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Project Title: Repair Rightmier House (FFS #R5GA)
State: Virginia
Project Description: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge received funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to make structural repairs and energy-efficient improvements to a former residence on Refuge property along Sandbridge Road. The Refuge will move its offices, currently located a distance from the city, into the rehabilitated in-town facility in 2010 to better service visitors and the community, according to Jared Brandwein, Refuge Manager.
The Recovery Act will enable a number of improvements to the former Sandbridge Road residence, named the “Rightmier House” for the locally famous architect who designed the building. The work will entail weatherproofing and stabilizing its exterior by replacing the roof and cedar siding, windows, and doors; replacing the building’s heating and cooling systems; providing accessible ramps and restrooms required for public buildings; and other improvements.
TTR, LLC, the Virginia Beach company also known as Casa Builders that received the $528,000 project contract, has begun making the structural repairs and energy-efficiency improvements to the Rightmier House. According to Mitch Ackaway, managing member of Casa Builders, the project will provide six months of financial stability for the five-employee construction contracting company. He estimates that 80 people within the construction and local business community will earn income from the project.
Congressman Glenn C. Nye (D-2nd) visited the construction site with refuge staff in early August. According to Nye, “Back Bay is a national treasure, and it’s a great example of how economic recovery funds can help create jobs and protect the environment here in Hampton Roads. I’m proud to have supported the Recovery Act that provided this funding for Back Bay, and I look forward to the new office space once it’s complete.”
Read what The Virginian - Pilot had to say about the restoration of the Rightmier House!
Photos:
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Rightmier House will benefit from repairs and energy-efficient enhancements |
Congressman Nye and Deputy Refuge Manager Kathy Owens |
 Refuge Manager Jared Brandwein discusses the project with Congressman Nye |
 Congressman Nye observes Recovery Act funding at work at Back Bay NWR |
 Renovations are now well underway at the house, designed by Lewis Rightmier |
 The project is providing economic benefit to contractors, subcontractors, and local businesses |
Press Releases:
Originally posted 07/10/2009
Updated 08/12/2009
Updated 08/28/2009
Updated 09/14/2009
Updated 10/27/2009
