1502
This home was built for Nicholas Kransz, Jr., the son of the early settler, Nicholas Kransz. The permit for the construction of this imposing house was issued to B.F. Weber and Company on April 13, 1907. The estimated cost was given at $7,000, a goodly sum for a house in Kransz Second Addition to Edgewater. The Kransz family retained ownership of this beautiful home until 1920. In the Depression, this home was left empty and the Guardian Life Company held title until it was bought in 1953. Since the current owners purchased the home in 1982, they have made an effort to restore the interior and exterior. The colors of the exterior trim were chosen to compliment the unusual brick work colors of gold and deep purple.
The style of construction is Queen Anne with wraparound porch, turret and balcony detailing. The wide overhanging eaves are not characteristic of this type of house. As you enter, you will see an ad for a house of this type. The front hall with staircase shows a Craftsman style post and rail rather than the more typical turned wood of the Queen Anne style. The original crown moldings have been removed throughout the first floor and additional wall molding installed. The traditional double parlor has been altered with the removal of the wall. Between the living-room/dining-room and between the dining-room/hall were pocket doors that have been converted to French doors. In the dining room is one beveled glass window of the style that would have been used in several other places in the house. The kitchen, pantries and back hall area of this home have been redesigned to meet the needs of a more modern lifestyle.
The home of Nicholas Kransz, Jr. (circa 1908) |
Upstairs, there are four bedrooms and a bath. The hallway extends at an angle to the second floor balcony which the current owners have redesigned as a beautiful deck. The rooftop balcony is also a recreation from old photographs.