Historically and Architecturally Significant Homes in San Antonio.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Monte Vista 3-1 Craftsman Bungalow - $175,000

Monte Vista 3-1 Craftsman Bungalow 
A sneak peek before everyone else!
Historically and Architecturally Significant San Antonio Vintage Homes

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Cut-glass Door Knob

Architectural Analysis

By: Architectural Historian Shelley Roff, Ph.D.

This sweet little bungalow on 504, Mulberry, near Trinity University, was once owned by two women, who owned the house for most of its life. Built in 1937, on the tail end of the Depression Era, it lacks some signature details of a true Craftsman bungalow, however the arrangement of its plan, a few interior details, and its roof demonstrate the design of an architect who was very familiar with the Arts and Crafts Style.

A prominent portico extends from the center of the front façade, and pairs of windows are arranged symmetrically to each side. The house's most dramatic characteristic is the shape of the roof, a half-hip, and the miniaturized version echoed in the smaller roof sheltering the entry portico. The half-hip roof is essentially a gabled roof, but the end point of the gable is replaced by a small hip (a fold).

This style of roof came in vogue in the U.S. in the early 20th century, when designers of the Arts and Crafts movement were intrigued with Japanese design. Americans first direct contact with Japanese design came about with the construction of several Japanese pavilions at the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876 and the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. The exquisite craftsmanship and clean-cut forms of these buildings drew tremendous attention, and the practicality of the deeply extended eaves of both gabled and half-hip roofs were quickly understood.

The Japanese roof, like our house on Mulberry, utilized exposed rafters to provide support for the deeply extended eaves. The extended eaves of the half-hip roof offers a greater degree of protection from the sun and inclement weather to the walls, windows and interior space below; greater than the simple gabled end.

The chimney on the west side of the house has a whimsical curve, as seen in other bungalows nearby, and literally punctuates the roofline. The classical columns, and definitely the front door, are later additions, not in keeping with Arts and Crafts decor.

However, the interior arrangement of the living room is almost classic. A central fireplace with a shifting pattern of bricks is flanked on each side by a double-hung window with a bookcase and a window seat below. The square-shaped window to the left is more traditional; indicating that perhaps the window seat and longer window design to the right may be a later renovation.

The kitchen retains its original cabinetry but has been updated with modern appliances. The cabinetry, walls and trim have been painted in beautiful shades of green and white that highlight the outline of the former wall's wainscot. The built-in ironing board niche has now been turned into an enclosed space for shallow shelves.

Other details worthy of note throughout the house are the extensive window and door moldings and the numerous versions of cut-glass door knobs and bronze door knobs and hinges, all original to the construction of the house. The shiny black and gold chandelier in the dining room is probably an addition from the 1970s.

504 East Mulberry History with Images




Real Estate Simulator

Greetings!

504 East MulberryMint green bungalows look better in person. If you are a bungalow-type of fellow (or fella!) then you won't let the funny hue of my photos bother you. This is a handsome house!

Speaking of you- who do you know who would want to hear about a fantastic, updated Craftsman Bungalow across the street from Trinity?

The floors are refinished, the electrical is updated, new bath, updated wiring plus central air. It has the goods. Plus the mature tree canopy over the back deck is gorgeous!

We haven't put 504 E. Mulberry on MLS yet, so there is a nice casual (short) courting opportunity here for your friends and co-workers you share this with. Monte Vista is getting mighty expensive, so this may be the last of the "Gosh I shoulda bought it back thens." Don't let this one slip away without a peek.

We are here for you, your family & anyone else you care about.
Joe Barfield
210-745-0892
Real Estate Consultants Specializing in Homes of Character & History
The Joe Barfield Group of Keller Williams

Monte Vista 3-1 Craftsman Bungalow - $175,000


Living Room
Living Room

A great, recently updated Craftsman Bungalow in Historic Monte Vista. With the Trinity University right across the street!

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Walkable Neighborhood

Walkscore Tile Monte Vista is a charming historic district located 1.5 miles north of downtown San Antonio. Trinity University is right across the street. The Brackenridge Park is within a mile. University of the Incarnate Word and UTSA are also located in close proximity. Landa Library, Central Market, SA Zoo and Sunken Gardens are all located within 2 miles.

