This weeks showcase Historic Home in St Paul is 275 Summit Ave.
Common to many lots on Summit Avenue, another home stood on this spot from 1880-1895. It was consumed by fire in 1895 during the winter and torn down, making way for the current home to be built on the lot in 1901. Built by Charles Schuneman at a cost of $18,000 and designed by C.H. Johnston, the home is built of limestone and sits on a wonderful corner lot. Johnston is known for having designed over 30 homes on the avenue and probably holds the record for most homes built at the turn of the century.
The home is is known to some as “Medieval” in style, as its design does not fit into most conventional nineteenth century architectural textbooks. It has many Gothic attributes like the arch seen in the side window and the capitals seen on the porch columns. The inside is absolute beautiful with some of the best perserved wood work I have seen. At one time it was divided up into apartments, but now serves as a private residence. Known as the Summit Manor Reception House, the owner hosts weddings, meetings, receptions, and more. To learn more about what the home offers to the public visit its website where you can also find some photos of the interior design as well.