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Commission approves timber-frame pavilion, restrooms and site access at Point Of Honor
Summary
The Lynchburg Historic Preservation Commission approved plans for a timber-frame pavilion, two restroom dependencies, pathway access and minor site work at Point Of Honor (112 Cabell) after the museum and architect described designs focused on accessibility and discreet placement on the grounds.
The Lynchburg Historic Preservation Commission on a voice vote approved a submission from Atelier 11 Architecture and Lynchburg City Museums to add a timber-frame pavilion, two small restroom dependencies and site-access improvements at Point Of Honor, 112 Cabell St.
The museum’s director, Ted Delaney, said the project stems from a decade-long campaign to “improve the facilities and the structures at Point Of Honor” to make the site “more user friendly, accessible, and just have more activity at this place.” Architect Lauren Dionys of Atelier 11 described the design as an open, heavy-timber pavilion sited inside existing stone paddock walls, with two small outbuildings for restroom facilities and a discreet connector to the carriage-house visitor center.
Dionys said the pavilion will be oriented to preserve sightlines to the main historic house and to be largely hidden from primary vistas: “We were very careful. … you barely can see this because there’s a whole cluster of trees here which nicely frame,” she said. She described the pavilion structure as heavy timber with exposed post-and-beam framing intended to be both durable and visually instructive; commissioners heard the project will use substantial timbers (the design calls for roughly 10-by-10-posts) and a roof pitch rendered at roughly 12:12 for proportion.
Dionys said the design includes an on-grade ADA path from an upper parking area to the visitor center and pavilion, and two small restroom “dependencies” with board-and-batten siding to read as historic outbuildings. Delaney said the changes aim to increase year-round programming and prevent cancellations of outdoor events when weather would otherwise force cancellations.
Commissioners asked questions about exterior materials, doors, hardware and window types; Dionys said doors would be painted fiberglass with historic-profile hardware and that windows would be insulated, clad simulated-divided-light products (Marvin or Andersen series). Dionys also discussed fire-safety code allowances for heavy timber.
A commissioner moved to approve the submitted plans; the motion was seconded and passed on an oral “aye” vote. Dionys and Delaney thanked the commission.
The museum and architect will follow up with the commission staff on final material selections and details required by the commission’s standards.
