Before and After of Hillside, also known as the Julian Price House, a historic mansion located in the Fisher Park neighborhood of Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.

Before and After of Hillside: The Julian Price House – A Historic Transformation

The Julian Price House, also known as Hillside, is a prime example of historical preservation in Greensboro, North Carolina. This stately mansion, located in the charming Fisher Park neighborhood, has undergone a remarkable transformation that honors both its rich history and its architectural beauty.

Before: A Neglected but Promising Treasure

Built in 1912, the Julian Price House is an English Tudor-style mansion designed by New York architect Charles Barton Keen. It was commissioned by Julian Price, a prominent businessman and insurance magnate who founded The Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company. The house stood as a grand representation of the early 20th-century wealth and sophistication in Greensboro.

However, in the decades following Price’s death in 1920, the house’s grandeur faded. Over the years, it fell into a state of neglect. While still beautiful, much of the property had deteriorated due to deferred maintenance and neglect. The mansion was no longer the majestic residence it had once been.

Key conditions before restoration:

Deteriorating exterior: Cracked stonework, faded brick, and worn-out woodwork.

Overgrown landscaping: The gardens and surrounding landscape had become overgrown, hiding the property’s once well-manicured charm.

Neglected interiors: The interiors had fallen into disrepair. Beautiful woodwork and intricate moldings had worn down, and many original details were hidden beneath years of dust and grime.

Outdated plumbing and electrical systems: Modern systems were long overdue for updating, which was a significant concern for anyone seeking to restore the house.

Despite its faded condition, the house still exuded a certain charm and potential. The gabled roof, arched windows, and stone masonry were all clues to its once-elegant style.

After: A Remarkable Preservation and Restoration

In the early 2000s, the Preservation Greensboro, Inc. began a campaign to save and restore Hillside. The goal was not just to return the home to its former glory but to ensure that it could continue to be appreciated by future generations.

Key aspects of the restoration:

Exterior Restoration:

The stonework and brick facades were carefully repaired. Skilled artisans worked to replace or restore damaged pieces of stone and brick, ensuring that the mansion maintained its original Tudor-style charm.

The woodwork, including the windows and doors, was restored to preserve the craftsmanship of the original design.

The gardens and landscape were re-imagined with historical accuracy, reintroducing some of the mansion’s original English-style garden features. The result was a lush, beautifully manicured landscape that complemented the grandeur of the home.

Interior Overhaul:

Wood paneling and moldings that had been obscured or damaged were meticulously restored. The restoration team ensured that the intricate woodwork in the library and dining room retained its historical character.

The grand staircase with its carved balustrade was carefully cleaned, repaired, and refinished to its original splendor.

In the restoration process, some modern touches were added, such as upgrading the plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC systems to ensure the mansion could accommodate modern living without compromising its historical integrity.

Modern Touches with Historical Accuracy:

While the structure itself was preserved, modern amenities were subtly integrated into the home. The kitchen was updated to feature high-end, modern appliances, but it kept its original period cabinetry and tile to match the rest of the home.

The bathrooms were renovated to include modern plumbing while retaining period-appropriate fixtures and tile patterns.

Community and Cultural Hub:

The Julian Price House has also found new life as a cultural center and event venue. Preservation Greensboro, Inc. has turned the space into a location for art exhibits, community events, and historical tours.

The house is also open to the public, allowing visitors to experience a piece of Greensboro’s history firsthand.

The Transformation: A Before and After Snapshot

Exterior Before: The once vibrant stonework and brick had faded, with areas of deterioration visible across the structure. The landscape was overgrown, with weeds and wild vines enveloping the building.

After: The house has been beautifully restored, with careful attention given to the masonry, the stone and brick facades have been lovingly cleaned and repaired, and the landscaping now includes lush green lawns and well-placed garden beds that emphasize the home’s historic beauty.

Interior Before: The interior spaces were dark, dusty, and in need of significant repair. Many of the architectural details were hidden under layers of grime, and rooms had been closed off due to unsafe conditions.

After: Interiors were completely transformed. Original wood paneling, moldings, and fixtures were restored, and the rooms were opened up to highlight the mansion’s expansive feel. Sunlight now streams through restored windows, illuminating the high ceilings and original architectural details.

Before: Outdated electrical systems, leaky plumbing, and outdated HVAC.

After: Modern systems were integrated into the home, providing comfort and safety while maintaining the building’s historical charm. The mansion now operates as a modern, efficient living space with updated amenities.

A Living Legacy

Today, Hillside, the Julian Price House, stands as a symbol of preservation. The extensive restoration work has brought this once-neglected mansion back to life, offering a glimpse into the past while embracing the future. It is a valuable piece of Greensboro’s history, an architectural masterpiece that blends the old with the new.

The transformation of Hillside shows that historic preservation is more than just fixing up an old house—it’s about breathing new life into a structure, enabling it to serve both the community and history for generations to come.

If you visit Fisher Park and take a walk by this mansion, you’ll be greeted by the beauty of a building that has been revived, restored, and preserved, reminding us that even the most neglected properties can have a stunning second life.