This weeks showcase Historic Home is 318 Summit Ave.

I was going to post this home upon completion of its current renovation, but since the Pioneer Press did a fantastic article this weekend regarding the current owners, I decided to highlight the home early, and then come back in May for more comments when renovations are scheduled to be finished.

Built in 1893 by William H. Lightner for a sum of $24,000, the home was designed by the well known architect Cass Gilbert. Gilbert is credited with building a total of 8 homes on the Avenue. The home is a classic and simple representation of the Romanesque style, made famous by H.H. Richardson, in which the home is constructed of large, rough-cut stone. It is quite easy to recognize this architectural style on Summit Avenue in Saint Paul (approximately 12 homes were built between 1883-1893) as each of these home stands out from the common Queen Anne Victorian .

The current owners bought the home in June 2006 for $1,425,000 and are converting the home back to single family residential as it has been a multi-family home for a number of years. It sits on about a half an acre and boasts 8600 square feet, five bedrooms, and 8 bathrooms. It will be interesting to see the finished product and what the designers have added or taken away. I am sure they will keep the beautiful leaded glass, oak and mahogany woodwork, and the grand staircase. The article in the Pioneer Press did mention they plan on building a two car garage, as currently the only thing available is street parking.