Noted Rochester architect John Foster Warner lived in this house from 1885 until 1910. It is not one of his designs—he was only sixteen when it was built!
During the years he lived here, he created a successful career, started his own architectural firm after separating from his father’s company (A. J. Warner), and gained recognition for designing many iconic buildings that still stand today: The Granite Building (built 1893), the Monroe County Courthouse (1894-96), the original East High School Building on Alexander Street (1902), and the Sibley, Lindsay and Curr Building (1904) replacing the department store’s earlier building that was destroyed by fire. In 1910, Warner moved to Prince Street, into a magnificent house of his own design. Sadly that house does not survive.
Warner may have added improvements to this house while he lived in it but it went through some ill-advised changes during those years when the Third Ward was in decline. Recently it has rebounded very nicely.
Current owner, Geoff Selleck, lives on the second and third floors. His space is open and filled with daylight. He decorates with photos and mementoes from his family plus art and posters that reflect places where he has lived—Corn Hill and Boston dominate. Kim Rachunok, who lives on the first floor, fills her space with art and treasures that are delightfully eclectic: Corn Hill posters, glass bubbles (beautiful ornaments that transcend the Christmas season so she displays them year-round), and the black and white checked pattern of MacKenzie-Childs.
This stop is unique in that it requires entering two homes so pay close attention to the tour guide to avoid any confusion.
