5908

This is a large format two-flat which was built on a large lot in 1908. The permit was issued to L.G. Cramer and the architect was Carl Hoerman. The contractor was Alex Peterson and the estimated cost was $7,000. With a March 1908 permit date, it was one of the first buildings constructed in the Rosedale Addition.

While the façade is covered in vines in the growing season, it is still possible to see the design of the building from the outside. There is a two story wide curved bay with windows set individually. The bay is accented by curved limestone above and below the windows. The entrance is through a porch with brick pillars and wooden steps. The roof of this porch is a replacement built to accommodate a rooftop deck. The entrance door is glass and wood and is original golden oak. A small window next to the door provides light in the reception hall. In the first reception hall are two doors of oak and glass which are original. Take the door to the right where a wide staircase with textured wainscoting leads you to the second floor.

When you enter the apartment you are in a reception hall that has been painted in light neutral colors. All of the original moldings around the doors and windows are preserved in this unit. The doors are oak. The style is a reference to the classic revival as each doorway had Ionic columns at the top just below the crown moldings. Some have been painted white and others are the natural oak. All the floors are the original oak.

Just off the reception hall is a small room that leads to the front balcony through original French doors. If you step out onto the balcony you will find it full of life and flowers. It is a beautiful oasis in a busy city. Back in the reception hall you can view the living room, which is long and extends to the front bay. This room may have been two parlors as there are some indications of changes in the floor boards where a partial wall may have been. As you enter this room, just in front of you are three windows high up on the wall perhaps to leave a space for a sofa or piano. These windows have the original oak wood trim. The entire room has raised molding panels on the walls which are painted white and may have been added later.

The first bedroom has lots of light because of a kind of half bay with one window at an angle. The room has two small closet doors. All the doors are original oak with two panels. The hardware is original brass with oval knobs. Across from the bedroom is the bathroom, which has been updated.

The dining room is quite large with a beamed ceiling and a combination window with two set at angles and a center smaller window. There may have been a built-in hutch in this room, but it has been replaced with a recessed cabinet. Across from the dining room is a bedroom that is used for storage and will not be open.

From the dining room enter the remodeled kitchen with white cabinets and the original windows. The centerpiece of this room is the older stove with double ovens and broilers. On the opposite side of the room is the pantry with original cabinets. Take note of the unique spring hinges on some of the cabinet doors.

Off the kitchen is a cozy porch that has been winterized with heated flooring and newer bay window across the back. The ceiling is the original bead board. From this room is a stairway to the back. You will be returning to exit out the front.