It took all of about six months to transform this house on Porter from a multi-family dilapidated mess to a pristine single-family home (see back story). According to the developers, Jim Swiezy (right) and Matt Klafehn (Greenleef Real Estate), the house was about a year away from being beyond repair. Thankfully Jim and Matt decided to take a big chance - one that resulted in restoring a high profile property in a historic district. Before choosing the appropriate paint scheme for the exterior, Matt explored the rest of neighborhood in search of colors that would mix and match. After replacing the porch, the pillars (no longer round) and restoring much of the woodwork and details, the two decided that it was time to open the doors to show off the incredible transformation that had taken place inside.
Walking up the front steps onto the rebuilt porch, it is the beanboard above that really shines. From there, the house's foyer makes a major impact with operable oversized pocket doors that look and function the way they once did when the house was built. I was surprised to see that so much of the original woodwork had been saved since the amount of water damage to the house had been so significant. Of the 4200 sq.' house, it was hard to find any flaws. Everything looked original when observing the living areas except for the Energy Star windows. Updated amenities include bathroom outfitted with Jacuzzi tub, shower with body sprayers, granite counter tops and sleek subway tiled floors. The kitchen has been overhauled as well. All of the updates brought a sense of luxury to the dwelling that had, at one time, been subjected to tragic '80's remodeling decisions. New plumbing, electric and zoned heating were par for the course.
The house boasts three bedrooms, a sprawling dry basement, laundry hookups, natural sunlight, front porch, upper porch, back patio, parking pad for up to two cars, quaint backyard, finished attic (one large room and two smaller rooms), tons of closets, new roof and over 50% replaced clapboard, 2nd floor carpeting (makes the house very quiet) and a fireplace. I have to hand it to Jim and Matt - these guys really put their hearts into this project. They told me that in the 20 years that they have been in the business, there was only one other project that was as difficult to pull off. Had they known what was in store for them, I'm not sure that they would have tackled the project. You can see it in their eyes - the trouble that they went through. At the same time, you can see the pride that they share in the accomplishment. I hope to see more from these two in the near future.
The house is being listed for sale at $299,000.
