Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-09-22
]. K. BRANCH TO ERECT
HANDSOME NEW HOME
Bids Are Invited on Structure {,
Stand on Monument Avenue
Near Davis Monument.
EXPECTED TO COST $500, 900
Italian Style of Architecture Fol-
lowed by Designer, John Russell
Pope, of New York-Will BE Sur
rounded by Handsome Gardens.

Bids were closed last night for the
construction of u palat tial home for j.
n. Branch on Monument Avenue. just
opposite the Davis Monument. which,
when completed. will represent an cx-
pcnditurc OF between 100000 and $780,
n0o Richmond. Washington and New
York contractors submitted proposals
for the work. which will be opened to-
day at tho Offices OF John Russell Pope.
the architect. in New York.
Until the bids are made public. the
approximate cost cannot be determined,
1t was stated in Richmond last night.
Branch contcmplates spending in the
neighborhood OF 100000 for the crec-
tion of tho house and for the land
scape work on tho spacious lawns and
gardens surrounding 1t. When COM
pleted. tho home will he tho handsomest
in Richmond. and probably in this sec
ton OF the country.
The building itself will hc of brick
construction with stone trimmings. oc-
cupying u prominent position i'm the
block bounded by Monument. Davis and
Park Avenues and Robinson Street. 1t
is not known whether the lawns VIII
he extended to Robinson Street. but
they will extend the entire distance to
y
back from Monument Avenue, with IL
large lawn and winding driveway from
the street. while tho entire grounds will
be incloscd in a high brick wall OF orna-
mental design On the Davis Avenue
side. midway, will he constructed an
ornamental servants entrance. Tho
entire block has belonged 10 Mr..
Branch for some years.
&a-IrY t,ntrnxS- I7'sIIt
STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE
The general design of the nome,
which will he i'm the shape OF a hugo
III" will follow the Italian style OF
architecture. vii large tower built
in one corner extending some distance
above the roof proper The building
will be three stories high. with an un-
usually large basement. and the attic
will be completed SO that it may DO
used for general living purposes.
The plans call for many ornamental
| windows, giving striking appear
ancc. The Monument Avenue entrance
| is to he a huge double door. with an
attractive outer door Of iron. wrought
| in fancy design. Large stone STEPS lead
| from the driveway. On the first floor.
| opening from the entrance is the re-
| ception hall. and beyond the pariors.
! In that part connecting the two wings
| OF the building will he located the gen.
! eral living room and gallery. In the
| other wing is located the studio. library
| and other rooms.
! EXTENSIVE GROUNDS
TO BE LAID OFF IN GARDENS
On the second floor is another GAL
| lery with mcZZaninc balcony overlook
| ing the first gallery on the main floor.
| IL; Il
voted to bed chambers. The third
! floor is designed along practically the
| same lines with the exception OF the
! gallery. The massive stairway leads
| from the outer reception hall.
| The interior woodwork will be oak
| generally. both flooring and trimmings.
| Builders estimate that 1t Will require
| frCm eighteen months to tw" years to
complete the structure. John RUS
sell Pope the architect. with Offices
| in New York City. is one of the best
! known architects in this country.
TO the rear OF the house will be
laid ont extensive sunkeu gardens Of
Italian design. Ornamental stone steps
are placed at intervals leading from
| ono level to another. while the court
! in front OF tho home. facing on Monu-
ment Avenue. Viii he unusually at
I tractivc
/ 1t is expected that work on the house
I viii be started in the next few weeks
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