474 Park Avenue
Rob Smith and Carl Mattison began their love affair with historic homes in 2003 when they purchased their first Grant Park project on Ormewood Avenue. After fully restoring the home and presenting it on several neighborhood home tours, they were ready to find their next Grant Park “diamond in the rough.” This past summer, the guys sold their Ormewood home and purchased this two-story, four bedroom Queen Anne Victorian in immaculate original condition (the previous owner had a penchant for historic preservation). Designed by architect Charles V Arnold in 1905 for Thomas Ash, a local furniture manufacturer, this house had the potential to become the home of their dreams. However, Rob and Carl could not even see the home from the street during their first visit due to a literal “front yard forest” and a giant 1930s awning that engulfed half the view of the first floor!
Rather, the inside is what really sold them. As you enter tonight, check out the 11-foot ceilings, a foyer larger than many main rooms, nine-foot pocket doors (converted to swinging doors in the 1920s when the home was converted to a duplex) and a 104-year old staircase you have to see to believe. Adding to the allure are seven original mantles and fireplaces, all with original tiles, and a beautiful, original stained glass window in the stairwell, beautifully lit for the holidays. Personal touches throughout include several paintings by Carl, family photographs dating back to the Civil War, and, in the back yard, Rob’s “koi condo.”
In the past five months, Carl and Rob have completed “Phase I” of their home makeover by “de-foresting” the front yard, removing the awning, and completely repainting the exterior and interior. The work has helped to highlight the original aesthetics of the home such as the heavy architectural lines, antique light fixtures and unique interior woodwork and hardware. “Phase II” – starting promptly on Monday after the Tour – includes expanding the kitchen and back den, restoring a bath or two, adding a master suite upstairs and turning the expansive back yard into an oasis similar to the one the homeowners left behind on Ormewood Avenue.
Carl and Rob invite you come in, take your coat off, and enjoy a cup of hot mulled cider and some very special holiday treats by local confectioner Grant Street Sweets. Happy Holidays!
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