The Sixth Installment

Completing our examination of the perimeter of the primary structure, we consider a “study model” view of the West elevation in a search for an entrance opportunity to the proposed 2nd duplex unit.


You may have noticed that the study model utilizes both actual photographs and simulated textures to represent the existing structure. In the area including the existing front entrance, this is a portion of a photo of that area. The dark color to the lower left of the double hung window is part of existing shrubbery that obscures a clear view of the facade.

The use of 3d modeling provides the opportunity to get an unencumbered view of the existing structure which is particularly valuable in preservation projects. Notice that the model is placed on Google Earth.

Just above the “C” at ~ one o’clock you can detect the Mill Mountain star. This further illustrates an important aspect of this method of studying historic structures. It provides the designer with a much enhanced understanding of the building within its environment. Daylight can be manipulated to describe lighting conditions throughout the day and year. A couple of weeks ago, as I was placing the model on Google Earth, I had the “weather layer” switched on. It was raining heavily at the time and Google earth was reacting with simulated rain on the model as I was working!!!

A. The six casement windows on this elevation combined with four casements on the North elevation enclose what was originally planned as an exterior front sitting porch. The floor elevation in this area is slightly below the main floor level and the material appears to be embossed colored concrete under an indoor/outdoor carpet covering. The embossed concrete was a commonly used treatment during the time this home was built. The casements on the North side of the “Sun Room” have been boarded up on the interior and one was cut to accommodate a window air conditioning unit. The corner column is a classic over-sized column typical of the craftsman period. Although the modifications enclosing this space were not a part of the original design, it is an attractive feature, sympathetic to the period, and delightfully serviceable as a contemporary space. Restoration of this area is desirable.

B. Also typical of the Craftsman style is the full dormer on the second level. The gambrel roof was also used in the Craftsman style but not as frequently as the bungalow style gabled roof. I have looked for this home in Sears & Roebuck catalogues of homes from this period, as I suspect this may have been a “mail order” home, again reinforced by the presence of the house next door at 1316 2nd St. The original roofing material was probably a granular slate asphalt shingle common during that period which provides clues to original coloration.


C. The segmented arch pediment over the front door also was used extensively in “catalogue” style homes though the configuration of the brackets supporting the pediment cannot be considered “true” to the Craftsmen style. Some of the “mix and match” features start reinforcing the suspicion that this was a “catalogue home,” though that does not reduce its quality or historic value.

D. The existing metal clad entry door is clearly a much more contemporary replacement that is in poor condition and needs replacement.

E. The industrial-type pipe railings leading to the front door distract from the aesthetic appeal of the home.