The Miller's Hill Project
What’s It All About?
The Miller’s Hill project involves revitalizing 17 of the 20 homes on the 400 block of Day Avenue in Roanoke, Virginia. When post World War II depreciation and folks moving to the “new suburbia” had led to the fraying of the neighborhood’s fabric, many Day Avenue homes were bought by investors for rental potential. The large, open floor plans of these homes gave way to multi-unit partitions in an effort the maximize rental income. Now, the goal of the Miller’s Hill project is to preserve the historic character of the homes, transforming each one back into a single-family dwelling, and to help to re-knit the fabric of the neighborhood.
Thorough Renovation
Each of the Miller’s Hill homes is being thoroughly overhauled. Infirm or inadequate portions of each home’s internal and external structure are being replaced. Electrical and plumbing systems are also being replaced. In addition, the homes are being equipped with energy-saving features including Energy Star rated appliances and light fixtures, spray foam insulation, insulated glass in the windows and hot water recirculation pumps.
Sensitive Renovation
The revitalization of each home is being accomplished with sensitivity and deference to the past. The original floor plans of the main, more public, rooms of each house are being retained. Original trim and other architectural elements in the house are carefully removed, repaired and/or refinished, and then replaced as the renovation progresses. Further, where possible, key architectural elements that are missing (such as fire place mantles or porch columns) are replaced with period appropriate antiques or reproductions.
Stylish Renovation
Inside these 100 year old homes you will find a stylish blend of the old and new. State- of-the-art amenities will enable you to experience all the comforts of a new home. The kitchens are being designed with granite countertops, custom-made solid wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and ceramic tile floors. The ample master baths include separate showers and tubs, and dual-flush toilets. Fireplaces are being fitted to accept gas-fired logs.
Boyd Photography
How It Came To Be
In 2005, the owner of 17 of the 20 houses on the 400 block of Day Avenue in Roanoke City, Virginia, gave the houses to the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority in return for the housing authority agreeing to pay $344,000 in outstanding debt on the houses. Recognizing an ideal opportunity to strengthen this portion of the Old Southwest neighborhood, the Housing Authority, in association with Breakell Inc., Hill Studio, Roanoke City, MKB Realtors, and four lenders (VHDA, FNB Corp, First Citizens and BB&T) began the process of converting the houses back into single-family homes. The hill upon which the block is perched had once been called Miller’s Hill. Thus, the housing authority’s project became known as the Miller’s Hill project.
