Four University-owned buildings were added to the Virginia Landmarks Register last month when the Virginia Department of Historic resources issued registers to University-owned properties Birdwood, Montebello and Sunnyside.
Montebello was constructed by John M. Perry, who worked on the enlargement of Monticello, among other projects, with Thomas Jefferson. He erected the building in 1820 on land Perry had held since 1814.
Sunnyside was the boyhood home of R.T.W. Duke, Jr. from 1863 until 1884. The home originally was made of log, consisting of two rooms, but was later enlarged in the 1850s. The enlargement also included redesign in the Gothic Revival style.
Birdwood, a plantation home once owned by planter William Garth, was constructed in 1819 by the same craftsmen who Jefferson hired to construct the University, director of development for the Center of Politics, Doug Trout said.
The Center for Politics plans to move into the Birdwood mansion, which is located on Route 250.
The Birdwood Pavilion was constructed with an appearance much like that of original University buildings.
"Birdwood has striking similarities to the Pavilions," Trout said.
The University has plans for future usage for the more than 200-year-old property located on more than 20 acres overlooking the Ragged Mountains.
The property, which has been vacant since 1996, will be restored and renovated at a total estimated cost of $8 million, the Center announced in April. The property will serve as conference space for staff and visiting scholars, as well as the Center's office.
Birdwood's politically-linked beginnings influenced the decision to use the building for the Center.
"Those ties to Jefferson and to the University make it the perfect setting for the Center," he said.
University spokesperson Carol Wood agreed that the building is significant to University history.
Another Central property, Gum Creek in Fluvanna County, was among the 18 sites added to the register this week. The already-registered historic Skyline Drive District also was extended by the department. That historical district now includes Skyland, Lewis Mountain and Big Meadows in the Shenandoah National Park.
Skyland is home to George F. Pollock, Jr.'s 19th century summer home, now a public lodging. Big Meadows is home to a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corp constructed lodge.
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