A CITY A WEEK AND WHY...WASHINGTON, DC

This week we welcome our first guest blogger 

Benjamin Briggs, Executive Director of Preservation Greensboro, Inc.

As a preservationist, I enjoy looking for parallels and patterns when imaging our architecture-themed travels.  As Executive Director of Preservation Greensboro, I am lucky to be able to start with our own local landmark. Preservation Greensboro’s offices here in North Carolina are housed in Blandwood Mansion.  Designed in 1844 by A.J. Davis, Blandwood is believed to be the oldest extant example of the Italian Villa Style of architecture in the United States. This provides a direct comparison with Tudor Place, pictured here.  Located in the heart of the Georgetown, Tudor Place was built in 1816 for a granddaughter of Martha Washington. Like Blandwood, the house illustrates a Palladian-inspired tripartite form. Unlike Blandwood’s Italianate style, Tudor Place’s architect William Thornton was inspired by the Federal style, articulated by the domed Temple Portico in the spot where Blandwood’s Tuscan Tower stands. 
I look forward to exploring this and other fascinating architectural themes on our trip to Washington DC!

                                                         

                                                                                                             Benjamin Briggs

Benjamin will be our resident expert on the upcoming trip to Washington DC, June 5th through the 8th.  
CLICK HERE for itinerary and reservations instructions.  

...and check back here next week for 'Why DC PART II'...