Newport News Harwood House Restoration Update

First published on March 13, 2017 at 9:43 AM by City of Newport News Communications Department

In late 2015 the Newport News City Council accepted The Harwood House at 5400 Huntington Avenue as part of its inventory of historic properties. Since then, Parks, Recreation and Tourism’s Historic Services Division has been working with the nonprofit One City Historical Foundation to develop a master plan and raise funds for its renovation. 
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One element of immediate concern was the stained glass. When constructed in 1900, the residence featured five magnificent stained glass windows – the most of any house in North End. A square one greeted guests in the foyer, two fan-shaped ones accented the 54th Street approach, one was in the bathroom and a bejeweled oval beauty was part of the master bedroom suite. 

Last year, The Harwood House was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Newport News Cultural Attractions Fund to repair the stained glass windows. Although the windows were thoroughly cleaned, flattened and relined in 2007 under the stewardship of then owner Mary Kayaselcuk, by 2016 vandalism combined with intense summer heat had imperiled them again. Most critical was the one facing Huntington Avenue. 

The firm of Goldkuhle Studios of Hanover, Va. was contracted by the city to perform the exacting work. The firm removed the windows last summer for repair. Flattening, replacing missing glass and re-leading is a painstakingly slow and cautious process; however, by spring the windows should again hold pride of place. 

For those interested in knowing more or getting involved with the effort to revitalize The Harwood House, call 757- 525-7372 or visit One City Historical Foundation on Facebook.

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