The Colonial Revival home at 620 Washington Ave. once was part of a majestic corridor filled with beautiful, stately residences near Downtown. Built in 1906, the home’s majestic days have long since passed, and its neighborhood, the Washington Avenue Historic District, slowly lost its grandeur after World War II. With decades of attempted resurrections from preservationists, a new façade for the 620 Washington Ave. home is beginning to form.
Early this year, crews from Architectural Renovators completed framing on the property slated as the 2010 Evansville Living Downtown Idea Home. Presented by the City of Evansville, the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, and the Junior League of Evansville, this year’s premier showcase home demonstrates that even a severely mistreated historic property can be rehabilitated.
That mission continues with reconstructed windows on the façade. Workers also replaced siding and began millwork and trim. The Idea Home is an example of hope that home renovations can revitalize a blighted neighborhood, known by city officials as the Front Door Pride area. According to Stewart Sebree, the southwest field office director of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, everything looks on schedule: “We shouldn’t have too many problems with it.”
The 2010 Evansville Living Downtown Idea Home will open for tours with a preview celebration on Sept. 17, 2010. Tucker Publishing Group is accepting Idea Home sponsors — renovation, preservation, building trade, and design experts who will participate in the effort. Contact Tucker Publishing Group at (812) 426-2115 for more information.
