The U-shaped Colonial Revival- style building at 111 Washington Ave. has housed tenants since 1924. Now, Mike Martin’s challenge is to retain Washington Court Apartments’ historic integrity while making the complex fit for 21st-Century living.
“I’ve always been attracted to this building. It has a ‘Melrose Place’ vibe,” says Martin, founder of Architectural Renovators, which purchased the historic property in 2020.
Renovations to the F. Manson Gilbert-designed complex took longer than planned. Similar to other properties AR has renovated, there were unique challenges.
“With any historic building, there are always unforeseen items that come up. (We had) structural issues, some under- ground drainage issues, but overall, it was a solid building. We are thrilled with the outcome,” Martin says.
AR modernized each of the 22 one- and two-bedroom apartments, adding quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, luxury vinyl wood floors, new cabinetry, and updated light fixtures. AR restored each 750-square-foot apartment’s trim, iron stairwells, and balconies — including Rapunzel faux balconies — which feature the original true divided lite French doors. Modern amenities include video surveillance and keyless entry system.
Orange Moon Art Studio in Newburgh, Indiana, also touched up paint on the inset cherubs adorning the three Greek Revival-influenced courtyard entrances, which greeted residents when the building opened for tenants in November 2022.
Also injecting new life into the property is the energy from the surrounding Haynie’s Corner Arts District, which Christina Newell, a new hire with AR, says is popular with residents.
“The nightlife and community atmosphere of Haynie’s Corner being within walking distance is definitely a big draw,” Newell says.
