Summit Avenue Historic Home in Saint Paul

This weeks showcase home is 251 Summit Avenue.

Known as the Horace Rugg residence, this was built in 1887 by Allen Stem for a cost of $24,500. Originally built as a single family residence, the home has seen many owners. In the 70's the home was occupied by the Catholic Education Center, with the late 1990's seeing the home converted to three condominium units. The estimated value of the building/units is well over $1 Million.

The home is an excellent example of Richardson Romanesque style, dominated by the masonry walls built of rough-faced, squared stonework, arched doorways and windows, and a tower. Most homes built in this style feature the red tinted stone show here and have decorative panels. This home has beautiful carved panels in the entrance arch of classic nudes and scroll work. The tower is on the side and is built into the home. If you get a chance to walk by this home, you will see it is grand feat of architectural design. I have not seen the inside, but it is said to have a variety of different wood species, including cherry, oak, and sycamore.

Updating the Stories I Tell for St Paul Historic Homes

Minneapolis and St Paul have thousands of historic homes. As a real estate agent who's speciality is marketing historic homes, I jump at the chance to explore any of the old houses. My readers know that I write a showcase piece for one historic home a week, trying to give as much information I can about the house and it's history. Sometimes, though, the history changes and updates occur. I love nothing more than to hear a historic home is being renovated back to it's original splendor.

Well, a couple weeks ago I received an email from the new owner of 295 Summit Avenue, a home I showcased back in January. She happened upon my blog and saw my article about the history of this home, and wanted to update me on what is going on. As I reported in January, the home was in the process of being converted into condo units. Thankfully, she was able to purchase the home and stop that process, and instead, opting to bring the home back to single family. I was invited over to tour the home, and see for myself all the wonderful renovations occurring. Yes, it was like a kid entering a candy store, filled with "ohs" and "ahs".

Pictured above, it is easy to tell that the exterior looks much better than in January. The porch renovation has been finished, and the owner plans on fixing the porch flooring tile, which has winter heaved at some point, causing damage. The entry foyer is astounding, completely covered in paneling, and the two parlors, central stairway, and hallway have beautiful wood paneling and carvings made of oak, cherry, maple, and more. Once everything is stained/painted, the woodwork will be stunning.

The original wood floors are still present, most likely preserved by the thick carpet that the Society of Friends installed 30-some years ago when they owned the property. While most of the original fixtures are missing, a few have been saved and converted from gas to electric. One feature that is prevalent with mansions on Summit is the enormous third story attic. The new owner put that as her top priority and has completely transformed this area into a beautiful penthouse. It is currently for sale at a list price of $767,700 with Coldwell Banker Burnet. Check out the fun turret area via a virtual tour.

It will most likely take at least a year for the owner to complete the renovation. When it is, I cannot wait for another tour. As a renovator of historic homes myself, I know the aggravation and final joy that a project of this magnitude will bring. As an agent with personal experience in the area, I know the benefit this home is bringing to the neighborhood with its new historic completion.

If you have a historic home that I have showcased, and have additional information that will benefit the post, or see some incorrect information, please do not hesitate to contact me. While some people might not want to offend by pointing out a mistake, I would rather know the real story. I cannot keep up with changes unless you let me know.

If you would like to have your home showcased on my blog, I would love to talk with you and tour your home. Historic homes are my passion and I love to keep their history alive by writing about them for the public to enjoy.

Second Empire Historic Home in St Paul

This weeks featured Historic Home in St Paul is 649 Summit Ave.

Built in 1874 by A G Manson, the home is a fantastic representation of Second Empire architectural design. Out of the four Second Empire homes built on Summit Avenue between 1867-1883, this is the only one still standing. Major features that distinguish this style are the Mansard roof with many dormers, brackets at the eaves, paired entry doors, and cresting along the roof line.

The home sits on a beautiful third of an acre with a very simple but elegant landscape design. This home was at one time used as a Funeral Home, circa 1920. It was recently sold in late 2004 for $1,125,000. With about 4200 square feet, the home has 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The previous owners restored the home to much of its original splendor, while making it more functional for modern times, ie. new kitchen, central air etc. The backyard has also been newly landscaped and it the perfect retreat. Definitely a gem on the avenue!

The photo taken in 1919 shows that there was a small second story porch on the East side of the home which has since been removed. The other photo, taken in 1973, shows that both the upper and lower porch were removed. Sometime since then, the owners have brought back the lower porch which is designed similar to the orginal. It is always nice to see the character of a historic home returned!

How Minnesota is Behind the Times When it Comes to Historic Tax Credits

If you look at the list of states that offer tax incentives for historic preservation you will quickly find that Minnesota is NOT on the list. With as many historic buildings in Minneapolis, St Paul, and the state itself, you would think we would be a state that cares about its history. After all, the Minnesota Historical Society is celebrating 150 years this year.

But unfortunately, protecting our historic past is not on the agenda of some politicians. Once again this year, a bill was introduced that would give property owners and developers some incentive to rehab old buildings, but it was sadly vetoed by the Governor. Homeowners must once again wait till next year to see if legislation can be passed. Here is some info about the proposed bill from the Minnesota Historical Society:

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit

A coalition of cities, historical groups, and property developers is actively promoting proposed legislation that would allow a credit on state income taxes equal to 25 percent of the qualified cost of a historic rehabilitation of residential or income- producing properties. The proposed legislation, similar to provisions in over 20 other states, would encourage private investment in historic properties in both urban and rural Minnesota, generating jobs and stimulating economic development.

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit was originally included in the House Omnibus Tax bill as a 20 percent credit (HF 2362.) A conference committee of House and Senate members included $3 million for historic preservation grants in the final tax bill (HF 2268) which passed the Legislature on May 21st. Governor Pawlenty vetoed the tax bill on May 30th, therefore the historic preservation grant program it included – as well as the proposed HPTC – will not become law this year.

Fact Sheet (PDF)
Full text of the House Omnibus Tax bill (HF 2268)
2007 Historic Preservation Tax Credit Bill Text (SF 385/HF 1240)

Minnepolis Historic Home - Lake Harriet

This weeks Historic Home is 2504 40th St West.

In Southwest Minneapolis, just between Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet, sits a remarkable home unlike its neighbors. Built in 1906 for Frank E. Lovell, this Swiss Chalet style home was designed by Lowell Lamoreaux and is in fantastic condition. The balcony sweeps around the home and offers views of Lake Harriet.

Queen Anne Victorian in St Paul

This weeks showcase home is 513 Summit Avenue.

This gem of a Queen Anne Victorian was built in 1887 for W.W. Bishop, a local real estate agent. At a cost of $10,000, it was constructed by Wirth and Haas.

It is one of the only wood-frame houses standing on Summit and has a well preserved polygonal tower. The full facade porch has thankfully not been closed in. The current owners have painted the home in well matched colors, bringing out the architectural details in the woodwork. A photo of the home in 1973 shows the home without the details highlighted.

Around 1920 is was occupied as Mrs. Charles Porterfield's Boarding House and frequented by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Today it is once again a single family residence, with the last recorded sale in 1994 for $626,000. It has approximately 8300 square feet and 4-5 bedrooms.