Richmond Gets Some TLC
As I type this we’re watching a historic Richmond home undergo a dramatic restoration. TLC is airing a special episode of their “Flip That House” series (the first of its kind) called “Flip It Back.” The hour-long special documents the historic renovation of a 19th-century folk victorian duplex in good ol’ Richmond, Virginia.
When the flipper bought it in 1999 it was only $11,000… and a crack house that was littered with “needles, condoms and porn” according to this article. Don’t worry, the drug den is nowhere near our ‘hood, it’s closer downtown in an area called Union Hill that, according to this show, has the largest collection of folk victorians in the US. If that matters to any of you…
Anyway, historic renovation isn’t usually our cup of tea, but it’s actually really fascinating – and of course it’s fun seeing our hometown on TV. They chose to feature a Richmond restoration since the city is seeing a big trend in reclaiming and rebuilding hundred+ year old homes. In fact, Bon Air, our cute and quaint neighborhood also features many old victorian homes from the late 1800s.
I’m missing the final walk-through of the restoration so I gotta finish typing. But if you’re interested in catching a house flipping show with a historic twist – or just want to get a taste of Richmond – here’s a link to future show times.
Image courtesy of Church Hill People’s News
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Hello. This comment isn’t specific to this particular post, but rather to your whole blog. As someone who doesn’t look forward to remodeling or big home projects, it’s interesting to read pages from people who seem to enjoy sprucing up their home. From what I’ve seen on your nicely organized blog, you folks have done a great job with your home. Congratulations.
I might blush. Thanks for the kind note. We’re really excited that people seem to enjoy our daily adventures. Stay tuned for more sprucing…
Sherry
Great show!! Congrats.
What was the name of the company that supplied your vintage reproduction lights and switches??
Dave
Hey Dave,
I appreciate the congrats but they may be misdirected. We aren’t the renovationist / flipper featured in the show, just fans from his hometown. So, unfortunately, I can’t begin to tell you who he used to supply his vintage lights and switches. His name is Gable Painter and he owns GP Renovations here in Richmond, VA so you may be able to google his contact info.
Good luck and thanks anyways!
-John
I purchased the light fixtures at Rejuvination. They are amazing, they have complete series on every era of American architecture. They have a huge catalog of products and they have a very accessible website. My company is called GP Restoration. By the way, not to be snotty, but Restorationists are a whole other breed than flippers (more hard core).
Thanks for fielding the question, Gable! And more thanks for earning Richmond some quality exposure. I recall you making the distinction between restorationists and flippers on the show, but couldn’t remember well enough to articulate it here – so I’m glad you clarified. We definitely saw how more hardcore you were. Let us know if you’re up to anything else exciting.
-John
I am, I’m trying to get a series. Currently talking to other production companies. I have 4 other victorian shells lined up. For the most part they are more exciting than the one we did the show about. If you would like to help I have few things a blogger could do.
Hello! I would love to see more of your work. Do you ever do any work in Staunton, VA. I am relocating there and have been struck by all the possibilites for restoration. Also, if you get your own series, I would love to help out in any way possible!
Glad to hear a series and more projects are in the work, Gable. I just shot you an e-mail offering some assistance so let me know if you don’t get it.
Also, sounds like some others are interested in being in touch with you, so feel free to post your e-mail or website for them here.
Thanks,
John
Hi Gable! I saw the show and I thought it was great! Do you only do restorations in the Richmond area? i would be happy to help out, too!
Hi Gable Painter! Your show was a “hit” in my neighborhood of Sanford, NC. And we all chatted online in our neighborhood forum how fun it was to see a more preservation minded renovation program, and to identify with many of the challenges you faced.
It’s too bad that the program only has one episode.
Also, there is a thread on oldhouseweb.com that is discussing your show, and a poster named “GP” is responding as the contractor(you) featured in the show. Perhaps you both are one and the same, but just in case that isn’t the case, I thought I’d provide you the link so you can chime in.
http://www.oldhouseweb.com/newBB/topic-12658.shtml
Thanks again for the entertaining and refreshing show. We’re all hoping for more.
Cheers!
Al
Gable,
My girlfriend and I are watching your restoration on TLC right now in awe. We are both familiar with the home restoration process as our families have historical properties in the area surrounding Richmond. I am working for a landscape architecture firm here in town mostly doing new construction because that is where the market prevails but i am very interested in beginning a dialogue with you about possibly collaborating in the future. We are very interested in the direction things are going in Richmond and feel like we are in a position to help promote the restoration and rejuvination of our old historical districts. Additionally my firm is in the process of becomming LEED certified and have a direct connection to green and renewable resources.
It is great to see someone with the resources to take on projects like this in this great old town. e-mail me when you get a chance.
Drew
Hi! Gable,
Love to see someone who loves the old architecture. So many people just want to tear it down and make it modern. Thanks for keeping the beauty and charm of our history alive. Sure hope you get your own show.
Where did you purchase the bathroom tile?
Jenna
Hello Gable:
I loved the show and hope you do get a series! I aspire to restore an old farm house one day. Great to see you dumpster diving and saving those architectural elements from being thrown away…good work!
Laura
Dr. Painter,
I think we might be dating the same women Gable…(nice comparison on the newel post)
As a GC in the greater Detroit area, I can say with confidence I’ve likely got a pound of plaster dust and blown-in insulation permanently deposited….somewhere inside me.
People ask me why it is I/we do what we do in renovating old houses, and in doing remodeling work in general…I’m not sure if the general audience picked it up, but I could see it in your eyes when you were finished…sweeping up and showing the finished project to your realtor…it’s the satisfaction of standing back and looking at the finished work…knowing you’ve brought something back to life…right?
Curious if you sold those units? There was a time. we had buyers outbidding each other for our finished projects…not so in this market, but, then again, it’s definately a buyers’ market.
Keep up the good work…if you get in over your head when you hit it big, we got your back…have trailer, will travel.
Christopher
Artisan Home Improvement
saymmm3x@aol.com
Well, it appears we have crowned a new folk hero.
I was very impressed with GP’s Union Hill project.
It is a great joy to see someone put their blood and sweat into a forgotten eyesore.
I hope we can see more programs featuring period correct restorations.
Hello! saw the show..that it was great! Like to see more. I have a listing in Old Catonsville, MD.
Would love for you to see it.
You featured a mill on your show that did reprodictions and/or repaired. I can’t seem to find that link. Can you tell me what it is?
Mr. Painter,
Congrats on a fantastic show. I thought it was a series…I really hope you do get pickup by one of the networks. You are truely talented & fun to watch. I look forward to see you on the tube in the near future.
Good Luck!
Y
I think Gable Painter of GP Restoration is so HOT & Very SEXY; why dont you do a show on you; I would love to see that…
If you would like to see more shows of me fixing up old house please contact http://www.actualreality.tv and leave your comments. or TLC or both
Mr.Painter
I am a painting and repair contractor.I have purchaes and renovated 20 homes in montgomery,al.I also do historic restorations.Do you charge by the hour to restore,or by job.And where can I get info on all the wood fillers you use and the wallpaper you have made and all hardware you purchase.Do you have a list available.-thanks
Caught the programme whilst visiting Montréal recently, loved the programme and the total enthusiasm on the project.
Will be looking to find similar solutions for further projects l’m involved in here in France, Europe.