two-part epoxy for railing repair. A lift was required for the front elevation. These are not steps a contractor can accelerate to shave a week off the schedule. They are the difference between a finish that holds for a decade and one that fails within a few seasons.

Scheduling matters, too. Spring, summer, and early fall are all productive seasons for exterior painting in Central Virginia. Late fall and winter, roughly November through March, present genuine constraints: cold temperatures interfere with paint adhesion and curing, freeze-thaw cycles stress fresh coatings, and shorter daylight limits productive hours. Planning your project for the warmer months gives your team the full working window these homes require.

Whether the project involves Windsor Farms historic home painting on a large estate or a full interior repaint in a Westhampton colonial, the timeline should reflect the actual scope of work, not an artificial deadline.

 

Frequently Asked Questions: Historic Home Painter in Richmond, VA

What is different about painting a historic home in Richmond, Virginia?

Historic homes require more extensive surface preparation than newer construction, including plaster stabilization, lead-safe work practices on pre-1978 properties, and careful hand-preparation of original woodwork. The materials, compliance requirements, and project timelines all differ from a standard residential repaint.

Do I need approval to change my historic home's exterior paint color?

If your home is on the National or Virginia Historic Register, or sits within a locally designated historic district, exterior color and finish changes may require approval from an Architectural Review Board or state agency. Your contractor should understand this process and factor it into the project schedule from the start.

How do I know if my Richmond home has lead paint?

Any home built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. A certified lead inspector can test your surfaces. Under the EPA’s RRP Rule, contractors must follow specific containment and safety procedures whenever painted surfaces in a pre-1978 home are disturbed during renovation or repainting.

How long does it take to paint a historic home?

Timelines depend on the home’s size, condition, and project scope, but preparation typically accounts for roughly half the total project time. A full exterior on a large historic property may take several weeks, compared to a shorter window for newer construction of the same square footage.

Is summer a good time for exterior painting on a historic home?

Yes. Spring, summer, and early fall are all productive seasons for exterior painting in Central Virginia. The only constraints come in late fall and winter, when cold temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles can compromise paint adhesion and curing.

Choosing the wrong contractor for a historic home is not just an inconvenience. It can mean a finish that fails within a few years, damage to irreplaceable original trim and plaster, and a project that costs more in the long run because it has to be redone. When you need a historic home painter in Richmond, VA who understands the preparation, compliance, and craft that older homes demand, H. J. Holtz & Son has been that contractor since 1936. Call us at (804) 358-4109 or request your free, no-obligation estimate.

Restoring Original Wood Windows in a Richmond Home

Restoring Original Wood Windows in a Richmond Home

by | Aug 18, 2026 | Historic Restoration

If your Richmond home was built before 1950, there is a good chance it still has its original wood windows. Those windows represent more than glass and frame. They were built from old-growth lumber that is denser, more rot-resistant, and more dimensionally stable than anything available at a lumberyard today. Before you accept a replacement bid, window restoration in Richmond, VA is worth serious consideration.

The replacement-window industry relies on a simple pitch: your old windows are drafty, inefficient, and past their useful life. Sometimes that is true. But in many older Richmond homes, the original sash windows are structurally sound beneath peeling paint and cracked glazing putty. The right question is not whether your windows look worn. It is whether the wood underneath is still solid enough to restore.

This guide walks through how to evaluate your windows, what genuine restoration involves, and how the cost compares to a full replacement.

Why Old Richmond Windows Are Often Worth Keeping

Original wood windows last because of the wood itself. Trees harvested in the 19th and early 20th centuries grew slowly, producing tight growth rings that make the lumber naturally resistant to rot and warping. Modern replacement windows use fast-growth pine or vinyl, and neither material matches the longevity of old-growth wood that has already proven itself over 70 to 100 years in your walls.

Architecture matters, too. Whether you need historic window repair in The Fan, preservation-grade work in Windsor Farms, or careful restoration in Westhampton, original windows are part of your home’s character. Replacing double-hung sash with vinyl inserts changes the proportions, shadow lines, and visual depth of a façade. In Richmond’s historic districts, those changes may require approval or may not be permitted at all.

There is also a practical sustainability argument. Restoring a window keeps it out of a landfill. Vinyl replacement windows have a limited functional lifespan, and when they eventually fail, the entire unit is discarded. A restored wood window can be maintained and repaired indefinitely.

H.J. Holtz & Son, Inc. has worked on historic properties across Central Virginia since 1936, from painting a National Register home in Fredericksburg to restoring historic properties on Church Hill. That depth of experience is one reason Richmond homeowners trust the company with work that requires understanding how older structures were built and what they need to last.

