LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Owners of Selma Mansion, Sharon D. Virts and Scott F. Miller, today announced their restoration project – Selma Mansion Rebirth -- has been awarded a 2016 Community Blue Ribbon by the Loudoun County Joint Architectural Review Board (JARB). Virts and Miller accepted the award with project Architect Wylie R. Cooke, an expert with more than 40 years of renovation, restoration and preservation expertise in historical structures and Selma site photographer/historian, Rick Martin, at the Loudoun Preservation Society (LPS) Awards Reception and Gala held on September 15 in Leesburg, Virginia.
“On behalf of the entire Selma Rebirth restoration team, Sharon and I along with Wylie and Rick, are honored to accept this noteworthy recognition,” said Miller. “We look forward to completing the restoration and in the interim, sharing our progress.”
Selma Mansion and surrounding property, located in Loudoun County, is best known as the residence of Armistead Mason, nephew of George Mason, in the early 1800’s. Owned by various families since then, the home fell into disrepair starting in late 1990 until early this year when Virts and Miller purchased the property. The award was given in recognition of the extensive and ongoing documentation of the restoration of Selma Mansion and the dedication to include the Loudoun County community throughout the project.
“As Loudoun County residents and business owners, Scott and I believe that sharing Selma Mansion’s incredibly fulfilling and challenging rebirth is an opportunity to spotlight the County’s historical significance and culture,” said Virts. “Loudoun has been very good to us and we hope that by documenting and sharing the restoration project with the public, it underscores the duty we all share in preserving the past while promoting the future.”
The public/private partnership between JARB and LPS underscores the distinct and important contribution citizens and organizations make in the preservation of community identity and the enhancement of heritage tourism and education in Loudoun County.
“The JARB commends Sharon and Scott for this enormous undertaking to not only rescue the Selma Mansion but restore it to its original glorious splendor and preserve an important piece of Loudoun’s history,” said Lauren Murphy, a preservation planner for Loudoun County Department of Planning & Zoning and JARB staff member. “Their Selma Mansion Rebirth project continues to highlight the importance of preservation for our community and the County is eternally grateful for their decision and attention to detail of the property’s rich architectural detail, its historical and educational significance and the preservation of land in the Commonwealth on top of the significant investment they have undertaken.”
Upon completion of the restoration, Virts and Miller intend to make Selma their private residence as well as hold fundraising events for the Sharon D. Virts Foundation. In August, Virts launched her non-profit family foundation from the steps of Selma and presented a grant to The Land Trust of Virginia to reflect one of the foundation’s core missions -- assisting with historical and cultural preservation.
About Selma Mansion
Selma Mansion is a historic property dating to the 1700’s and is located in Loudoun County, Virginia. The former plantation home of Armistead Mason, nephew of founding father George Mason, was rebuilt in the early 1900’s by E.B. White. Left virtually abandoned for nearly two decades, Sharon D. Virts and Scott F. Miller rescued the long neglected mansion and began a multi-year restoration project, a move hailed by preservationists. For more information on Selma Mansion, visit: www.selmamansionrebirth.com or facebook.com/SelmaMansionRebirth2/
About The Sharon D. Virts Foundation
The Sharon D. Virts Foundation was created to support what Founder Sharon Virts refers to as the pillars of a thriving community: Education, Culture, Health and Opportunity Development, particularly in economically depressed and rural communities. The Foundation’s initial focus is on Loudoun County as it executes its multifaceted mission to reinforce cultural significance and assist in the preservation of historical sites; ignite initiatives that fuel business and economic growth; strengthen and enhance access to healthcare facilities available to the community; encourage and bolster educational institutions for economically disadvantaged students and mentor and develop the next generation of up and coming leaders. For more information on the Sharon D. Virts Foundation or grant information, please visit: www.sharondvirtsfoundation.org or email: info@sharondvirtsfoundation.org
