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CASE STUDY
Hopemont Mansion
Completed in 1814 for John Wesley Hunt, Kentucky’s first millionaire, Hopemont is a National Register-listed, Federal-style mansion that embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of early-19th century Lexington. Situated in Gratz Park, on the corner of Mill Street and Second Street, the house features many beautiful architectural details, including the monumental fanlight over the primary entry. The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation saved the house from demolition in 1955 and has recently rehabilitated it into a soon-to-open Preservation Resource Center.
Hopemont required advanced audio/video and electrical upgrades to modernize its facilities while preserving its historical integrity. The project was a collaborative effort between 46Solutions and our parent company, Davis H. Elliot, with its small business/residential electrical division, Elliot Services. The goal was to provide state-of-the-art presentation and conferencing capabilities while ensuring all electrical work met current standards and preserved the building’s aesthetics.
Challenges
The historical nature of Hopemont presented challenges with plaster walls and ceilings. Our team of professional electricians and A/V specialists worked meticulously to meet the client’s needs while preserving the historical character of the building.
Electrical Solutions by Davis H. Elliot / Elliot Services
Power & Connectivity
Our team expertly channeled the plaster to pull and hide wires, installing conduit where necessary. This meticulous work enabled all A/V connections and power requirements in both rooms.
Lighting & Fixtures
- Track Lighting: Subtle LED track light fixtures were installed in the downstairs conference room, adjacent meeting spaces, and the downstairs library.
- Ceiling Fans and Chandeliers: Ceiling fans were installed in several upstairs offices, and two chandeliers were relocated. New motion-sensor fixtures obviated the need for excessive conduit.
- Data Cabling: New data cabling installed for a modern WiFi network throughout the building, as well as data connections for the new TV and projector.
- Power for A/V Equipment: Power supply for the new TV, projector, and equipment podium were installed.
- Receptacle Replacement: All existing receptacles in the house were replaced with new GFCI receptacles.
Code Compliance & Safety
- Code Requirements: Our team addressed and corrected several wiring issues in the kitchen to bring them up to current electrical code requirements.
“This was a challenging project to be sure, but the Elliot Services team went above and beyond to minimize the impact of the new wiring installation on our 210-year-old building. Michael, Jonathan, and Matt were always communicative and responsive, which allowed us to accomplish our preservation and modernization goals on schedule.”
– Zak Leonard
Blue Grass Trust, Historic Preservation Manager
Audio/Video Solutions by 46Solutions
When tasked with modernizing the historical Hopemont, the team at 46Solutions combined cutting-edge technology integration with a deep respect for the building’s heritage. The mission was to enhance the functionality of the space while preserving its historical aesthetics, ultimately transforming Hopemont into a state-of-the-art facility.
Presentation Room:
- Screen and Projector Installation: Our team successfully completed the presentation room by installing a large 165” 16:10 motorized wall-mounted screen, perfect for video presentations. Complementing this, we integrated an Epson ceiling-mounted long-throw laser projector into the system. This setup provides stunning video images, which can be connected to a dedicated computer or accessed via a wireless video connection, ensuring seamless and high-quality presentations.
- Podium Setup: To the right side of the room, we placed a podium for the presenter, equipped with a dedicated Dell computer with a wireless keyboard and mouse. This podium also discreetly housed the presentation system, preserving the historical aesthetics of the room. Additionally, the system offers a wireless connection for guest presenters, providing flexibility and convenience for any speaker.
- Audio System: For the audio system, a Shure wireless handheld microphone was incorporated for both the presenter and guests. Clear audio was ensured throughout the space with the installation of Origin Acoustics white square grille ceiling-mounted speakers in both the presentation and overflow rooms. An Episode mixer-amplifier, discreetly located within the podium, seamlessly integrated the wireless microphone into the overall audio system. This comprehensive setup provided clear and reliable audio, enhancing the overall presentation experience.
Conference Room
- Monitor and Media Bar Installation: Our team enhanced the conference room with a 65” commercial monitor installed above the fireplace on an articulating wall mount. This setup included a dedicated Dell computer with a wireless keyboard and mouse, providing a user-friendly interface for presentations. To facilitate seamless video conferencing and presentations, we installed a conference room media bar featuring a built-in microphone, USB camera, and speakers. This modern solution ensures high-quality video and audio, making every meeting and presentation smooth and professional.
“Thanks to 46Solutions, Hopemont now boasts one of the premier presentation spaces in the city. Our AV upgrades have massively enhanced the functionality of the building and will enable us to offer an array of new preservation programming for Central Kentuckians,”
– Zak Leonard
Blue Grass Trust, Historic Preservation Manager
The Results
The collaborative efforts of 46Solutions and Davis H. Elliot / Elliot Services transformed Hopemont into a modern facility equipped with advanced audio/video and electrical systems. Our work not only enhanced the functionality of the building but also maintained its historical integrity, ensuring it remains a valued landmark for years to come.
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