
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 22, 1994                   TAG: 9404220178
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV_1   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLLEY 
SOURCE: By RALPH BERRIER JR. STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

2 HOUSES WIN LISTING IN REGISTER

The Currie House in Blacksburg, known locally as the "Pagoda House," and The Oaks in Christiansburg - two houses that have little in common other than being regarded as two of Montgomery County's most notable homes - joined the same exclusive club this week.

Both houses won approval to be listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register and have been officially nominated for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Department of Historic Resources in Virginia honored the homes for having architectural, archaeological or historic significance at the local, state or national level. The National Register should announce its decision by June, a spokesperson with the Department of Historic Resources said.

"I hate to say it's automatic, but very, very few of our nominations [for the National Register] are returned without approval," said Margaret Peters, the information officer for the Department of Historic Resources in Virginia.

Though their respective addresses are separated by just a few miles, the two houses are a world apart in design philosophies. The Oaks, built in 1893, is an example of late-19th-century Victorian architecture, while the Currie House looks as modern as it did when it was built in 1961.

Named for its designer, Leonard Currie, former head of Virginia Tech's architecture department, the Currie House got its local name as the "Pagoda House" for its sweeping, hipped, pagoda roof.

Usually, a house must be at least 50 years old before it can be considered for the Landmark and National Register status. That rule was waived because of the Currie House's significant architectural features.

Currie, 80, who still lives in Blacksburg, realizes that a designer usually isn't around long enough to see a house receive such historic designation. When asked for a reaction, Currie's wife, Virginia, also 80, said, "His main reaction is that he's still alive."

"I prefer it this way," he said. "It certainly beats the alternative. ... This is very gratifying."

The Currie House, on Highland Avenue, currently is owned by Peter Trower.

The Oaks, on East Main Street in Christiansburg, was turned into a popular bed and breakfast inn five years years ago by its current owners, Thomas and Margaret Ray. In addition to its architecture, The Oaks is noted for the large, 300-year-old white oak trees that give the home its name.

"We are committed to historic preservation here," said Margaret Ray. "We hope we are setting an example for this area, and we hope that individuals make every effort possible to preserve Virginia heritage."

by CNB