Georgian Revival on Summit Avenue in Saint Paul

This weeks showcase Historic Home is 260 Summit Avenue.

Built in 1902 by the famous Clarence Johnston, the home was designed for Louis W. Hill, the son of James J. Hill, who's own large mansion was just a few houses down the street.

As you can see, it looks as if there are two homes in front of each other. The original house at the back with the gambrel roof was built in the Georgian Revival style in 1902. Needing more space, the front addition was added in 1912 giving four guest bedrooms and bathrooms on the first floor, and a grand ballroom on the second level. The front portico was saved and moved from the original spot to the front of the new addition. Combined together, the home has a total of about 25,000 finished square feet!

The home has had many uses over the last century. When Louis Hill died in 1948, the home was sold to the Roman Catholic educational guild, and then bought in 1961 by the Daughters of the Heart of Mary and used as a retreat. It went mostly untouched until 2001 when it was purchased by a local family and restored to its original splendor (at a purchase price of $1.7 Million). They currently use it as their primary residence and rent space out for special events.

Local history has F. Scott Fitzgerald attending a party here once. A costume ball held at the mansion even found its way into his story, "The Camel's Back".

Masonry Queen Anne on Summit Avenue

This weeks featured Historic Home in St Paul is 749 Summit Avenue.

Built in 1888 by the famous Clarence Johnston and in collaboration with William Willcox, the home was commissioned by The Wheeler Family and cost around $12,000 to build.

At first glance, you might think the home was built in the Richardson Romanesque style, mostly impart to the rough cut stone on the exterior walls. However it lacks any of the arches that define that style. Instead, it fits rightly into the a Queen Anne Victorian "masonry" category. The tower on the left has been built into the home and does not rise higher than the third story ridge line.

The home has been wonderfully restored to its former beauty. The wood work alone inside is something that could never be duplicated today without great cost to the home owner. At approximately 6500 square feet, the home has six bedroom, 5 baths, and a detached two-car garage.

This past June, the home sold for $1.475 Million. Hard to believe a home would sell for that much and not have air conditioning. But many of these old homes still do not have the luxury as the cost to install, without disrupting the historical integrity of the home, is extremely high.

Italian Beaux Arts Mansion in Saint Paul

This weeks showcase Historic Home is 340 Summit Avenue.

Built in 1894 by Thomas Scott, this beautiful mansion was designed by Allen Stem at a cost of $40,000. Constructed out of local limestone, the house is a great example of the Italian Beaux Arts Style that was popular in St Paul at the end of the century. The decorative garland at the roof line is one of the dead give aways, as well as the symmetrical facade, flat roof, and smooth masonry stone exterior.

This grand home on Summit overlooks St Paul and the Mississippi River and has a wonderful panoramic view. The area where the old carriage house use to stand is still there. Built as a single family home, it was converted to eight apartments around 1950. The current owners bought the home in 2005 for $1.45 Million, desiring to return it to its previous single family grandeur, and have completed some major updates, including turning the front salon in to a living room and kitchen. When these homes were first built, the kitchens were located in the basements, where servants prepared the meals. Food was delivered via dumb waiter to a butler's pantry next to the dining room. It was believed that the smell of food cooking would be unpleasant to visiting guests.

When you enter the home you are greeted to black and white marble tiles and a gorgeous marble staircase. Kids would have a wonderful time playing hide & seek as there are multiple stairways all the way from the basement to the third floor. A mirrored ballroom takes up the third floor, with bedrooms that were originally for the housemaids. It is truly a beautiful home that takes the breath away.

Historic Queen Anne Gets Face Lift in Saint Paul

This weeks Historic Home in St Paul is 353 Summit Avenue.

Built in 1882 for William Dean, the home "only" cost $15,000 to build. Mr. Dean was a partner for the local wholesale hardware firm, Nicols, Dean, and Gregg, and also sat on the Great Northern Railroad board of directors. Little is known about the architect. A photo exists of the home taken in 1895. Designed as a Queen Anne Victorian, it is a great example of half-timbering.

Around 1900, the home was altered beyond recognition of its original Queen Anne style. Below is a photo of what the home had looked like up until 2005.

As you can see, it looks nothing like the beautiful Queen Anne of 1882. The front gable and chimneys are the only remaining pieces visual to the eye that haven't changed. In 2005, a very expensive renovation was begun, with the owners wanting to bring back the facade of the original home. After a complete inside/outside renovation of the main house, and an exterior renovation of the carriage house, the home recently sold for $1.7 Million with Edina Realty, and photos of the home are still available via a virtual tour. The home has over 7000 square feet, 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and for one simple word, is stunning.

Summit Avenue Historic Mansion, St Paul

This weeks historic home is 323 Summit Avenue in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Built in 1892 at a cost of $35,000, this home was built for Edward Nelson Saunders by the famous Clarence Johnston. The Minnesota Historical Society has a sketch of the home in their archives done by the architect, as well as photos of the home in 1898 and 1973. A previous home stood on the site in 1863 but I wasn't able to find a photograph of it to post.

The home is a classic example of the Richardson Romanesque style to popular with the architect. It is actually one of my favorite homes on Summit, but it is in desperate need of repair. There are some fantastic details in the porch columns and their ornate capitals, as well as a beautiful stone railing on the third level of the front facade.

I am not one hundred percent sure but I think the home is currently a residential residence. At one time it was used as the Cathedral Convent.

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!

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.

Summit Avenue Historic Home in St Paul

This weeks Historic Home is 465 Summit Avenue in Saint Paul, MN

Built in 1886 and for a cost of $18,400, this home was designed for William Constans, a French-born grocer. From one book I read, he ran the largest wholesale firm for hops, malts, and brewer's supplies in the Northwest and the only one in St Paul. The business later evolved into the Schmidt Brewing Company.

You might be looking at the home and wondering "What style is this?". Well it was originally designed by A.F. Gauger as a Queen Anne Victorian mansion. Take a look at this photo taken in 1890. You can just see a five-story tower on the southeast corner of the home and a spindle trimmed porch, classic designs of a Queen Anne. Sometime later, the porch and tower were removed and replaced by Colonial style moldings and decoration. For some reason, people liked to change the facade of the Victorian homes, most likely to give the home some extra character to set it apart from other Queen Annes on the Avenue. A carriage house was also constructed directly behind the house.The home has approximately 7300 square feet and 9 -10 bedrooms and currently single family residential.

I came across a rumor that one owner of the home ran a funeral business in which his wife refused to let him advertise. His solution was to add a casket looking decoration to the top of the home. Take a look and see what you think....kinda looks like a casket to me!

Summit Avenue Historic Home in St Paul

This weeks Showcase historic home is 495 Summit Avenue



Built in 1881 by Cyrus B. Thurston, this home stands out on a beautiful corner lot and is one of the only homes on the avenue with an original date panel built into one of the gables. Originally the home was painted white and had a beautiful full facade front porch that slightly wrapped around the western corner of the home. You can easily see the original outline of the roof, around the only remaining portion of the porch.

The architectural design of the home is Victorian Queen Anne and was the first built on the Avenue in this style. Common elements that the home has with other Queen Anne homes are the numerous gables, dormers, and high pitched roof. The home also has bay windows and porches that break up the surface of the walls, giving the home a unique feel that only a Queen Anne can give. Unfortunately the architect of the home is unknown. The home boasts approximately 5200 finished square feet, has two stories + finished attic space, 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, and sits on a little less than half an acre.