This block
has just about one of everything. There are certainly some over-the-top
renovations by committed homeowners. Then there are a couple homes that look
like the best that could happen would be a meeting with a bulldozer. And
there’s even a recent construction that has made the most of a lot vacanted by
a fire. It’s a classic Midtown block if ever there was one.
This Queen Anne cottage has also gone through quite a few changes
in the past 90 years. At some stage the wrap-around front porch had its side
enclosed to enlarge the entry. An Arkansas fieldstone fireplace was added at
the same time, as was the big picture window facing the street. The front
porch doesn’t seem to have suffered from this change, and the increased room
inside and the fireplace are quite nice.
The picture window, however, would look much better on the curb.
A pair of double-hung windows (like the single on the left) would be an
inexpensive improvement. Inside, the entry and living room are combined. It’s
a nice space but furniture would arrange easier with the addition of two round
columns (to match those on the front porch) to slightly separate these two
rooms. The oak floors throughout have been nicely refinished.
The rooms in this house are bigger than the ouside could possibly
suggest. There’s a large front bedroom that’s sheltered from the sun and the
street by a venerable old sycamore. The middle bedroom opens off the living
room through a pair of French doors. As a guest room, it could also double as
a home office or TV room.
The rear bedroom is yet another space that’s been added to this
house over the years. It’s well-scaled and, with two pairs of windows, has
plenty of light. It also has a full wall of closets (obviously not original)
and pretty handy by any standard.
The bath and kitchen have both been recently redone. The bath has
a new pedestal sink. Both it and the overscale cast-iron tub are set off by a
new ceramic-tile floor. A white bead-board wainscot finishes off the bath. The
kitchen was a much harder redo. The refrigerator was recessed in a niche just
around the corner in the adjoining utility room. This bit of planning allowed
a nice galley layout to be achieved. New halogen track lights, a terra-cotta
floor, and all new appliances (including a washer and dryer) add sparkle.
There’s a full basement (yes, full), but it was built either just
for the kids or a rather short family. Even so, it provides fabulous storage.
Out back there’s a single-car garage and privacy fencing with lots of sun for
a garden or pool or just lawn. Like the rest of the block there’s a wonderful
mix of materials and modern additions that make this cottage classic Midtown.
2054 Linden Avenue
3 bedrooms, 1 bath; $127,900
1,300 square feet
Realtor: Crye-Leike, 218-3961
Agent: Rick Travers, 725-5309
