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Monroe House Update

MONROE HOUSE

So many folks were asking so I thought I would give you a mini update on our house in Monroe.

Back in February, we officially closed on this hundred year old home in the historic district of our favorite little town.  It was definitely one of those situations where we had looked at all these older in-need-of-renovation homes and this one always stood out….maybe because it was the ugliest, maybe because it had this crazy huge awning, or maybe because it had a For Sale sign in the front yard.  Probably the last one.  Plus, it was affordable.

Our back story here is pretty standard….we did some frequent drive-bys, checked out the neighborhood, looked up all the details on Zillow and decided it wouldn’t hurt to call.  The current owner answered the phone and told us that the listing price was wrong ($40K) and that it was actually available for $86K because the rental income was so high.  Our hopes were dashed but for some reason this house was still on our minds.  We honestly didn’t know why we loved it so much but for some reason, this ugly little hundred year old home wiggled its way into our hearts.

Then we heard that the bank seized the house and we contacted the bank folks to see what the plans were for the property.  It was tied up legally with some other properties and they had to sort everything out so we waited and waited and waited.  The house got transferred to different departments within the bank and after every single transfer, Jeremy tracked down the person we needed to contact so that we could get updates.  I’m sure the bank people were completely annoyed with us but we just wanted to make sure that if the house went to auction that we would be first on the court steps to bid.  We also didn’t want to lose out on placing an offer if they decided to list.

On the day that it became officially for sale, we put in an offer without ever seeing the inside.  It was definitely a Flip Or Flop moment.  They countered and we accepted.  Almost two years after we first called about the house, it became officially ours.

We have heard some back story on this place and basically all we know right now is that it was built by a church originally as a parsonage.  This is WAY back in the day.  I mean like, out house and hitching post kinda times.  In fact, this house had both.  That’s right no original indoor plumbing.

It became a single family home later and we have talked to the granddaughter who was born here.  She has photos of the place and we can’t wait to get our grubby little hands on them.  (Don’t worry, I am sure you will get to see it all too!)  She told us that the awning was put on by her grandparents in the 50’s and that the original kitchen was on the other side of the house.

Then at some point after that, it became a nursing home and was converted from a single family home to having six bedrooms and six bathrooms and very little common space.  The folks living there would have church worship time in the red barn out back and that is why the front porch has a giant ramp and hand rails.  The older lady that lives next door shared with us that it was one of her happiest memories of living in Monroe because the singing of hymns would waft in the air as she rocked on her porch.

When it was bought later, it was used as a rented single family home but the layout never changed.  Apparently that situation was short lived and soon it became office space that was rented out per room.  We don’t know when that situation fizzled out but back in February of 2013 our friends were house hunting in Monroe and they walked through this property and it was completely vacant.  The previous owner has loads of other rental properties and he had six other adults move in here after that (some of which were his employees) – using it like a boarding house.

There was also a period of time (we believe it was right before it was a nursing home but after it was a single family house…it’s hard to keep things straight because the house has had nine lives and everybody has a different story to tell us) that this house was associated with a lot of crime and drug issues.  We heard stories that there were nearby shootings, attempted attacks, and that this house was dubbed ‘the crack house’ for obvious reasons.  Speaking of that label, last time I talked about the house, I came across differently than what I wanted.  It was just basically an epic fail.  I jumped the gun.  I didn’t mean to come across insensitive or mean or ignorant but I did.  And I tried to explain in the comment section but that was like epic fail part two.  I am honestly very sorry I offended anyone.  Can we blame baby brain for foot-in-mouth-happy-trigger-finger disease?

Soooo anyhoo….We are uber-excited to be officially part of this community and even more excited to get started working on this house but we had some obvious speedbumps (LJ’s nickname will now be speedbump).  And now we are putting together our proposal for the Historic Preservation Committee.  Yup.  We have to go before a slew of Nicole Curtis types and get every single thing approved before we can start any changes to the outside.  Plus, we have to have our plans already set (including the types of materials we will use, any building plans, proposed changes, sketches, drawings, etc.) to even apply for a Certificate Of Appropriateness (COA).

