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By Janet Abbott Fast Placemats and pizza created the setting for restoration architects, a structural engineer and contractor to brainstorm saving Richmond County’s historical Menokin. Emergency stabilization, temporary supports, scaffolding and decks were drawn and re-drawn during a lunch break last Wednesday. The foundation selected Quinn Evans architects for the task. The team, charged with stabilization and restoration of Menokin, includes architects Baird Smith, Gordon Bingaman, structural engineer Denis McMullan and contractor Hank Handler. Northern Neck Electric donated a truck with a bucket and their employee David Thomas to elevate folks to heights above the Menokin rubble. ![]() Rubble, viewed from the bucket, was strewn on the first and second floors. The thousand pound roof was a source of concern. “I’m worried about the wind whipping the roof,” said a concerned team member. “We need to come up with a way to save it,” said Smith. “We need emergency stabilization,” pointing out a massive 12-inch by 16-inch wood beam nearly rotted and gone. “We have to find a way to temporarily support it so it doesn’t get worse.” ![]() Foundation board member Hugh Miller said, “It would be great if you didn’t have to disturb the debris.” King said he expects an archeological team come in also. ![]() “We need to think where we want to be ultimately,” said Miller. “And do no damage. Inevitably we’re going to have to move stuff—rubble,” added King. Handler suggested part of the specifications to the scaffolding contractor include staying off the rubble. ![]() A few minutes later priorities were set by phases. Primary is to retard collapse of the wall, which is different from stabilization, said Smith. “I can see the outside frame becoming an engineering structure. It takes time and we have to work with the archeologists. Think we can count on those chimneys,” Smith continued. “Put a harness on it?” ![]() Menokin, home of Frances Lightfoot Lee, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Rebecca Tayloe, will be part of Richmond County Garden Week tour. ![]() ![]() Additional information about Menokin today is available at http://www.menokin.org/ http://www.vagardenweek.org/
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