When the property was sold for commercial use, and one of the last turn-of-the century Neoclassical mansions that once lined North State Street was threatened by demolition, 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 following 75 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 and severely charred 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 in a manner that would allow him to receive rehabilitation tax credits. He also required that it be adapted for revenue producing, leasable office space and the design solution had to be flexible enough to accommodate several possible tenants.
The architect’s objectives were to respectfully restore the exterior, including authentic details and colors, and preserve as many of the interior rooms, details and materials as possible. This was 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
