THE OLD HOUSE AT 301 BROOKS AVENUE

I have driven past this home four times a day for over a decade. One detail I remember most is the chandelier in the dining room always being on in the evening.  The home sold a few years after my arrival in University Park...and then it happened.  The chandelier was no longer on, the front door was painted orange, the lovely brick steps were covered with an awful orange and tan stone, and gargoyles were placed on either side of the steps.  Black drapes on the front portico....criminal.

Fast forward a decade plus....it is empty and for sale!  This became my personal mission to find someone...anyone... to save this house. After many showings to many clients, my friend, client, and very "hands on" investor Mike came to the rescue.  You may remember Mike as the guy who "remade" the house at 2818 Fowler Ave.  We set new comps for the neighborhood and started a renovation frenzy in University Park with that one.  I convinced Mike of my vision for this house, and after a bit of back and forth he was able to take possession and begin the journey.

The J. L. Hathcock house is listed with the US Dept. of the Interior as an important structure contributing to the University Park neighborhood.   Built in the mid-1930's in the Colonial Revival style so popular at the time, it was virtually unharmed other than a horrible kitchen redo, a terrible 1/2 bath on the main level, and a crazy wall of pennies behind a bar...all added by the last owners. I say this in the nicest possible way...they were from the west coast.

An architect was brought in to draw up a historically sensitive master bedroom addition, laundry room and pantries, reconfigure the upstairs bedroom/bath situation, and make full use of the lower level as living space.  A full kitchen "gut to the studs" was in order with custom cabinetry bench made in Georgia throughout.

Period lighting, mantels, and period sensitive hardware is also being used throughout.  All the original doors, windows, and door hardware is being restored and used.  This one is very fine in every detail!

Next up...the interiors!

As always...xx.dt