Our design task was to convert a large single-family manor home in the Queen Anne style into a four-suite multi-family residence, each with spacious living spaces and attractive amenities.  

This Cleveland home was built in 1910, considerably after canals had given way to railroads, early industry had begun to outgrow the downtown area, and residential properties were pushing eastward to what would later become University Circle and deep westward past Ohio City.  The streetcar made further development tenable, and at the time this neighborhood would be both accessible and affluent.  One might imagine a rather large extended family making use of all eight bedrooms, perhaps with a housekeeper or maid attending.   The neighborhood at this time had numerous homes of similar size, stature, and detail.

Based on period and massing, the house would qualify as an example of the “Free Classic” type of Queen Anne Victorian, with primary massing elements of turrets and bays, a front facing hip, and a side facing cross gable.  The home likely once had a free expression of classical elements.    Unfortunately, many of these have been covered (such as the lower and upper cornices) or altogether removed.  Porch elements likely once included classical columns and decorative balustrade.  Some interior elements are intact, such as moldings, casings, a staircase and its corresponding balustrade.  As the building is renovated, we are striving to retain as much of this historic fabric as is practical.   We want residents and visitors to be given the impression that the building was afforded a certain respect for its historicity and authenticity.