High Point Terrace was made up of small farms until the father-and-son
developers Chandler and Chandler bought the Koch family dairy farm around
1940. They were instrumental in introducing the new suburban style of housing
to Memphis. They laid out an extension of the grid pattern of the city’s
streets, creating large lots and deep setbacks. The houses, begun in 1941,
were one-story with garages built in the rear yard. Front doors and porches
were not emphasized. This was an early car suburb; there were no sidewalks.
The neighborhood streets were unpaved dirt roads until the early 1950s. When
you moved out beyond Highland you were escaping from the city to a place in
the country.
In 1945, after the end of World War II, building increased. Houses filled
quickly — as far as Eastland Street and down to Walnut Grove by 1957. This
house was built in 1950 at the far eastern edge of the subdivision and backs
up to what is now the St. Andrews Fairway area.
Typical of the neighborhood, the house is a one-story structure clad
largely in brick, with siding above. Although some large trees original to the
area were preserved, it’s now mostly the early plantings, now mature, that add
an elegantly aged canopy to the area’s streets. This house has one grand oak
in its front yard, now joined by a second, younger one wisely planted by the
current owners.
This lot is not as deep as most. The garage was built beside the house
rather than behind it. When time came, it was easy to attach it to the house
with a spacious mud entry and laundry room.
The current owners were fortunate to benefit from a complete kitchen
renovation just before they moved in. This may have even been the time the
laundry was moved out of the kitchen and the garage attachment built. The
kitchen is spacious with lots of pickled wood cabinets. A breakfast bar
set at a rakish angle keeps guests close at hand without invading food-prep
areas.
The current owners have continued improvements at regular intervals.
Basic elements such as the roof were replaced, and the whole interior has
benefited from subtle paint finishes. Upgrades include an enlarged electrical
service, central heat and air, new appliances, and top-quality, insulated-
glass windows throughout, including a greenhouse window over the kitchen
sink.
Every room (except the family room, which was added) has its original oak
floors in immaculate condition thanks to a protective layer of carpet and
padding. The living and family rooms in the center of the house open to each
other to accommodate entertaining. The bedrooms are tucked to one side.
Closets have been outfitted with shelves and rods for maximum storage.
Original ceramic floors and high, tiled wainscots add an elegant touch
in these economically built houses.
The yard has received plenty of sweat and equity by the current owners.
Sun-loving perennials ornament the fenced rear property line. The pair of oaks
out front shade the house from midday and afternoon sun. They also offer a
friendly environment for the azaleas that flourish across the front of the
house. In fact, the whole neighborhood offers a friendly environment where
third generations now flourish in this early Memphis ‘burb.
3863 Minden Road
Approximately 1,800 square feet
3 bedrooms, 1 3/4 baths; $198,500
FSBO 458-5481; will co-op
Open house Sunday, Sept. 23rd, 2-4 p.m.