To say that we are overwhelmed with this part of the planning process is an understatement.  We know that there are definitely some things we need to get fixed before we can even start to work on the inside…like the foundation:

And the chimneys are in really bad shape.  We had a local expert mason look at them and they are in such bad shape that they need completely replaced.  Just so you know…if you ever have to pick out brick and have a complete mental breakdown in the brick yard, I will not judge you.

And the roof is crazy bad.  We knew that it would be terrible but we didn’t have any idea of HOW bad.  So far we have received six quotes and all of them said that we have up to FOUR layers of shingles in some places (including the original shake!) and we need to redeck a portion of it as well as address any structural issues.  It’s gonna be a huge expense but hopefully it will be great because right now you can see daylight from inside the attic and don’t get me started about how it is when it rains 🙁

We won’t be DIYing the roof or chimney (Bowers = height issues) but we can not wait to tackle some other exterior stuff…like ripping out the old screens and shutters and awning and jack hammering the concrete outside.  It should be a banging good time 🙂  See what I did there?!

And before we start with a new roof, we need to remove this big unsafe addition on the back of the house.  Basically we have to remove the room that has all those windows and the little room next to it that has one window.  All of that was a mud room/laundry room/utility room.  It wasn’t part of the original structure (it’s actually an addition to an addition) so we are planning on removing it to add an uncovered deck.  But if you are in the area and want to experience a roller coaster affect, just sit on those steps while a car drives by….it’s basically Six Flags Great Adventure 🙂

So that’s where we are…doing a bit of homework so that we can get the COA from the Historic Preservation Committee.  I am so nervous about the whole thing.  It’s like I am basically back in high school and a large report is due and I didn’t pay enough attention during science lab.  But instead of being able to sweet talk the teacher (hi mom!), I am presenting to a panel of nuclear physicists.  And for some reason I am always naked in this nightmare.  I guess as long as I show up with clothes on, its gonna be a success, right?! Please say yes.

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Comments

  1. Katie, don’t you think it’s kind of ironic that the Historical Society needs to have plans submitted and approved? My word ANYTHING you do has to be a huge improvement! Talk about a challenge! Can’t wait to see what you have in mind.

  2. We know a couple folks on the board (including the granddaughter that was born here) and they are all very excited. I think that their job is to preserve the integrity of the stuff that is still salvageable…like the wavy glass windows and the hip roof line and the general footprint of the front porch. I totally understand that save-what-you-can mentality because that is how we feel too….we just aren’t used to making a ton of decisions up front and submitting them for approval.
    xo – kb

  3. Wow! Can’t wait to see you all have planned for this place. It’s great that you and Jeremy are on the same page with taking big risks like this. Best of luck!

  4. I would hope that as long as you show you have good intentions on preserving/rebuilding the home to it’s former self (at least on the outside), the historic preservation committee would be supportive and maybe even help out with some tips. It may take a few rounds, but hopefully everything will work out!! Best of luck and can’t wait to hear about the progress!

  5. That is awesome! Glad to hear yall got the property! You will certainly be very busy in the future! Cannot wait to see how yall will fix it up!

  7. So happy for you guys! I was stoked when you posted your original story on the house, and my heart ached when you got that horrible backlash. Well done Bowers!

  8. Maybe you addressed it in the original post, but what are your intentions for this property? Flip it? Rent it? Live in it?

  9. Of course it will be a success! You have great taste and your passion for the home and town will show in every decision you make. I admire those who are willing to take on historic renovations. Such a rewarding challenge! Can’t wait to see updates and thanks for sharing!

  11. Everyone makes mistakes (in terms of words) and everyone is over sensitive. So no worries, you’re great for apologizing again and taking responsibility.

    But on to more important things, what do you guys plan to do with this ditty once it’s finished? Flip it? Rent it?

  12. Thank you for the update, Katie! I have wondered if you ended up getting this house and what was going on with it. Can’t wait to see what you do with it. 🙂

  13. Thx for the update! I had been wondering about the house. Is it vacant now? Do you think you will move there? Rent it out?

  14. Gosh, you guys are brave to take on such a huge project, but I’m so excited to watch you do it! Thanks for the update. I’d been wondering about it.

