Past/Current Projects
c. 1693/1745 Hills House - East Hartford, Connecticut and Savannah, Georgia:
Originally built for Lt. Jonathan Hills and his wife Dorothy Hale on the banks of the Connecticut River. This significant First Period/Georgian "mansion house" had been left vacant for several years and was in imminent threat of demolition. The multi-year moving of the Hills House included every facet of restoration included but not limited to timber frame repairs, rebuilding of the center chimney including two original beehive bake ovens, re lathing the entirety of the house and re plastering using original "two coat" lime and sand plaster with lime wash finish, recreation of lost exterior millwork, new bathrooms, kitchen, electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC, transforming it into a livable home and Inn business.
c. 1750-1776 Wallace House - Somerville, New Jersey:
The Wallace House is a Georgian style historic house, which served as the headquarters of General George Washington during the second Middlebrook encampment (1778–79). Michiel and Peter along Annabelle Radcliffe-Trenner, a premier Preservation Architect in the Mid-Atlantic Area, were brought in to help the state of New Jersey with the exterior restoration of the house. Michiel and Peter are actively working alongside the trades people responsible for the project on appropriate exterior finishes and how to affectively execute them.
c. 1791 & earlier "The Castle" Squire Benjamin Bosworth House - Eastford, Connecticut:
The Castle as it is affectionately known as in the "Quiet Corner" of Connecticut is a fantastic example of a transitional Georgian/Federal Mansion house. Squire Bosworth acquired the land and an existing "Dwelling House" in 1791. Bosworth made substantial improvements and the house as it is today reflects his status as a wealthy merchant. The house is notable for its form and exuberant interior woodwork that has a distinct local vernacular flair. The monitor roof, one of only a handful in the state, was used as a Masonic Lodge. The first documented meeting occurred in the winter of 1801. Michiel and Peter were hired by the owners to perform a detailed Case Study in how to properly preserve/restore a historic structure from every aspect. Using old probate records and historical documents, Michiel and Peter will help the owners furnish the building with period appropriate pieces.
c. 1822 St. George's Greek Orthodox Church, Philadelphia, PA:
St. George's Church was designed by renowned English-born and trained architect, John Haviland. Construction began in 1822 with this Greek Revival design which is noted for its Ionic front modeled on the Temple of Bacchus at Teos. Originally built as an Episcopal Church, St. Andrew's, this church has undergone some ill informed exterior restoration of the years. Michiel and Peter are actively working alongside the trades people responsible for the project on appropriate exterior finishes and how to affectively execute them.
c. 1840s Greek Revival Cottage, Middletown, CT:
Originally built as a single family home, this simple cottage has now been turned into a two unit dwelling. The current owner asked Michiel and Peter to help advise on proper techniques to restore the extant woodwork. All of which was scraped to the bare wood and necessary repairs were made. After repairs, the woodwork was painted with historically appropriate Linseed Oil Paint by Brouns and Co. A training session was also provided to help the crew fully understand how to use the correct building materials.
c. 1871 Second Empire Townhouse – Savannnah, GA:
Originally built for two sisters in the famed Forsyth Park area of Savannah, it had fallen on hard times and was in need of a major exterior restoration. Michiel and Peter launched a full scale effort to bring this 3 story townhouse back to its former glory. All the original Heart Pine mouldings, clapboards, exterior doors, window sash and slate roof were meticulously restored. All extant woodwork was scraped to the bare wood and necessary repairs were made at this time. After repairs, the woodwork was painted with historically appropriate Linseed Oil Paint by Brouns and Co.
c. 1884 Italianate Mansion – Savannah, Georgia:
Originally built for William Nichols, one of the leading printers in Savannah at the time. This grand Italianate Mansion in the heart of the Historic District of Savannah had seen many alterations over the years due to its use as a community center and apartments. Peter has since spent several years slowly undoing what changes had been done by previous tenants and owners. Work done on site includes window, floor, front porch and masonry restoration.
