Historic home burns at Norfolk Naval Shipyard

By Corinne Reilly The Virginian-Pilot August 13, 2014

PORTSMOUTH

Norfolk Naval Shipyard officials hope to restore a historic home that has housed the facility's commanders since the 1800s. It was heavily damaged Tuesday in an early morning fire.

Known as Quarters "A," the stately brick house was built in 1837 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

With wide windows and two staircases leading to the front door, the home's interior boasts Italian marble fireplaces, large archways and two kitchens. Enclosed porches look out over lush grounds.

Outside the house Tuesday afternoon, the air smelled of smoke. A gaping hole took the place of the middle top-story window, and there was a wide, blackened hole in the roof.

The top floor was "engulfed" when firefighters arrived, said Jeff Cunningham, a shipyard spokesman.

"This was a major fire with very significant damage," Cunningham said.

He said it will take time to determine exactly how much work will have to be done, but "our goal is to restore it as it was.

"Absolutely."

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Historic home burns at Norfolk Naval Shipyard