Weekly Acorn #52
Last December I wrote a post (WA #10) about the oldest house in Oak Crest (1203 Polo) being restored by owner Steve Russell. It has been nearly a year and one can see that progress is being made. Steve is doing the renovations mostly by himself.
There is a noticible difference on the outside of both the house and the garage. The garage has a new tin roof and a fresh coat of primer. The house is almost complete with a coat of primer as well. The original color of the house in 1925 was a light gray, similar to the color of the primer. Steve found some wood siding pieces that contained the original color and plans to have it matched when he paints it.
This is the house and garage as they look now. Click on the photos above to view an expanded version or visit the entire Historic Oak Crest Photo Gallery.
As for the inside, not much has been done yet. A new heating and cooling system has been installed. The huge basement has been cleaned out (which even extends under the front porch) and it also has a fireplace.
My favorite feature is the original prairie style rope and pulley windows. They really make the house look very attractive and add such character. I am glad they are being preserved.
Steve’s goal is to restore the house to the way it was when his parents bought it 1956. Steve’s great aunt and uncle built the house in 1925 and at that time owned several adjoining lots which made up their farm.