Restore or Replace: How to Tell Which Your Windows Need

The condition of the wood determines whether restoration is practical. Surface damage almost always points toward restoration. Structural damage raises the question of whether repair costs justify the investment compared to replacement.

Restoration is likely the right call when:

  • Paint is peeling but the wood underneath is firm
  • Glazing putty is cracked or missing in sections
  • Sash cords are broken and the window will not stay open
  • The window rattles or lets air through around the sash
  • Glass is wavy or has minor chips but remains intact

Replacement may make more sense when:

  • More than 30 percent of the frame or sill has active rot
  • The window structure is warped beyond adjustment
  • Previous repairs were done poorly and compromised the frame
  • The window is a non-original replacement that has already failed

Many homes fall somewhere in between. A window might need sill repair and full sash restoration but have a perfectly sound frame. That is where working with a contractor experienced in wood window restoration in Richmond, Virginia makes a real difference. The assessment needs to be honest, and the person making it should not be the one selling you replacement windows.

What Window Restoration in Richmond, VA Actually Involves

A proper window restoration goes well beyond scraping and repainting. Here is what the process looks like when the work is done correctly.

Sash removal. Each sash is carefully removed from the frame. On double-hung windows, this means removing interior stops, parting beads, and sometimes the pulleys.

Stripping and prep. Old paint is removed down to bare wood using heat, chemical strippers, or careful scraping. On homes built before 1978, this work must follow EPA lead-safe renovation practices to protect your household and the crew.

Wood repair. Damaged wood is treated with epoxy consolidant to stabilize soft areas. Sections with advanced rot are replaced using dutchman patches or full-piece replacement milled to match the original profile. H. J. Holtz & Son’s finish carpentry team handles this type of precision wood repair, drawing on the same foundation of craftsmanship the company has built since 1936.

Glazing. Old glazing compound is removed and replaced with fresh putty that seals each pane of glass into the sash. Failed glazing is one of the most common sources of drafts and water infiltration in older windows.

Hardware and weatherstripping. Sash cords or chains are replaced. Pulleys are cleaned or swapped. Weatherstripping is installed to tighten the fit between sash and frame, which directly improves energy performance.

Priming and painting. All restored components are primed and finished with quality exterior-grade paint before reassembly. This step is not cosmetic. Proper primer and topcoat protect the restored wood from moisture for the next decade or longer.

The finished window looks correct, operates smoothly, and performs. That last point is what separates genuine window restoration from a quick paint-over that fails within a few seasons.

Sash Window Repair: Rot, Glazing, and What’s Easy to Miss

Most window deterioration follows a predictable pattern. For sash window repair, Richmond homeowners should understand where problems start so they can evaluate what a contractor is actually proposing to fix.

Sills and lower rails. Water collects here first. These are almost always the earliest areas to show rot. For wood rot repair on windows, Richmond homes built before 1950 typically need attention at the sills before anything else. A sill with soft spots needs epoxy consolidation or replacement before any painting makes sense. Painting over active rot will blister and peel within a single season.

Glazing putty. On windows over 30 years old, the original putty has likely hardened, cracked, and pulled away from the glass. This lets water behind the pane and into the wood. Glazing putty restoration is essential work that Virginia homeowners with pre-war windows cannot afford to skip. Without sound glazing, every other repair on the window is undermined.

Sash joints. The mortise-and-tenon joints where rails meet stiles loosen over decades. A sash that racks or wobbles needs its joints reglued and clamped, not forced back together with caulk.

Hidden surfaces. The sides of the sash that ride in the jamb track are often unpainted or poorly painted. These surfaces absorb moisture and rot from the inside out. A thorough restoration addresses every surface, including the ones you cannot see when the window is closed.

Steve Loving, a Richmond homeowner with a 1930s home, described his experience with H. J. Holtz & Son: “I would call them true craftsmen. I not only feel like they brought a tired exterior to life again, but I also know that the house is well protected and sealed due to their diligent care in sealing and caulking the so many areas that needed it. They are well worth the investment.”

How Restoration Compares to a Replacement Bid

Window restoration typically costs less per window than full replacement when the underlying wood is sound. The scope depends on the extent of damage, the number of windows, and whether frames need structural carpentry. But for homes where the original wood is intact, restoration is almost always the more cost-effective path.

The financial case extends beyond the initial project. A properly restored wood window can last decades with routine maintenance, and it can be repaired again when it eventually needs attention. A vinyl replacement window has a fixed lifespan. When the seals fail, when the sash mechanism breaks, or when the frame warps, the entire unit goes to the landfill and you start over.

