William Sage, a shoe manufacturer and civic leader, had this Italianate home constructed in the late 1850’s. The Italian Villa style features wide eaves, a shallow-pitched roof, and very tall windows. Sage and his family lived here through the 1800s and added several additions to the original house. Two of these (the center and western portions) remain today as separate residences.
During the 20th century, the structure became a rooming house. When developer George Zimmer bought the property in 1978, it contained 18 “apartments.” His plan was to convert the home into luxury apartments when a couple approached him and inquired about the possibility of developing the building as three townhouses. The couple then found 2 other buyers and the restoration of the home as townhouses began.
Center Townhouse – McNeil-Petrella Residence
Visitors will approach the center townhouse of this converted complex through a private gate and narrow sidewalk that leads to the modest porch entrance of the smallest of these three units. When the current owners first considered purchasing this home, they were immediately impressed that it was “move in ready.” Once inside, one is greeted by a spacious eat in kitchen complete with a breakfast bar and galley style cooking area. The tall ceilings and serving/conversation window between the kitchen and living room help to create an open, airy feel. Just beyond the kitchen is a large living room with a wood-burning stove flanked by two large windows. Double tier crown moldings accent the dramatic ceiling lines, and a powder room and large closet complete the first floor amenities. Although not open on today’s tour, the upstairs is softly lit by a master bedroom skylight and features matching claw foot bathtubs in the guest and master bathrooms.
West Townhouse — Faucher Residence
When the current owner of the west end unit first viewed it in 2008, he noted, “It was a step back into the past. Nothing had been done here in over 20 years. The bedroom and living room walls were all either antique gray or lilac and the bathrooms and kitchen were covered in tired, dated floral wallpaper.” But he instantly saw unique possibilities in the layout and especially in the dramatic ceilings. He gutted the old kitchen and replaced it with a cherry floor and new fixtures of travertine and maple. The master bath now includes a double shower and the second level features red oak floors with designer painting and lighting throughout. Exiting this second townhouse, visitors will notice gardens that have been reconfigured with curved walkways through both the sun and shade areas.
