With a piece that illustrates the unique beauty and historical significance of the Heurich House, the Post has published an article on Washington's very own piece of the Victorian Era. From the article, docent Mary Anne Hoffman observes, "This is the last grand splash of high Victoriana," also noting that Heurich House is "a time capsule." The Post goes on to describe the intricate details and furnishings of the house, transporting the reader back to a gilded era.

Among other issues, the Post explains the hurdle of preserving the house in its entirety if it is sold for private use. Though on the National Register of Historic Places, such a distinction only requires that the exterior facade remain in tact. Mike Grass expounded on this topic in his Opinionist piece last Sunday.

With some good news about the Castle, Gary Heurich, Christian Heurich's grandson and a member of Friends of the Castle, said in an email that Council-member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) informed him yesterday that he will ask the D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams for a $500,000 line item for The Brewmaster's Castle in the 2007 budget. If approved, the funds would be available after October 1 of this year. Though such money couldn't be used towards raising the $250,000 needed before February 15, Heurich states that it wouldl "serve as the lead for the $1.75 million additional that needs to be raised by the end of the year."

On that note, it's nearing noon on a Friday and we know that, mentally, everyone is already at the bar. Thus it is a perfect time to remind you of DCist's Heurich House Happy Hour this evening. Or, as we're calling it, HHHH. Please come on out to support saving a gorgeous piece of history, and partake in some choice beverages with DCist and friends. Here's the 411:

What: See the Castle at Open House & Fundraiser ($5 donation at the door)

Where: Heurich Brewmasters Castle
1307 New Hampshire Avenue (one block south of Dupont Circle)
After Open House we'll move to Buffalo Billiards

When: Friday, February 3, 2006
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (to tour with DCist, stop by at 6:30pm)
8:00 p.m. onwards: Buffalo Billiards

To make a donation, make a check payable to:

Friends of The Castle
1307 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Make sure to write "Save the Castle" on the check