This home on Kirby Avenue to be open for the Highland Park homes tour was from Sears Modern Homes Mail Order Catalog dating back to somewhere between 1915 and 1922 and probably was built about 1915 to 1917. Slick on photo to enlarge.
photo by Irby Park
Eight Highland Park homes will be opened to the public on October 19th for the 2002 Highland Park Neighborhood Association Tour of Homes.
The residences to be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., said Nicole DiStasio, association vice resident, “represent today’s Highland Park and the spirit of renewal our neighbors share.” The tour will be held rain or shine.
The restoration and revitalization is evident throughout the neighborhood with work being done on numerous homes.
A brochure describing the neighborhood called attention to the investment in “the arts and crafts bungalows and spacious Queen Anne styles” along with the “mature canopy of hardwoods that shade the yards and the level urban grid that makes a walk to the park or Wally’s diner pleasant and leisurely.”
The eight homes open for the tour are 1700 Duncan Avenue, Geoff and Amanda Tarr; 1901 Chamberlain Avenue, JoBeth Kavanaugh; 1305 Bailey Avenue, Kim and Lindsay Lemmon; 1508 Union Avenue, Donna Williams; 1506 Kirby Avenue; 1612 Kirby Avenue, Bryan Dyer; 1713 East 13th Street, Scott and Heather Foster; and 1517 East 13th Street, Andrew and Jackie Phelps.
Tickets for the tour are $15 per person and may be obtained at the Architectural Exchange on McCallie Avenue, Wally’s Restaurant on McCallie, the Chattanooga Market at Cricket Pavilion on Sunday, October 13th, and on the day of the tour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Architectural Exchange and at the Highland Park Neighborhood Center at 1714 Duncan Avenue.
Additional information may be obtained by calling 698-2965.
The Duncan Avenue home which the Tarrs named “Let Me Entertain You” for the tour was built about 1905. This 2,100 square foot consummate American four-square style brick house combines the original details of the vintage home with contemporary features today's homeowner is looking for.
A description of the home says, “The downstairs floor plan is perfect for entertaining with its spacious and stylish stainless steel accented kitchen that has been opened up to the dining room and is easily accessible to the front living room.
“With four bedrooms, two and a half baths and hardwood floors throughout, this house showcases a multitude of original details including coffered ceilings in the dining room and 2 sets of pocket doors. As a bonus, the original hardware can be found on all of the doors and windows. The four fireplaces have even maintained their tile surrounds and summer fronts.
“Another point of interest is the master bath with its double empire vanity and clawfoot tub with separate shower. Salvaged wavy glass mirrors found in the master bath can also be seen in the second full upstairs bath as well as the half bath downstairs.
An Chamberlain Avenue is a home called "Labor of Love" and some may “remember this dignified home as a renovation in progress from the Spring 2001 Highland Park Tour of Homes. As documented on the Home and Garden Television network, JoBeth's goal of preserving the integrity of this two-story American four-square (circa 1929) while adding functional updates to the design proved to be very successful.”
The description says, “Changes since our last Tour include the opening of the front porch to reveal the unusual mosaic patterned original floor tiles. The kitchen has also been redesigned to offer all of the modern conveniences without losing its inherent early 20th century charm. The restored double sink with unusual sliding drainboard is original to the house and is complemented by the kitchen's white glass fronted cabinets along with the salvaged hardwood floors and windows.
“This three bedroom, three bathroom home features an eclectic mix of furnishings that incorporates many mahogany, cypress and wrought iron pieces designed and imported by the owner. These Guatemalan pieces are combined with antiques and some modern touches to create a wonderful blend of old world elegance and today's clean decorating style.”
Also notable are the restored antique lighting fixtures throughout the house, many original to the home and discovered in various locations during the renovation.
The description of the home also notes, “Other remarkable lighting features include the antique crystal chandelier in the master bedroom and the opalescent blue glass Arts and Crafts fixtures accenting the dining room's coffered ceilings.
On Bailey Avenue, "A Clear Vision" is the “renovation of the 3,200 square foot Queen Anne style Victorian” which the family of four calls “a labor of love.”
As the work progressed, the Lemmons “envision their home with the grandeur it possessed when it was built in 1905. Helping to make that goal clearer was the pleasant surprise of finding many of the original features left intact or hidden in the attic or between the walls.
“The spindles and baluster for the front staircase were one such discovery. The egg and dart molding accents along the staircase are echoed on the front door and the closet door under the stairs. Once restored, those details along with the 1/4 inch sawed oak treads on the stairs will reveal the long hidden splendor of the graceful staircase. “
A description of the home continues, “Pocket doors and heart pine floors along with original grates and working sidelights are just some of the details that make this house so special. Once completed, the kitchen will feature stained glass and French doors leading to a mudroom. The addition of two fireplaces, including one in the downstairs master bedroom is also planned.
“Just outside the front door, the wrap around porch awaits reconstruction, but recent outdoor projects include the building a new picket fence and clearing the side lot to make way for perennial flower beds and running space for the children and animals.”
1508 Union Avenue
Donna Williams
On Union Avenue is a “Modern Classic” built in the early 1900's and moved to its current location in 1975 from Vance Avenue. “This sunny bungalow is a Highland Park original. The total renovation recently completed on the home is evident from the moment you step down the front path and up onto the inviting front porch.
“Still showcasing all 25 of its distinctive original harlequin windows, this 1,750 square foot home's floor plan offers a modern living space and an airy kitchen that is completely open to the dining and living rooms.
“Indeed, the kitchen's glass fronted, cherry stained cabinets and stainless appliances along with the brushed stainless ceiling fans in the living and dining areas are just the right touches to give this classic 3 bedroom, 2 bath bungalow today's updated look. All of these features are highlighted by the cheerful soft yellow interior walls and painted white trim throughout.
