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Executive Mansion > Episode 1: Governor's Mansion Tour

Tour of Richmond, VA

Project: Executive Mansion, Episode 1, Part 1

The governor's mansion in Richmond, VA is under major renovation. After touring some of Richmond's sights and sounds, Bob joins Roxane Gilmore, the erstwhile first lady of the state. Preservationist Fred Ecker removing the mantel for restoration and talks about how innovation and historic preservation are both part of the design of the plan.

Part 1: Tour of Richmond, VA: Before heading to the governor's mansion in Richmond, VA, Bob tours some of the sights and sounds of the city.
Part 2: Governor's Mansion Tour
Part 3: Tour of the Mansion's Ballroom and Living Quarters
Part 4: Tour of the Mansion's Dining Room and Kitchen

In Richmond, Virginia, the oldest continuously occupied governor's mansion in America is in need of serious repairs, and Bob Vila's team is there to help. Projects include the complete overhaul and modernization of the basement to include a state-of-the-art caterer's kitchen for official functions, all new mechanical systems, and updates for handicapped accessibility.

Also from Executive Mansion

Episode 2 - Restoring the Floor
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Description:
Bob tours the exterior of the main house and carriage house with architect John Paul Hanbury and general contractor Sam Daniel. The plans are reviewed, before Bob takes a tour of Virginia House. Once an English Abbey, this historic home was shipped to Richmond, stone by stone, in the 1920s. Back at the mansion, floor restoration is progressing, thanks to an acrylic injection technique designed to preserve the floor and prevent the joints from squeaking.
Episode 3 - Preparing to Pour a Concrete Floor
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Description:
Project manager Mike Westcott joins Bob in the basement, where rebar and vapor barriers are being laid down in preparation for the concrete pour. Bob also visits Agecroft Hall and its luxurious gardens. Back at the mansion, general contractor Sam Daniel is on-hand to summarize the work being done on the North Addition, where a new, accessible entry way is being built.
Episode 4 - Removing Windows for Restoration
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Description:
Bob and general contractor Sam Daniel discuss the progress being made on the carriage house. The crew, meanwhile, is busy removing flaking paint from masonry garden walls. Carpenter Bob Ryley is on hand to help remove a window for restoration. And Bob continues his tour of historic homes in Richmond, VA, with a visit to Wickham House, a high-style museum designed by Alexander Parris, the architect of the governor's mansion.
Episode 5 - Framing New Walls
Episode 6 - Installing a Dumbwaiter
Episode 7 - Installing Baseboards
Episode 8 - Basement Kitchen
Episode 9 - Mantelpiece Restoration
Episode 10 - Technology Systems Tested
Episode 11 - Finishing the Kitchen
Episode 12 - Interior Decorating
Episode 13 - Mansion Final Tour

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