About Friends of Hollin Hills
Friends of Hollin Hills (FHH) is a non-profit dedicated to preserving, enhancing and educating the public about our mid-century modern neighborhood of Hollin Hills in Alexandria, Virginia. Our mission is to preserve the neighborhood's architecture, landscape, and 33 acres of public park land as a national historic resource for years to come.
Friends of Hollin Hills (Friends) was formed in 2017 by a group of concerned Hollin Hillers to preserve the unique mid-century modern neighborhood of Hollin Hills in Alexandria, Virginia. Midcentury Modern architecture, the natural siting of houses and landscape design are distinctive Hollin Hills features.
Hollin Hills was recognized by the National Register of Historic Places as the Hollin Hills Historic District for the pioneering design of the original 326-acre Hollin Hills residential development, begun in 1949. These elements endure today in the 483 houses and 31 acres of parkland that currently comprise the historic district.
A 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization, Friends works to improve the understanding of Hollin Hills as a Midcentury modern architecture treasure and of MCM architecture in general. The organization also supports the development and maintenance of Hollin Hills parklands.
Learn more about the Hollin Hills Community.
Friends' Goals
In order to meet these goals, Friends has established four initiatives.
Friends' Continuing Initiatives
Friends of Hollin Hills (Friends) was formed in 2017 by a group of concerned Hollin Hillers to preserve the unique mid-century modern neighborhood of Hollin Hills in Alexandria, Virginia. Midcentury Modern architecture, the natural siting of houses and landscape design are distinctive Hollin Hills features.
Hollin Hills was recognized by the National Register of Historic Places as the Hollin Hills Historic District for the pioneering design of the original 326-acre Hollin Hills residential development, begun in 1949. These elements endure today in the 483 houses and 31 acres of parkland that currently comprise the historic district.
A 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization, Friends works to improve the understanding of Hollin Hills as a Midcentury modern architecture treasure and of MCM architecture in general. The organization also supports the development and maintenance of Hollin Hills parklands.
Learn more about the Hollin Hills Community.
Friends' Goals
- Preserve the Hollin Hills Historic District as a historically significant example of mid-century modern architecture and community development
- Further the public's awareness and enjoyment of the HHHD as a national historic resource
In order to meet these goals, Friends has established four initiatives.
Friends' Continuing Initiatives
- Education of the Public
- Architectural Preservation
- Parks Preservation
- Neighborhood Amenities
Friends' Accomplishments
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, Friends:
- Hosted nine educational lectures on topics related to the unique history, architecture, and topography of Hollin Hills
- Funded the legal costs for a review of the Hollin Hills architectural covenants and draft amendments to strengthen the architectural protections for the Hollin Hills Historic District
- Installed “Historic District” additions to the neighborhood entry signs
- Installed two new benches in McCalley Park
- Repaired playground equipment in Voigt Park
- Refurbished benches and picnic tables in all Hollin Hills Parks
- Replaced a dilapidated bridge in Paul Spring Park
- Installed trash and recycling cans in Voigt Park and provide twice weekly collection service
- Funded the purchase and installation of a rubber mat and grass solution in Voigt Park along a trial portion of the edge of Rippon Road
Who We Are
Friends of Hollin Hills Board of Director Officers
Barbara Bogue, President
Marie Spittell, Vice President
Jodie Burns, Secretary
Jane Runnels, Treasurer
Christine Hooks
Michael Rich
John Nolan
Jeff Vandersall
Friends of Hollin Hills Advisory Board
Rick Heffner
Frank Collins, CAHH President
Darren Pagoda
Amy Pelletier
David Rivera
Gretchen Spencer, Chair of Hollin HIlls Parks Committee
Barbara Ward, Chair of Hollin Hills Design Review Committee
Friends of Hollin Hills Goodman Celebration Steering Committee
Friederike Ahrens, Co-Chair
Marie Spittell, Co-Chair
Barbara Bogue
Jodie Burns
Susanne Garvey
Elisabeth Lardner
Tania Ryan
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Remembering FOHH Co-Founder David Shear
April 20, 1932 - July 5, 2022 David Shear was an expansive man who led an expansive life. He lifted people up wherever he was. His vision and innovative approach to economic problems made lives better throughout the world, both during his long USAID career in Africa, and later as an international consultant. His life ranged from a rural childhood to teaching international development at Princeton. He created the Sahel Development Program in West Africa, led the USAID mission in Senegal, and chaired the Jane Goodall Institute. With Goodall, he successfully devised and promoted an alternate route for a proposed highway that would have disrupted the annual animal migration in the Serengeti, a rare and essential ecosystem. He and his wife Barbara settled down in Hollin HIlls in 1968, where he was one of the founders of the Friends of Hollin Hills—an organization dedicated to preserving the parks and architecture of his own community. We remember David for his booming laughter, infectious singing, general good cheer and his personal and professional courtesy and generosity. He and Barbara were famously gracious hosts and the heads of a large and sprawling family who come home often. It was wonderful to have been a part of David’s life and to fall within his sphere. FOHH stands as an enduring example of his ability to bring people together to achieve something beyond themselves. We miss him. See full Washington Post Obituary |