“Flooring details perfectly complete the combination of this home's timeless appeal with today's conveniences. The hardwood floors throughout the main part of the house accentuate the clean lines, while the carpeted bedrooms, including the master suite and walk-in closet, keep things cozy in the more private areas of the home. Of course the bathrooms and the utility/laundry room have all been beautifully tiled.”
The home at 1506 Kirby was named "The Hollywood Plan." According to the description of the home, “The history of this Craftsman style bungalow is as noteworthy as the wonderful condition of many of the home's original features. This house was built according to a plan called 'The Hollywood' that was ordered from the Sears Modern Homes Mail Order Catalog sometime between 1915 and 1922. The home was most likely constructed between the years of 1915 and 1917.
“This bungalow's low-pitched roof, wide eaves with exposed roof rafters, porch with square columns, built-in living room cabinets, pine and oak floors, and massive brick fireplace, are all signature Craftsman style elements. The recent addition of central heat and air conditioning units only enhances the home's appeal.”
This 2-bedroom, 1 ½-bath home with its welcoming arched porch and antique blown glass windows is truly distinctive. A former back sun porch has been enclosed and now serves as an office with painted wainscoting and bamboo shades.
At 1612 Kirby, the “Home Again” tour stop may be recognized as the former Grace Memorial Episcopal Church and rectory. They were built in 1915 and 1920 respectively. “Both buildings have a storied history,” the description notes.
“From housing a Greek Orthodox congregation and several different Baptist ministries over the years, as well as a daycare, both of these buildings have been through many changes. The buildings were originally designed to complement one another, but additions and other remodeling efforts have hidden many of their similarities.
“Native Chattanoogan Bryan Dyer saved the buildings from possible demolition two years ago. In fact, you may recall seeing the church building on the Highland Park 2001 Spring Tour of Homes. Today the restoration carpenter is still working diligently to restore both buildings and now calls the 1,000 square foot one bedroom, one bathroom apartment on the upper floor of the rectory home.
“Bryan's handiwork is evident all through the cozy rectory apartment. Many of the original details have been beautifully restored. The heart pine floors, fully functioning hydronic radiator heat, five-panel heart pine doors and beadboard accents in the bathroom are just some of the apartment's delightful characteristics. The beautiful swing-in front casement windows only add to the charm.
The home at 1713 East 13th has been designated “Dramatic Beauty."
The description says, “Just walking through the two eight foot walnut front doors of this turn of the century home might lead you to feel that you've taken a step back in time. But don't be fooled, this striking house with 2,600 sq. ft. living space has updates that will please the most modern homeowner.
“Formerly known as the Montague House, this grand Victorian four square was moved to its current location from Chattanooga's Cameron Hill in 1924. Since being moved, the only change to the original layout of the house involved the front porch. Otherwise, the four bedroom, two and a half bathroom house was left intact with the majority of the original details unmarred. Today, a total restoration by the homeowners is now near completion.
“Passing through the grand foyer, you'll be sure to notice the amazing woodwork and the massive oak staircase. The house boasts 12 foot ceilings and eight foot floor to ceiling windows. The pocket doors and one of the two fireplace mantles are also original to the house.
“One of the highlights of this extraordinary home is the complete kitchen restoration and makeover. A fresh take on a modern kitchen blends original features of the home with wonderful updates such as the floors, countertops, bubble glass fronted cabinetry and appliances. An ornate built-in cabinet and exposed brick wall work in perfect synchronicity with the hand laid, heart pine countertops salvaged from a now closed Chattanooga foundry and the cabinet grade birch floors.”
A short distance away at 1517 East 13th is the "Bed of Roses" home on the tour.
The description says, “The cheerful exterior of this Victorian bungalow with Craftsman interior details is matched perfectly by the homeowners' decorating sensibilities. Spindle porch railings and a period door bell along with the eye catching six-over-one diamond pattern windows are the first clues that you are bound to be charmed once you step through the front door of the Phelps' 1,700 square foot home.
“The woodwork found throughout truly adds to the beauty of this two-bedroom, one and a half bath home. Most remarkable is the formal wainscoting in the dining room and built-in china cabinet. The home's bathroom also holds some unexpected and decidedly one of a kind craftsmanship. There you will discover two built-in chest of drawers flanking a bench seat that are highlighted by the home's original mirror and pair of eight paned casement windows.
“The Phelps' choice of a welcoming yellow, celadon and khaki palette is smartly accented by their appreciation for antiques and imaginative use of found objects in their décor. The four fireplaces found in bedrooms and common areas of the house complement the rest of the interior, adding a certain elegance to the home's very comfortable atmosphere.
“The hint of romance found all over the house is especially evident in the kitchen. There the white beadboard and hardwood floors are perfectly accented by flowered-wreath filled window wall hangings. One of these windows was original to the home and salvaged during the renovation for exactly this purpose,” the descriptive folder states.
The Highland Park Neighborhood Association brochure describes the community this way, “Highland Park’s vintage homes, traditional neighborhood streetscapes and the new addition of greenspace at Tatum Park are a draw for people of all ages and walks of life.
“The refreshing mix of larger and more modest homes, brownstone apartment buildings, income levels and neighborhood scale commercial ventures make Highland Park part of the growing new urbanist movement that puts a name to what the long-time residents have always valued.”
This dramatic grand Victorian four square formerly known as the Montague House was moved from Cameron Hill in 1924 to its current location at 1713 East 13th Street. Walking through the double walnut front doors is like a step back in time. It is one of eight homes on the tour. Click on photo to enlarge.
photo by Irby Park