In March 2006, Tim and Mary Schap of Schap Architects Ltd. purchased a blighted office building in Linwood as a possible new home for Tim's company.
Looking for a challenge, the architects followed through on the rehabilitation of the condemned 4,000-square-foot building at 4855-4857 Eastern Avenue.
Although they expected a few unforeseen issues due to the building's age and condition, the seller had not disclosed to them that the building had been condemned.
"Three days after purchase when our contractors started replacing the roof, we were informed by the City inspector that the building was condemned and on the list to be torn down," Mary says.
But both felt that the circa 1905 structure had "good bones" and was worthy of saving.
The exterior is completely new with sage green vinyl siding, a 25-year asphalt shingle roof, a new HVAC system, new windows and doors, two decks, gutters and downspouts, stairs, and an ADA ramp.
Inside, the first floor boasts 11'-6" ceilings and bamboo hardwood flooring, and the second floor has been fully carpeted.
Bonuses spaces in the attic and basement are equipped with electric and gas hookups.
The Schaps also took great care to restore the existing Victorian cornice line and wood detailing.
After two years, thousands of dollars, and an immeasurable amount of sweat equity, the project is now completed and listed with NAI Bergman for sale or lease.
"It's designed as office space but zoned residential and commercial, so it's adaptable to a variety of situations," Mary says.
She has supplied the photos in the following slideshow, which show 12 before and after shots of the project.
Hover over the slideshow to bring up the controls. You may stop the slideshow by clicking on the square "stop" button, allowing you to scroll through the photos at your own leisure. To get a better view, click on each image to enlarge to 640 x 480. Photos will open in a new browser window.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Reviving Cincinnati: 4855-4857 Eastern Avenue
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2 comments:
Wow! God bless you, Tim & Mary! This is a beautiful restoration of a great building. Goes without saying that Cincinnati has an incredible amount of historic structures and if more people would do as you've done she will once again proudly wear the crown of "Queen City". Bravo!
Holy cow! Mary and Tim should get an award for this. Like no property taxes until it is sold to someone else. Sure makes the city look bad for their eagerness to tear down everything. Just think of all that has been lost that could have been fixed up, buildings that were in better shape than this one pictured. Or ones that were/are not fixed up because of all the unnecessary headaches the abrasive inspectors cause. The city should be there to help not hinder.
And shame on lazy banks or out of town mortgage companies for tearing buildings down because it's easier than selling them, and the city lets them.
You look bad city of Cincinnati. You are losing your identity , you are loosing your history, you are losing your character. ( I know, but look how much has been lost in OTR).
And then there are the Tims and Marys who give the rest of us hope, in this case a big dose. Thanks.
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