When the property at 647 N. State Street was sold for commercial use, threatning one of the last turn-of-the-century neoclassical mansions that once lined North State Street, several local individuals and organizations campaigned for its survival. After successful negotiations, the house was moved across the street virtually intact and carefully rehabilitated for its new use as professional offices.
Originally designed by architect Emmet Hull, the two-story, hipped roof, frame house was built in 1910. Over the next seventy-five years, the house served as the stately home of the Green family and later as an antique store. The general condition of the house had deteriorated over the last several years, and a fire in 1984 burned the rear porch, severely charring the adjacent siding, ceilings, and roof structure. Nevertheless, the significance of the Garner Green House to Jackson’s past and its nomination to the National Register of Historic Places made rehabilitation the prime objective.
The new owner wanted to preserve the house according to guidelines that would allow him rehabilitation tax credits. He also required that it be adapted for revenue-producing, leasable office space, and the design had to be flexible enough to accommodate several possible tenants.
The restoration architect’s objectives were to respectfully restore the exterior, including authentic details and colors, and preserve as many of the interior rooms, including details and materials, as possible. These goals were complicated by the fact that the entire structure, except for the masonry chimneys, had to be moved 500 yards and lowered onto a new foundation before rehabilitation work could even begin. Previous fire damage had to be repaired, and the requirements of contemporary mechanical and electrical systems and the current building code had to be met without significantly altering the historical and architectural character of the house.
Project Details: Garner Green House Restoration