  15. Do you guys have any ideas yet of what your plans are for the actual use of the house once the renos are done?

  17. So glad to get an update on this adorable little house! I was worried it would become “it who shall not be named” after the previous blog post 🙂 I’m sure you guys will put in lots of long hours and love so it can be the best little house it can be. Good luck with the renovation!

  18. Good luck! Can’t wait to see what you do with the house. Please keep us updated!

  19. It looks like it has a lot of potential! I would recommend you use a historic preservation architect to help you navigate the process and determine appropriate rehabilitation measures if you are unsure of what to do. You might also qualify for a Federal Historic Tax Credit since you are in a historic district… definitely worth looking into!

    http://www.nps.gov/tps/tax-incentives.htm

  20. So great to hear an update, I have been wondering what was happining with the Monroe house! You guys are awesome, I can’t wait to hear more 🙂

  21. I’ve been excited to watch this transform ever since your original post! You definitely have your work cut out for you, but if anyone is up for it, it’s you guys. I love the way you are carving income/business out of your passions!

  22. This house is so amazing!!! I can totally see why you fell in love with it. I must have missed your other post on it, but what are y’all’s plans with it once you’re finished?

  23. Our house is 84 years old, and it had 4 layers of shingles in some places and 5 in others. Thankfully, we live where there isn’t much snow…I think the house would have caved in years ago, otherwise. I know that living in an old house isn’t for everyone, but I wish more people would consider them. There are some homes in our neighborhood that could be glorious if they just got a little TLC. Way to go Bowers!

  24. I’m sure the Historical Society should approve, especially in light of the contrast between your ideas and the home’s insane past! Praying that everything goes smoothly for you guys! 🙂

  25. I love the diamond windows and the trim in the eaves, gorgeous! Can’t wait to see more.

  26. Katie,

    You have a good heart and I am sure you didn’t mean any harm by the first post.

    Can’t wait to see what you do with this house! Although, I have to admit…I have NO idea where you find the time with your brood of babies!!

  27. That house is SUPER CUTE!! I can see how it wiggled its way into your hearts!

    Those chimney’s and roof, gave me an anxiety attack just looking at them!! OH VAY!

    Best of luck with all those plans you have to get figured out before going in front of the “Board”!! This should be super exciting – Can’t wait to see what you do with this place!

    Are you planning on renting it after all your work, or Flipping it?

  29. I love the potential with this house. I can’t wait to see where you take this! Good luck with your presentation.

  30. So glad to see you talking about this house again! You all seemed so excited about it when you first announced and then it seemed like the comments deflated you… anywho… who cares! I am super excited to see you guys transform this house, I’ve been reading your blog for nearly four years and this is super exciting! Good luck!!!

  32. Wow! What an exciting (and I’m sure exhaustive…good kind of exhaustive) adventure you guys are in for!! I can’t wait to see what you guys have planned and the process! Good luck with the board!

  33. Hi Katie! I was turned off of Bower Power by your original Monroe House post for the reasons you mentioned. I quit reading for a short while, but came back because I do appreciate your style and humor and was a little nervous when I saw today’s post on facebook. I worried this could be our internet breakup…

    This post was perfect, you addressed the previous post with grace and provided good information about where the house has been and where it’s going. great work!

  34. We have no plans yet. We only know that we want to take it back to a single family home…layout and otherwise.
    xo – kb

  35. I was so curious what happened with this house! I totally hear you on all those unanticipated old house expenses … we just moved into a 1939 house and it was vacant for 10-years before us, leading to lots and LOTS of unexpected costs. We’re finally coming around the bend – there is light at the end of the tunnel! 🙂 So SO excited to see what you guys do with this! What are your long-term plans with it? Resale, rental?

  36. Very excited for you two, can’t wait for updates. This is what we use to dream of doing, but chickened out and built new. (I think Larry still would like to do this, not me.)

  37. Nope. We plan on getting back to single family floorplan…but other than that, we have a lot of dreams but nothing concrete.
    xo – kb

  39. We don’t know. We are kinda under the assumption that it will take us a couple years to get to the point where we have to make a decision.
    xo – kb

  41. This is going to be amazing (clapping hands in glee)! Can’t wait to see what you guys do with it.

    What are you guys going to do with the house when finished? Keep it as a 2nd home?

