This weeks featured Historic Home in St Paul is 649 Summit Ave.

Built in 1874 by A G Manson, the home is a fantastic representation of Second Empire architectural design. Out of the four Second Empire homes built on Summit Avenue between 1867-1883, this is the only one still standing. Major features that distinguish this style are the Mansard roof with many dormers, brackets at the eaves, paired entry doors, and cresting along the roof line.

The home sits on a beautiful third of an acre with a very simple but elegant landscape design. This home was at one time used as a Funeral Home, circa 1920. It was recently sold in late 2004 for $1,125,000. With about 4200 square feet, the home has 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The previous owners restored the home to much of its original splendor, while making it more functional for modern times, ie. new kitchen, central air etc. The backyard has also been newly landscaped and it the perfect retreat. Definitely a gem on the avenue!

The photo taken in 1919 shows that there was a small second story porch on the East side of the home which has since been removed. The other photo, taken in 1973, shows that both the upper and lower porch were removed. Sometime since then, the owners have brought back the lower porch which is designed similar to the orginal. It is always nice to see the character of a historic home returned!

 

10 Comments on St Paul Historic Home 4

APR
18
2007
105,414 Points
Awsome home. There is not too many like this in my area. I was lucky enough to get to renovate several historic homes in D.C. Good luck and enjoy the experience.
8:28am • #1
APR
19
2007
1,155,841 Points 38 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

It is a lovely home.  Interesting that it was once a funeral home, for some reason it reminded me a bit of the home in "Six Feet Under."  I wonder what are in the gallows upstairs, they have big windows and apparently lots of light.  Thank you for sharing this.
11:06am • #2
APR
20
2007
132,501 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Grant - I too have completely renovated a couple historic homes. Not an easy task I might add.

Carole - I always wonder if any ghosts are still hanging around. I just don't know if I could live in an old funeral home.
6:35am • #3
APR
21
2007
1,155,841 Points 38 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Quite frankly, I don't know if I could either although blessings are supposed to clear the energy....still, I know a couple that has done it (and are very happy!!).
6:17am • #4
APR
22
2007
600,380 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog

There were some homes in this style in Providence, Rhode Island - we actually owned one for several years and used it for my husband's office - but we could only fend off the zoning patrol for so long, so then sold and moved on. It was nice to be there by Brown University for a while, though.

It's nice that you have and show the photos from prior times. 
9:25am • #5
132,501 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Carole - after watching some of those real life haunted shows on TV, even if blessed, I don't think I could live there.

Sharon- until I did some researching, I thought it was the original porch. But once I found the 70's photo, I was not surprised someone had removed it at one time. For some reason, in the 70's-80's people tore off the porches or enclosed them to make additional space. The funny thing is, when the enclosed option was chosen, those rooms always become the junk room. I have to ask, if it is becoming a junk room, why do it in the first place. I would much rather enjoy a summer afternoon swinging on my porch.
11:05am • #6
APR
23
2007
600,380 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Jennifer - I agree on the enclosing. My son's 1910 home had the porch enclosed and when he put it on the market I advised taking the windows out - but that's the subject for another blog!
6:53pm • #7
132,501 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Sharon - once the porch is enclosed, I feel the home loses it's character. I find that homes with porches sell faster than the ones that are enclosed.
8:47pm • #8
MAY
01
2007
145,977 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jennifer -

What a pristine historic home.  I love the fact that it is a light color.  So often the older homes a painted dark colors.  This one just stands out so beautifully.
7:45pm • #9
132,501 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Cynthia - thanks for visiting. Indeed, this home just wouldn't look right with dark or bright colors. The architecture of Second Empire is so dramatic that you can't take away from it using alot of color. Oh, and if I do get by Indy this summer, I will give you a call! :)
8:18pm • #10


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Jennifer Kirby, the Luxury Agent

Minneapolis, MN

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Kirby Fine Homes

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