Address:
State Route 53
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Owner:
Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation
State Route 53
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Completion Date: 1993
Thomas
Jefferson began building his beloved Monticello in 1769; a project that
was to span more than forty years. The first Monticello, a Palladian cruciform-shaped
building, was left incomplete at Jefferson's departure to Paris in 1784.
On his return in 1789, he rebuilt Monticello to conform with ideas derived
from the avant-garde buildings he was exposed to in France. Parisian features
such as skylights, bed alcoves, triple-sash windows, and the first dome
ever constructed over a private residence in America graced the newly
expanded structure. Jefferson continued to modify his "architectural laboratory"
until his death in 1826.
An Historic Structure Report (HSR) was prepared that focused on various historical assemblies used on the roof and its chronological development. This information was used to prepare contract documents for the subsequent restoration of the roof which included reconstruction of the entire balustrade, installation of Jefferson designed tin-coated metal roof shingles, application of lead roofing on the dome and roof perimeter, rebuilding of chimneys, and reconstruction of thirteen skylights to conform with Jefferson's designs.
Concurrent
with the roof project, a separate HRS was prepared for the entire house
and its outbuildings. The report included a chronological history of the
building, documentation of existing conditions, problems of repair, and
recommendations for restoration of the house and reinstallation of missing
features.