  43. It is vacant and we don’t know exactly! everything is a possibility right now because we know the renovation process will take a long time.
    xo – kb

  45. Oh I hope so! We already had one member of the board come walk us around the exterior and give us an idea of what we can do and then we were so excited about the process that he walked us back over to his house that is also a renovated historic home and gave us the tour!
    xo – kb

  46. We don’t know yet. I know that sounds crazy but we just want it back to a single family and that will take a couple years.
    xo – kb

  49. Well, we hope Larry will help us out! We have a feeling that we will be in the middle of demo and then all of sudden need to make an emergency back up call to your Mr. Fix It 🙂
    xo – kb

  52. This is exciting! I have to ask, because I sometimes have a brain fart and am trying to keep it all straight. Do you still have a rental property, from your previous house? Or did I miss that completely from before? In any case, what an adventure! Good luck! 🙂

  54. Hey, is this house on Church St?
    Thanks, Amy, another old house junkie.

  55. Can’t wait to hear about this house over the next few years, and thanks for sharing the update. In general, what are the other homes like in this neighborhood? Built in the same time period as yours? If so, have they been renovated already, or is the area a work in progress?

  56. Hi Katie! I’m actually really excited to hear about your experiences with the historic commission and design review. I hope they’ve made you aware of any potential financial incentives for the work you’re doing (often times it’s a reduction in your property tax for a period of time – yay incentives!). I’m a historic preservationist/architectural historian (fancy degrees and everything) and serve on my own local preservation commission so I love it whenever positive attention can be brought to the reuse and loving renovation of historic properties! I know the process can be intimidating but it’ll be SO worth it in the end! Can’t wait to bear more and good luck!!!

  57. haha…. I can’t believe how many people ask the same question. 😀

    WOW… Nothing like starting with a few major projects…. 😮

    Can’t wait to watch the progress.

  59. Oh this makes me sooooo excited! We bought our 1902 home out of foreclosure (what a nightmare!) last year and have been restoring it ever since. It’s been an incredible journey, and I can’t wait to follow yours! Congrats!! 🙂

  60. Wow…poor old house…that roof and those chimney’s are just awful. When I was little we lived in a house built in the 40s over in Burlingame, Ca. I remember when the original owner came over and was just thrilled to see a new young family living there. Old houses have so much charm and tell a story that you just can’t get with newer homes. They are a challenge (and this looks like it’s going to be years of work) but SO worth it =)

  61. What are the houses around it like? Updated historical homes as well? I just hope you don’t sink a bunch of money in a house that may not have the greatest return on investment. Worrying from experience…

  62. I respect and appreciate the fact you addressed the other post. I am very much looking forward to the progress of this house and can’t wait to see how it turns out!

  63. Can I ask about your chimney inspection/quote? We have an even older home with 4 chimneys. All are deteriorating. Got a mega quote. Basically $3-$5k per chimney to repoint, reline and new dampers. Are your repairs this extensive (and expensive!)

  64. So flipping excited (see what I did there? If you flip it, but if you sell it, it was a good attempt at a Katie Bower pun right?).

  65. How do you guys manage 3 mortgages? We are so interested in owing multiple properties but are so intimidated….

    Can you share ideas of how to manage without crossing the line into … “that’s just none of your business”… LOL

  66. Might I ask, what is the appeal of procuring this house? The workload ahead of you seems absolutely daunting; as someone who’s never flipped a house before, I would be more inclined to demo this house and start again rather than save what’s there.

  67. Great update, I love old houses and their stories. Congrats! You guys sure have your work cut out for you and I’m sure it will look amazing. I think the old (oversized) awnings are kinda charming because they remind me of my grandparents home and other beloved relatives I won’t see till heaven. I’d get rid of it, too, but they still give me a glowing feeling of a cherished bygone era.

  69. This is one of the most exciting posts! What do you plan on doing with the home? KIDDING! I was just laughing reading the people who kept asking it over and over. I can’t wait to get an inside tour of the joint. Video tour perhaps?