The neighborhood has great restaurants including Demo's Greek Food, La Fonda on Main, Panchitos, Pig Stands, WD Deli and Chris Madrid's, known for their famous burgers. It is located in the San Antonio ISD with some great schools including the new Monte Vista Montessori School and Keystone School. San Antonio Museum of Art and Witte Museum are located close by.


Some Wonderful Memories


Wood Deck
Back Deck with Aroboreal Canopy

Justin shares his favorite memories of 504, E. Mulberry Avenue.

  • My wife and I fell in love with Alamo Cafe about a decade ago. It wasn't nearly as busy or large as the one on 281/Bitters. However, every time we return we go over there to have the beef fajitas for two. If you don't mind sitting at the bar you can get great service and fajitas in under 10 minutes.
  • Other than 'Mo Cafe, we really enjoy Bombay's Bicycle Club. The burgers and food are good, but we generally go for the social aspect. Drinks are reasonably priced and there is a ton of Trinity memorabilia hanging on the walls.
  • The best part about living on the street is the closeness to everything. For a student, professor or administrator, you are literally a block away from south campus. It is extremely easy access from the highway and simple to tell friends how to get to your place. However, if you are not involved with Trinity it is still only several miles to downtown, a couple of miles from the park and very close to anything you want or need to do (airport, shopping center, major interstates, etc)
  • I have memories of walking across the street to see some of the best soccer in the nation. The field has gone through some transformations since I was in college but now Trinity hosts NCAA events. It is very rare that you can just walk to an event like this for free and watch some amazing athletes.
  • Other than Trinity, there are several large universities in the area, UTSA, Incarnate Word, etc. On the other side of 281 is an awesome Brackenridge Park. As a student we would go over to the Sunken Gardens to enjoy concerts and other events. In addition, the golf course is going through a major renovation and would be ready shortly.
  • We love sitting out on the back porch and relaxing. You can do everything from read the paper to cook on the grill. It is generally very quiet in the backyard and there is plenty of room for children, animals or even a garden.
  • You are so close to downtown that trips to the Riverwalk are a must. We tried to go about once a month to see a movie, go to the comedy club, just walk around downtown and along the river. It has grown tremendously over the past 15 years that it is really enjoyable to see San Antonio growing as a city.
  • Heading over to the driving range or playing golf at Brackenridge Park. Although currently under renovation, it was always relatively inexpensive and a fun course to play. The changes look awesome.
  • If you like nightlife, St. Mary's street has gone through some significant changes. As a student, we used to go to Tycoon Flats. However, it has now gone by the wayside and other bars and restaurants have grown, including Joey's.
  • You don't have to be a student or even an alumni to enjoy the walking/jogging tracks at Trinity University. They have tracks on both upper and lower campus. Unlike running on concrete, they are much better on your knees and thus more enjoyable to run/walk on.
  • Although you are near the heart of a major city, you don't feel it. Since Monte Vista was recognized as a historical district, little has changed in the way of the "quaintness". There are sidewalks so you can walk around the neighborhood and see other homes built in the 20s and 30s. Overall the neighbors are friendly but unobtrusive.
  • Heading down to the Central Market to hear Lucky McLain (neighbor in Blue house) play in a band at lunchtime. It was Hawaiian themed. Had a couple of beers and hung outside listening to the cool sounds of surfing music
  • My mother and I personally fixed up the house together. She came down for a week and we worked on the house solidly. Obviously, we brought in professionals for certain things (floors, electrical, bathroom), but as an interior decorator and a handy-woman for 30 years, we had a great time working together.

Please don't hesitate to respond to this email or call me or my team if you or someone you know might be interested in this home.

Sincerely,

Joe Barfield

The Joe Barfield Group of Keller Williams Realty
homes@joebarfield.com
210-745-0892

www.SanAntonioVintageHomes.com
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The architectural write-up is provided by Dr. Roff. Any reference to families is strictly academic. The Joe Barfield Group embraces all Equal Opportunity Housing Laws.
© Copyright 2008 All rights Reserved, Joe Barfield.
Joe Barfield 227 Rose Ln San Antonio TX 78212

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Joe Barfield
Your blog is so condescending and makes me want to puke. You really think you are something important when all you really are is a used car salesman. You have no idea what San Antonio is all about. Get a life

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