The University Board of Visitors’s Building and Grounds Committee voted to approve the proposed restoration of Pavilion X and two Lawn rooms in its vicinity yesterday. University Architect David Neuman said the proposed changes, scheduled to begin in spring 2009, are the result of thorough research and will help restore the building to its original condition that existed until the 1890s.
Some alterations to the pavilion were made in past years because of water damage or the addition of modern accommodations, Senior Historic Preservation Planner Brian Hogg said. A study was undertaken to ascertain the original design of Pavilion X and the two student rooms, Neuman added. The results of the study outlined several items to consider for the planned restoration.
Among the preliminary recommendations for the restoration of Pavilion X are the restoration of the attic parapet, which involves the construction of a timber frame, according to the report released by the architect’s office. The parapet originally stood on top of the pavilion, but the roof was modified after leakage was discovered more than 100 years ago, Hogg said.
The report also states that it might be beneficial to remove the south elliptical windows because they were installed in a “somewhat crude manner” and because they “alter the original fenestration pattern in an unhappy way.” The report also notes, however, that removing the windows in this manner would eliminate natural light from entering the stair hall unless portions of the addition are removed to let light in.
The appearance of the columns outside will also be changed by the restoration efforts. Neuman and Hogg said all of the pavilion’s woodwork and columns will be restored to their original color.
“There will be a subtle difference in color,” Neuman said, noting that the paint will be a slightly off-white color, as opposed to the much brighter “white-white paint” now in use. He said the brighter white color could not be made in the 1820s and is thus anachronistic in nature.
University Board of Visitors member Susan Dorsey initially questioned the difference in color between the current Lawn buildings and the proposed renovation of Pavilion X. Neuman acknowledged that a difference will exist and also emphasized that all of the proposed changes will be fully reversible.
Hogg, meanwhile, noted that though there will be a noticeable contrast between Pavilion X and the other Lawn structures, the changes will hopefully begin a furthered conversation about Jeffersonian architecture and the Lawn in general.
“It was all unified originally, and it should be unified over time,” Hogg said. “Having it be patchwork would be wrong, but what we are trying to show is the original appearance, and ... it’s a prototype for a discussion.”
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