  71. Well, our first house is a rental…so the mortgage plus some for repairs/maintenance is covered with rental income. The house in Monroe is a very small mortgage that we saved up to subsidize with a down payment…it’s more like a car payment than a mortgage. And the house we are in now is our legit mortgage that we refinanced so that it really manageable. All our improvements we save up for and pay in cash…so we have to practice a lot of patience.
    xo – kb

  73. Whoa. Our quote is $1250 per chimney but I don’t know all the details off the top of my head (I know that includes the new bricks)!
    xo – kb

  77. There are some that are built earlier and some later…but there are a bunch that are built at the same time. We have a couple of friends that have already renovated theirs in town (including this inn that is two doors down) but there are definitely others that need work.
    xo – kb

  78. There’s another old house over there for sale. I wish I could afford to buy it and fix it up. There are so many beautiful houses on that street, including the recently renovated B&B. Have you seen their gorgeous garden? Love, love, love!

  79. Sounds like you’re already doing the best research you can (goin’ to the horse’s mouth) and getting great advice. Good job, guys!

  80. So excited!! I lurve (not Lieberman, autocorrect!) old historic homes, and can’t wait to see all you guys do with it. Lots of luck!

  81. I love it and I can’t wait to see the house after you’ve taken off the awning and screening! What a wonderful adventure!

  83. We sure have! I actually know the folks that own it – the two families are old family friends and they have done a spectacular job. Pictures don’t even do it justice!
    xo – kb

  85. I’m city staff to a HDC, it should be fine 🙂 There are standards they have to follow in approving a COA but in my experience they do what they can to work with you especially since you are wanting to rehab/preserve a historic structure.

  87. are you actually going to reno that structure?? from your images, that is a tear down. i would never want to live in a home in that condition that has been reno’d. not sure why i even comment on this..but it just seems obvious to tear it down.

  89. I can’t wait to see the renos…you don’t have to work hard to change my mind!

  90. Wow, I cannot wait to follow your progress here! But I’m really worried…please don’t leave the ‘whale of a dream home’! I’m in love with it!

    Interested to see the inside now! Can’t wait for some Bower love to be shown to this home, it has so much promise.

    How far do you live from Monroe? I’m thinking of this as your holiday home 🙂

    Hello from Australia
    xx

  92. Thanks for the update. I’ve been wondering where you guys were with that. Waaay down the road, do you want to rent it or sell it? You may not have even thought that far out. It’ll be a fun process, in the meantime!

  93. Looks like a project that will keep you guys busy for a while. I know it will be great, just like the homes Nicole Curtis works on. BTW I was not offended at all by your last post on this home. You always make me smile or laugh. Good luck!

  94. Certificate of Appropriateness? That’s hilarious! Sounds like something girls like you make up to entertain girls like me.

  95. I am glad that you see the worth in bringing an old building back to life. For those who would prefer to live in a new building, there are plenty of those to go around. I can’t wait to see how this is revived. Good luck with the COA, etc!

  96. I guess anything is a possibility. We have a lot of ideas of how to use the space but nothing concrete yet.
    xo – kb

  98. Where do you even start!! This is very exciting, from where I’m sitting! Best of luck, it will be amazing!

  99. Well unfortunately not on the fun stuff. We do chimney first then demo then roof then more demo then foundation 🙂
    xo – kb

  100. Congrats! When will we get to see photos of the inside!?!? This sounds like so many exciting projects!

  101. SOON I HOPE! I have a few updates but really we are going to start on the exterior first so we aren’t trying to confuse folks with our thousands of projects 🙂
    xo – kb

  102. Did you guys ever sell your first house? With your home, this one, the crossfire box, etc you guys are so brave taking on another project. Good luck!

  103. I’m in awe of people who want to restore old houses. They’re our history and it takes special people to preserve them for generations to come. Thanks for taking this on 🙂

  105. I am very happy for you guys . I think historical homes have the beauty that the new homes doesnt . We bought our home in 2008 which was built in 1893, and it looked like a piece of junk and I don’t think any family with the kids would buy the house, but again we started falling in love as we walked in room by room. Its called Home… My husband fell in love with the structure and the design( it’s queen Ann / Victorian home) . Everyone thought we are crazy but after we worked hard or I should say day and night on it and preserved every bit of tiny details we could, I though our home look the best on our street.

    our home have a cretificate from the historical society. Do get that for you property too. I am telling you it all about the pride.

