An Evening of Elegance : Renaissance in Buckhead
APC celebrates the restoration of Rhodes-Robinson-Lezhava House on Nov. 8 ATLANTA (Sept. 15, 2007) The Atlanta Preservation Center (APC) will celebrate the restoration of the Rhodes-Robinson-Lezhava House with a black-tie gala, An Evening of Elegance: Renaissance in Buckhead, on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7:00 p.m. Inspired by a small baroque building in Venice, the design of the house was begun in 1924 by Atlanta classical architect Neel Reid (1885-1926) and was completed by his associate Philip Shutze (1890-1982) after Reid’s death. During the ownership of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Rhodes, who built the house, and Mr. and Mrs. James D. Robinson, Jr., (Mrs. Robinson grew up in it), it was known as the “Pink Palace” because of the pink color of the exterior of the house and the pink dogwood lining the driveway from West Paces Ferry Road. The current owners, Nino Sukhishvili and Zurab Lezhava, came to Atlanta from the Republic of Georgia, formerly a part of the Soviet Union. They have spent two years restoring the house and have installed the latest technology to make its operation much more energy efficient. Ms. Sukhishvili, a dancer, is director of the Georgian State Dance Company, which is performing at the Fox Theatre on Nov. 19. Mr. Lezhava has served as chief engineer for restoration projects throughout Eastern Europe and is a food exporter. “Guests will have the opportunity to tour the house and see the splendid and sensitive restoration,” said Boyd Coons, executive director of the Atlanta Preservation Center. “The historic features from the 18th century painted canvas wall covering of the living room to the Egyptian inspired marble mantelpiece in the family room remain and have been beautifully conserved. The more prosaic features such as the finishes of 80-year-old wooden windows were given equal care and can now be operated with perfect ease. None of the historic integrity of the building was sacrificed in making modifications which allow the house to be completely functional and viable in the 21st century. “By attending our unique event, we hope others will be motivated toward authentic restorations,” explained Jean Astrop (Mrs. William), Evening of Elegance Co-Chair with Jane Kell (Mrs. Kevin). “The Lezhavas have also proved that with systems upgrades historic houses can be ‘green’ buildings. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, they have been able to lower the utility bills from $5,000 a month to $150 a month,” continued Mr. Coons. Honorary chairs for Evening of Elegance are Nino Sukhishvili and Zurab Lezhava. Committee members are: Arch Davis II, Penny Hart (Mrs. George), Kathy Rainer (Mrs. Marbury), Ginny Rather (Mrs. Dan), Elizabeth Spiegel and Rainey Woodward (Mrs. Bennett). Jerry Dilts and Associates will cater the seated dinner. Dr. Felton Norwood is arranging the flowers for the event. Tickets are $175 per person. For reservations call 404-688-3353, ext. 14. The Atlanta Preservation Center is non-profit, 1300-member organization that serves as the agency for coordination, knowledge, research and advocacy for preservation in the city. Founded in 1980, the center has worked to preserve more than 175 endangered residential and commercial structures, neighborhoods and landscapes. The center’s seven walking tours of historic neighborhoods and sites, school programs, workshops and The Phoenix Flies: A Citywide Celebration of Living Landmarks educate 10,500 students, residents and visitors a year about the value of protecting and reusing Atlanta’s landmark buildings. For more information, visit our Web site, www.preserveatlanta.com or call 404-688-3353.
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