* I orginally featured this home on my luxury blog, last April. Since then, the home even looks worse when you drive by it, which is what I did today. Sparkly winter snow doesn't even help.

This weeks featured historic home is located at 475 Summit Avenue in Saint Paul, MN.

Why is it that I am always saddened when I walk by this home? Probably because it looks to be slowly deteriorating, but I could be wrong. Originally built somewhere between 1880-1883, this simple Queen Anne was commissioned by James Gamble, and designed by George Wirth. Mr. Wirth built six homes on Summit Avenue.

The exterior is constructed of stone, the home has most of its original features. The front bay window on the second floor has been altered, but the most significant change came to the front porch, only a decade after it was built. The Victorian styled lattice porch was changed to a more Richardson Romanesque style porch made of stone, which can be seen in the photos below.

Here are some photos of the home as it appeared in 1888, 1890, 1900. According to public records, the home has over 7000 square feet with 10 bedrooms. It is currently used as apartments.

 
This post has been included in Minnesota Information Ramsey County, MN Information Saint Paul, MN Information
Post is included in group: Historic Homes
Post is included in group: Buildings Architecture and Dings

6 Comments on Saint Paul Historic Home # 32 - Slowly, the Neglect Shows

JAN
02
126,152 Points Outside Blog

Hey, great post. Thanks for the information about your area.

11:24pm • #1
JAN
06
Localism Sponsor

Once a historic home gets chopped up into apartments, the end is usually in sight.  How sad. 

3:57pm • #2
318,937 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

It is amazing how many chimneys there are but I guess as cold as your area gets and that was all the eat they had back when it was constructed, explains it.

11:26pm • #3
JAN
07
111,290 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Trey - these mansions had multiple fireplaces, either coal or wood burning...yep, it gets pretty darn cold here..currently it is 2 degrees outside.

Brenda - the cyle for these homes is single family, apartment, single family...maybe in 10-20 years, it will be single family again, once the current owners give up on it or sell.

9:03pm • #4
JAN
12

What a great old house! I'm from Wisconsin so I understand about the cold temps.  Moved to CA in '97 after the very cold winter and windchilss of -50 degrees.

Thanks Jennifer!

Diane

9:43am • #5
FEB
13
534,629 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Manyof the large, older homes in the Old Northeast area of St Petersburg were divided up into apartments, but many of them have been restored back into single family homes.

8:28pm • #6

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Jennifer Kirby, the Luxury Agent

Minneapolis, MN

More about me…

Exit Realty Ventures

Address: 8160 County Road 42, Suite 300-342, Savage, MN, 55378

Cell Phone: (651) 785-3400

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