A HOME that once hosted stellar soirees but fell into serious disrepair in recent years now has a brand-new lease on life. Thanks to a careful—yet all-encompassing—renovation, this 1909 Mission Revival blends old and new so seamlessly that it’s nearly impossible to discern what was salvaged and what is a replica.
With more than 4,500 square feet plagued by mold, leaks, crumbling stucco, and cracked plaster, the enormous project was handled deftly by The ReDevelopment Group. The severity of the home’s problems required demolition to the studs. Thankfully, some outstanding original features—like the gorgeous walnut staircase and its leaded glass windows—were saved, with the staircase being rebuilt to bring it up to code. Interior doors were also preserved and relocated throughout the home.
Maintaining architectural integrity and marrying it with historically accurate design choices is no small feat. Yet as you move through the stunning home, some new features, like the impressive vent hood and fireplace, feel as if they’ve been there all along. Other touches are more subtle yet reap big design dividends. Fresh drywall with rounded edges, arched doorways, and exposed beams brings Mission Revival charm back into spaces that had lost it over the years.
Realtor Jenni Bliss McMillion calls the home “amazingly solid,” citing its 18-inch-thick exterior walls, brand-new clay tile roof, and several fresh layers of stucco. While the new owner will enjoy the benefits of such a well-insulated home, its sturdy construction never detracts from the light-filled interior. A predominantly soft, white palette allows the dark wood tones to bring richness and warmth to the rooms. That creates an elegant coziness without feeling heavy. In a nod to the Spanish style, pops of color appear through the tile selections within each of the home’s four bathrooms.
While the sophisticated, timeless kitchen impresses with its quartzite counters, luxury appliances, and ample storage, the good qualities don’t end there. Just a few steps off the kitchen sit French doors that open onto the al fresco portion of the unique wraparound porch. The porch hits three sides of the home and offers endless opportunities for summertime parties, cocktail hours, or a simple Friday night cookout. Additional enhancements include the addition of a mudroom and an attached two-car garage, plus a finished basement with bonus living space, bathroom, and recreation area.
Shortly after the home was completed in 1909, The Indianapolis Star lauded the “good taste and unpretentious comfort” of the “splendid” house in a celebratory article. Though the new owners (Dr. Louis and Adele Burckhardt) had only lived there for two weeks, friends and callers visited constantly, eager for a glimpse of the “unusual” architecture. Mission style wasn’t common in Indiana at the time, and The Star had to give readers an explanation of what it was. The Burckhardts (and their architect, Clarence Martindale) were trendsetters, as the more common Spanish Revival style wouldn’t begin appearing in Indiana until the early 1920s.
The revolving door of guests was a sign of all the wonderful times to come. Now, 115 years later, thanks to the ReDevelopment Group’s magnificent transformation, the home awaits a new generation of admirers.
Address: 3159 N Pennsylvania St
Agent: Jenni Bliss McMillion, (317) 869-5962
Price: $1,725,000
