Azurest South facts for kids
Azurest South is a special house located in Ettrick, Virginia. It was the home and office of Amaza Lee Meredith, who was one of the first Black female architects in the United States. This historic house is found on the campus of Virginia State University.
Azurest South is important because it is one of the few buildings in Virginia built in the "International Style." This unique architectural style became popular after World War I. Amaza Lee Meredith shared her home with Dr. Edna Meade Colson. Dr. Colson was the dean of the School of Education at Virginia State University.
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Discovering Azurest South
Azurest South was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. This means it is recognized as an important historical place in the United States. The house shows a love for modern design and new building ideas. It also blends well with nature.
Who Was Amaza Lee Meredith?
Amaza Lee Meredith was a very talented architect. She was a pioneer, meaning she was one of the first Black women to work in architecture. Besides designing buildings, she also founded the fine arts department at Virginia State University in 1930. This shows her dedication to both art and education.
The International Style
The International Style is a type of architecture that became popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Buildings in this style often have clean lines and smooth surfaces. They use materials like concrete, steel, and glass. The design focuses on function and simplicity. Azurest South is a great example of this style in Virginia.
A Lasting Legacy
When Amaza Lee Meredith passed away, she left part of Azurest South to the Virginia State University National Alumni Association. After Dr. Edna Meade Colson also passed away, the association bought the rest of the property. This helped to preserve the house and its history. Today, Azurest South continues to be a symbol of Amaza Lee Meredith's amazing contributions to architecture and education.