It may seem unusual for a modern business like New Horizons Financial Consultants to be housed in a 19th-century brick Victorian, but owner and Certified Financial Planner Amy Bouchie loves being surrounded by historic residences and wouldn’t have it any other way.
The 1894 home at 1112 S.E. First St. originally was a single-family home and then a 1970s fraternity house. When Bouchie purchased the property in early 2021 from the Ten Adams marketing agency, the Evansville native sought to modernize the house but keep its historic features while making it serve as both a business and residence — a smart amenity given the business’ proximity to Haynie’s Corner Arts District.
“I was trying to maximize the property as much as I can,” Bouchie says.
Renovations took two years to complete, although Bouchie and New Horizons employees Danielle Andrews and Julie Hill relocated from a retail strip center at 41 North Business Park to Haynie’s Corner in July 2021. One challenge was the security implications of having residences and commercial offices in the same building. A lawyer and an insurance agent rent two of the offices, in addition to New Horizons. Bouchie installed doors to separate the two types of spaces, so residents, office workers, and clients can’t wander into spaces they’re not supposed to be.
The building retains its character, such as original wood cabinets and exposed brick in the first-floor kitchen, square tile floors, leather-bound walls, and intricate ceiling moldings. Ten Adams clients will recall the intricate carvings on the walnut staircase leading to the second floor and lilies imprinted on the antique brass doorknobs.
A bedroom, full bath, and living room were added to the finished basement, and stained glass inflects elegance to the third level, where Bouchie lives. She added a studio-style kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and bedroom but kept an exposed brick wall.
“I like the convenience of being above my office,” she says. “It’s been fun to be creative. It’s definitely been a labor of love.”