For homes in Richmond’s historic districts, there is one more consideration. Replacement windows that alter the appearance of original openings can affect your home’s standing with preservation guidelines and potentially its appraised value. Restoration preserves both.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Window Restoration in Richmond

Should I restore or replace the original windows in my old Richmond home?

In most cases, restoration is the better choice when the wood is structurally sound. Original windows built with old-growth lumber are denser and more durable than modern replacements. Have a contractor who specializes in restoration assess the wood condition before you commit to a replacement purchase.

How long does a window restoration project take?

Timeline depends on the number of windows and the extent of damage. A single window with minor rot and failed glazing can be restored in a day or two. A whole-home project with extensive sash repair may take several weeks. H. J. Holtz & Son provides a clear timeline with every estimate so you know what to expect before work begins.

Is it safe to restore windows that have lead paint?

Yes, when the work is performed by a contractor who follows EPA lead-safe work practices. Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint on window components. Proper containment, dust control, and disposal procedures protect your household during the project. This is standard protocol for any reputable contractor working on older Central Virginia homes.

Will restored windows be as energy efficient as new replacements?

Restored wood windows with proper weatherstripping and a well-fitted storm window can match or approach the thermal performance of many replacement units. The restored sash combined with an exterior storm window creates a dead-air insulating space that performs well through Virginia’s full range of seasonal temperatures.

Peeling paint, stuck sash, and drafts around the frame can make your original windows look like a problem that only replacement can solve. Accepting that at face value means pulling out old-growth wood that no modern material can match and paying more for a product with a shorter lifespan. With proper window restoration in Richmond, VA, your original windows can keep performing for decades to come.

H. J. Holtz & Son has restored, repaired, and repainted windows on some of Central Virginia’s finest older homes since 1936. If you are weighing a replacement bid against restoration, our team can assess what your windows actually need and give you an honest answer. Call us at (804) 358-4109 or request your free, no-obligation estimate.

Putting Your House’s Best Face Forward

Putting Your House’s Best Face Forward

by | Apr 16, 2024 | Historic Restoration, Carpentry Services, Residential Painting

Every year, the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week in Virginia demonstrates the power of “curb appeal” – the term often used to refer to the aesthetics of a property’s exterior. H.J. Holtz & Son understands the importance of that initial impression.

“There’s so much to think about outside,” says company President Rick Holtz. “Shutters, windows, trim, and doors – these are all obvious. But you also have fences, railings, porches, benches, even outbuildings. Sometimes, homeowners don’t consider those elements, because they’re so focused on the inside, but that’s what people see first.”

For 2024’s tour, Holz & Son worked at 4601 Lilac Lane, where on April 23 ticket-holders will be able to tour nearly four acres of garden and farm, tucked inside Richmond’s city limits. The homeowners, longtime Holtz clients, had the company repaint shutters and doors as well as paint the entire pool house. Tour participants on April 25 will be able to see 109 Nottingham Road, which has a fresh, Holtz-painted front door covered in a Fine Paints of Europe coating.

Not everyone has a house that will someday be featured on a Historic Garden Week tour, but an exterior assessment to take stock of what might need a refresh is recommended at least once a year. Outdoor surfaces are subjected to greater wear and tear than indoor spaces, thanks to the effects of sun, wind, precipitation, and even bugs and wildlife. With an in-house carpentry division, Holtz & Son is often able to repair or replace damaged wood, so a separate contractor isn’t necessary. 

“In the past, we’ve rebuilt an entire gazebo, and we regularly fix railing posts and fences,” Holtz says. “Our carpentry team works both on-site and in our new expanded shop, which allows them to manage multiple jobs at a time with greater efficiency.”

To schedule an evaluation of your home’s exterior, call H.J. Holtz & Son, 804-358-4109.

Sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia, Historic Garden Week dates to 1929, when it began as a way to raise money for historic Kenmore, the Fredericksburg home of Betty Washington Lewis, George Washington’s sister. Funds raised support the ongoing restoration and preservation of Virginia’s historic public gardens and landscapes across the state as well as a research fellowship program in landscape architecture. 

For more information about Historic Garden Week or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.vagardenweek.org/.

Historic Garden Week Comes to Richmond April 23,24,25

Historic Garden Week Comes to Richmond April 23,24,25

by | Apr 4, 2024 | Historic Restoration, Furniture and Cabinetry, Residential Painting

The spectacular properties featured during Historic Garden Week have been prepped for a year or more for their time in the spotlight. Participating homeowners know that hundreds of people are eager to see meticulous gardens and plantings as well as pristine interiors filled with floral arrangements created by the state’s garden club members. Nearly every year, H.J. Holtz and Son helps to ensure those spaces look their best by providing interior painting, exterior painting, custom cabinetry, and cabinetry painting. 

