1-Since the house has been completely deconstructed and rebuilt, none of the structural issues normally seen in buildings of this vintage and construction are a factor. Shifting and bulging masonry walls, sagging and cracked joists and rafters, and other issues arising from the failure of the original construction materials over time are no longer at issue. 2-As the house stands by itself- and is not incorporated into a longer row of buildings- no problems arising from poor upkeep or renovation in adjoining properties are a factor. 3-Originally a pair of separate houses, the buildings have been legally consolidated into one address, allowing the party wall between them to be opened up to create wider living spaces not found in the area homes built on narrower lots. 4-Environmental issues, such as the presence of asbestos and lead paint, are not an issue- the original painted windows, doors, and interior trim were either missing or in such deteriorated condition that they had to be totally replaced, and no furnace or piping- which might have been covered with asbestos- was found in the house (probably stolen for scrap before I purchased the building). 5-While the house is essentially “new”, in reconstructing it I made every effort to recreate it as a building of the period in which it was originally built. The design and construction conventions, and the materials and craft which I employed give this property a value which I hope will be appreciated by a new owner. 6-Construction details- Roof- mansard- standing seam copper- soldered with hidden gutter in the cornice, main roof- torch-down membrane. Masonry- 8” thk walls throughout- original brick relaid on sides, new brick front, 8” concrete block party wall with chimney. Windows- sash and jambs constructed to match originals- period joinery and hardware, white pine and Spanish cedar, spring balances and silicone bulb weatherstrip. Exterior doors- traditional 4 panel layout, mortise and tenon construction, mahogany with clear catylized marine grade finish, Baldwin brass mortise locks and handles, ball bearing brass hinges, silicone bulb weatherstrip. Ironwork- gates at rear doors on ground and deck levels incorporate hand forged elements into a period appropriate style, fencing incorporates forged pickets reclaimed from salvaged period ironwork worked into a traditional “hairpin” and picket design.
Built in 1880