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Enhancing Aesthetics & Accessibility: Parking Lot and Driveway Project

By Mel Oles, Visitor Services and Program Manager at Rose Hill Mansion and Johnston House

Rose Hill Mansion is not just a testament to Greek Revival Architecture and advances in agriculture, but a vibrant community hub. As we continue to embrace both the history and future of the site, progress has been made on the Rose Hill Landscape Plan.

Among the first projects under the plan were changes to the parking lot and driveway. With an increase in visitation and the addition of the vacation rental, the need for sufficient parking and accessible pathways has grown. Our goal was to provide a safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing parking solution that honors the mansion’s historical context while meeting the needs of all visitors. Phase One was completed in November 2024 and key features included:

• Increased Parking Spaces: The new design increases parking capacity, allowing us to accommodate more vehicles without compromising safety or convenience. The changes ensure that there is adequate space for larger vehicles like motor coaches, RVs, and school buses, while providing more parking for special events.
• Dedicated Accessible Parking: Understanding the needs of all visitors, we incorporated dedicated accessible parking spaces close to the Carriage House Visitor Center and Gift Shop entrance, ensuring ease of access for individuals with mobility challenges.
• Improved Traffic Flow: The layout was designed to facilitate smooth traffic flow, minimizing congestion and improving safety for both pedestrians and drivers.
•  Recreating aspects of the mid-19th century farm estate – The mansion was once the center of a working farm. As part of this phase, we re-established the historic farm lane as a 2-way driveway and restored the flowering cherry allee along main driveway.

Plans are underway for the next phases including new signage throughout the property, relocating the main Rose Hill sign, and additional lighting in the driveway and parking lot. Adequate lighting, for example, is crucial not only for safety but also for enhancing the evening ambiance of Rose Hill. Our goal is to create a welcoming and secure environment where visitors can enjoy memorable experiences, even after sunset. The carefully chosen lighting fixtures will highlight the architectural features of the mansion while illuminating the pathways and parking spaces, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and safe during their visit.

As we continue to move forward with the landscape plan, we remain committed to balancing growth with preservation. This phase and future phases represent more than just infrastructure and accessibility, it is also about enhancing the overall visitor experience and taking our visitors back in time. We invite you to stay tuned for updates and encourage you to visit Rose Hill Mansion to witness these changes first-hand.