“We’re always happy to assist an existing or new client who’s getting their house ready for the tour,” says company president Rick Holtz. “Sometimes, it’s a small project, like painting the front door and shutters, but other times, the homeowner realizes that they want a full interior refresh.”

Timing is everything when it comes to getting ready for a big event, whether it’s Historic Garden Week, or any special event. “We always encourage people to call us as soon as they have a date in mind,” Holtz says. “Our calendar typically fills quickly, but we want to help repeat customers when we can, and sometimes we have an unexpected opening. And we’re diligent to make sure we hit deadlines.” 

Crews have been hard at work for weeks to ensure Holtz client homes are ready for this year’s Richmond dates: Tuesday, April 23, in Windsor Farms-Nottingham; Wednesday, April 24, in River Hill; and Thursday, April 25, in Windsor Farms-Coventry. Visitors will see Holtz handiwork in homes on both the April 23 and 25 tours.

Tuesday, April 23

Windsor Farms – hosting two tours this year – was envisioned in the early 1920s as an upscale residential neighborhood away from the grittiness of the city. Designed in an English garden style popular at the time, the carefully plotted area features many historic homes that have been thoughtfully modernized. 

At 209 Nottingham Road, Holtz & Son team members painted cabinets in advance of Historic Garden Week for a new client. At 4601 Lilac Lane, where only the exterior gardens are open for the tour, the Holtz team did exterior painting on the pool house and main residence shutters and doors.

Thursday, April 25

On this second day in Windsor Farms, visitors will encounter varied architectural styles, including English Tudor, Storybook or Cotswold, and European Revival.

At 4300 Dover Road, Holtz team members painted both the dining and living rooms as well as two interior fireboxes with high heat paint. At 4500 Coventry Road, the team hung new wallpaper in the den and painted several chairs in the shop. Projects at 109 Nottingham Road included painting the front door, crown moldings, windows and trim. Holtz craftspeople also installed wallpaper in both the living room and family room, and painted in those rooms as well. The living room also features a Holtz Built cabinet.

Sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia, Historic Garden Week dates to 1929, when it began as a way to raise money for historic Kenmore, the Fredericksburg home of Betty Washington Lewis, George Washington’s sister. Since then, the tour has been canceled only twice: once during World War II and in 2020, due to the COVID pandemic. Funds raised support the ongoing restoration and preservation of Virginia’s historic public gardens and landscapes across the state as well as a research fellowship program in landscape architecture. 

For more information about Historic Garden Week or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.vagardenweek.org/.

Fresh Home for New Organ at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

Fresh Home for New Organ at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

by | Mar 19, 2024 | Historic Restoration, INTERIOR PAINTING

The H.J. Holtz & Son team believes that every structure, no matter what its use or purpose, deserves to be cared for and painted well. So when officials from Richmond’s Cathedral of the Sacred Heart called with a significant painting and restoration need, it was easy to say “Yes.”

The company recently repainted theMhistoric church’s choir loft, a commanding space that overlooks the sanctuary below. Soon, a new organ from Canada-based Juget-Sinclair Organbuilders of Montreal  will be installed, and the church wanted the space to be ready.

“We learned a lesson” years ago, after flaking ceiling paint threatened to damage the pipes of another Juget-Sinclair organ at the front of the church, says John Marike, the church’s facilities manager. To remedy that problem, the organ manufacturer added fine wire mesh coverings to the pipe openings.

Seeking to avoid a similar post-installation fix for the new organ at the rear of the sanctuary, church administration hired H.J. Holtz & Son following a competitive bid process. Using a framework constructed by Scaffolding Solutions to reach every inch of the curved ceiling – which peaks 34 feet above the balcony floor – up to five Holtz team members could work at the same time. The team repainted the loft’s plaster walls and ceiling, and also repainted the wood of the choir loft railing, banisters and half the wall paneling.

Selecting colors for the choir loft was a critical element of the job, as they needed to match the remainder of the sanctuary, which will be repainted in the future, Marike says. The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is more than 100 years old; it’s recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. With an Italian Renaissance Revival style, the cathedral’s interior is impressively ornate. Its soaring ceiling has many architectural elements for visual interest – rosettes, scrolls, faux mirrors, etc. And there are multiple paint colors, including a shiny faux gold leaf, for added impact.

“The Holtz team’s attention to detail was great,” Marike says. “The colors were so hard to match, and they really worked hard to get them right.”

Marike credits the team’s determination to stay on schedule, even with interruptions for regular midday church services and funerals that naturally occur without much warning.

“Even with interruptions, they still managed to finish ahead of schedule,” he says.

Next up on the schedule: the new organ!