Preserving the past, honoring the future

By Wagner Roofing.

A historic home receives long-overdue recognition for its resilience, craftsmanship and meticulous restoration.

A house that once stood in the shadow of the American Revolution now stands as a testament to centuries of history, craftsmanship and meticulous preservation. The Murray-Dick-Fawcett House, one of Alexandria’s oldest and most unaltered residential structures, recently received the prestigious Virginia Historic Preservation Award — an honor that represents the power of careful restoration and historical research. With the combined expertise of Oak Grove Restoration and Wagner Roofing, this landmark has been revived with an eye for authenticity, ensuring its story endures for generations to come.

The Murray-Dick-Fawcett House at 517 Prince Street, Alexandria, Virginia is one of the earliest homes in the city and one of Old Town Alexandria’s oldest and least altered existing residential structures still standing. The small city lot, which contains a 1770s timber-frame and brick dwelling and a small garden, was one of the few buildings in existence in the area during the American Revolution. The building has been recognized as a unique architectural example of a middle-class home that had all household functions under one roof with minimal changes through the decades. The property was acquired by the City of Alexandria in 2017.

The property, dating back to George Washington’s era, underwent a multi-year, two-phase historic exterior restoration project beginning in 2021.

Before any work began, archival research and field investigation were combined to understand the site’s physical and social history. Deeds, fire insurance maps, family photos and ledger entries were combined with close inspection of the materials in the field, dendrochronology and laboratory paint analysis.

Original article and photo source: Wagner Roofing