  106. I’m with Lisa… nothing but awe here. Hope you keep as much of the original features (woodwork, trim, etc.) as possible — please don’t completely gut all of the history out of this diamond in the rough! Whatever you decide to do though, thanks for saving this neglected home!!!

  107. We bought a 100year old house 1.5yrs ago that needed some love but not as much love as this house needs! I just love seeing the progress as we work and cannot wait to see yours!!!!

  109. We only did one thing last year to it and have yet to blog about it. We are saving up because the next step is a very expensive one and we want to pay for all the improvements with cash.
    xo – kb

  110. About 4 years ago, we also found a perfect home on Church Street in this Beautiful little town. We have completely redone the property inside and out and I have to tell you, I have never enjoyed living anywhere more than this. Our home is a few houses down from you (704) and if we can help with anything to help, please don’t hesitate to stop by. The very Best of luck with your project.

  111. Thank you Sande! I would love to stop by and see your hard work sometime! I can’t wait till the train starts moving on our own project 🙂
    xo – kb

  112. Any more 2015 updates on this house, Katie? I was reading back on the basement process and stumbled upon reference to the Monroe house. I had completely forgotten about this beauty! Would love to know what has been happening with this…. because I’m nosy. :-0

  113. We had a really crazy year with Maxi Knight coming so actually we didn’t do any work because of the whole lead paint thing. Right now we are waiting on a new roof to go in!
    xo – kb

  114. Hi Katie,

    Just wondered what ever happened with the house in Monroe. I was very excited to see what you would do with it, but unless i have missed something I do not see any updates since July 2014.

  115. We are slowly saving up money for renovations. The biggest expense is coming up soon…the new roof. After that we will be able to do more regular updates.
    xo – kb

  116. If I could explain a bit of perspective to what and why it is so important to involve and consult with historic preservation associations.
    I live in a historic district. I specifically wanted a historic district for many reasons. Homes retain value more, homes are protected, pride in the neighborhood, it is the “greenest” way to support the environment, better built and more character, restoring a home for future generations, etc etc etc.
    Think of an old house like an antique china tea set. All of the parts are in tact-all the cups, saucers, tea pots. Then one handle breaks. It can be fixed, it can be replaced-but the tea set is no longer original and the value is dropped. Think of an old house like this-one window becomes vinyl, you remove the original chimney and replace it with fake siding,the roof line is changed, you add the latest trendiest fake rock to the front porch. It all looks “better” to some-but is forever ruined to many. Preservationists would rather see a house rundown-but original-than a house that has been “remuddled” and character defining features removed for all the future to see. Restoration is not renovation. HGTV and Flip or Flop have skewed our perception of homes. Sometimes-original is better. It took us 10 years to find a Craftsman house that had not been altered beyond restoration. Built ins still there, original windows, original bathrooms-bad shape but there. We restored each room, it has now been on home tours, magazines and has been copied for plans for new homes. We searched flea markets all over the country looking for the items that were supposed to be in our house-lighting, push button light switches, old sinks, toilets, knobs, stove, on and on and on. Took 2 years to strip built ins that had been painted white. Old homes cannot be replaced once gone. Most people love historic neighborhoods, enjoy the old downtowns, love walking up and down the streets of historic neighborhoods. Open front lawns, wide porches with swings welcoming neighbors in, garages in the back of homes making you walk in your front door waving at your neighbors as you enter for the night. Long driveways hiding garages in the back, no cookie cutter homes, no vinyl, no plastic, no trendy designs that may be outdated in a few years ( think granite, dark wood kitchens, “open concept” etc etc) Historic homes can be as individual on the inside as you like-but the outside must adhere to the National Historic Preservation Standards. It is important to keep our history.
    I know-fixing up an old run down home may seem better-but if it is not respectful the integrity of the historic home-it can sometimes do more damage. The statement “Nicole Curtis type” hopefully was a compliment-because she is one of the only one ( besides DIY Brett Waterman on ‘Restored” a great show) that does it right.
    If you reach out to a preservation group before you begin a project and ask fo guidance, you save yourself a lot of frustration, time and money. Respect history and preservation. It is appreciated by all. Thank you for saving this beauty-take good care of it.

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