Classical Coverup on North Highland

I'm participating in Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch. Thanks to Susan!

It's being renovated for new tenants. In the process they are covering the classical decorative details c. 1920.


I'll be happy when it's occupied again. It was a Wolf Camera most recently but it's been vacant for a while, a hole in a favorite walking street.


But I'm very surprised that they are covering up the decorative details.


I thought designers treasured these things and showed them off.

They don't detail like this anymore except in mansions.


There are doing a nice job of protecting it as far as I can see.


The details didn't shout. You might have "seen" this as you walked by, but probably not.

Did they look interesting enough to study, sketch, or take a picture?

I remember something being there, but not exactly what.


It looks poignant now, framed in 2x4's.


So I thought I'd show you while I could.


I wish I'd been there the day before.


Few will remember it...even tomorrow.


It will still be there though.


As long as it stays dry and nobody knocks a hole in it - not knowing it's there...


...it should be a great rediscovery one day. "

They'll say, "Can you believe somebody covered this up?"

They'll appreciate how the carpenters tried to protect it.


So I don't think it's tragic. They left everything right where it was.


But I'm surprised.


Every owner and designer would make their own choices against time and budget. We might yet love the finished project or at least respect it.

But my first instinct would have been to let the old parts show.


Here are Key Lime Pie and Surin of Thailand just down the street. They left things alone for now.


I guess it depends on the look you are going for.

What do you think?

Thanks to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.

It preserved more of its original "1914" appearance

1148 North Highland is for sale. Even with 11 foot ceilings, it's probably a goner. I'm feeling a bit sad and sentimental about it.


This house has probably been deteriorating for most of the time I've lived here.


And that has left it in a certain condition, don't you think?

I've driven past 100's, maybe a thousand times. I never notice it yet always notice it.



The neglect preserved more of its original "1914" appearance than others in the neighborhood, no add-ons, no preservation, no landscaping, no TLC.


The Bradford Pear smothers it the summer. Even if you are looking, you can't really see it.

Very handsome I think.


You can see the two front doors. It was split in half to make duplex. Who knows when.


It's impressive but the tarp isn't a good sign.


My kind of trucks.


I didn't notice the chimney until I processed the pictures on my computer.


In Virginia Highlands and most of Morningside "extra large lot" means .26 acres.


Indeed a quarter acre gives you some breathing room.



So I'm feeling a bit sad and sentimental about this one.

It's iconic. You can find these - even in this condition - almost anywhere. It's so familiar.

If they tear it down, I guess there are plenty more bungalows.

If they fix it up all authentic and everything, will it really be as authentic as it is today?

If you are in the neighborhood, have a look. And make sure to drive up Highland Terrace.


Treat yourself one of the neighborhoods great views, almost a zen view. It works for me every time.

Thanks to Patti Hinkle at Pretty Old Houses for encouraging me to have a look.

Ormewood Gem

My Argentinian modernest friend, Norberto Feal, likes the fellowship hall so I've added a few more pictures of it towards the bottom.

Ormewood is south of I-20, west of Grant Park, east of East Atlanta. "...Aquilla J. Orme approved a plan to extend the trolley line from downtown Atlanta to the Old Soldiers Home on East Confederate." It's modest, quiet, low-key, picturesque. The "e" is silent; pronounce it "orm' wood."



There is a beautiful little church there, Ormewood Park Presbyterian, perfectly in keeping the the neighborhood.



To me the sanctuary's combination of wood and stone is irresistible. It was completed in 1914. I don't know who designed it.



The green doors, brass kick-plates, and chunky pediment make a statement.



The portico comes complete with blue ceiling. I doubt the lantern is original equipment.



The door's pediment pushes it, know what I mean? It holds its ground, balances the pediment, columns and stone.



Delicate windows and indelicate stone make an appealing contrast.



The windows lighten the walls.



There is a slope.



The whole complex is accessible, practical, not precious.



For you modern kids: the 1950 fellowship hall should fill the bill.



Few Atlantan's have even heard of Ormewood Park and fewer still have been there

Maybe you'll find your way over there from Grant Park to see the red Ormewood Avenue Bridge.




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A few for Norberto

The Tragic Poet, the Fontana Piccola, the Faun

The latest trends in garden homes and decor are 2000 years old.

What a night. Georgia Tech professor Doug Allen presented "Villas of the Roman World" at Emory's Carlos Museum (see the Carlos social media page) on behalf of the Southeast chapter of the ICA & CA. Lot's of villa fans were there.


If you haven't been to Pompeii, have a look: House of the Tragic Poet, House of the Faun and the relatively modest House of the Small Fountain - Fontana Piccola, shown below.


The Carlos lecture room lobby is special don't you think? Closest you can get to the Porch of the Caryatids without leaving Atlanta. The lighting simulates clerestory windows.


I wasn't expecting so many folks: architects, students, landscape lovers, antiquity lovers and lover lovers I'm sure.


Elizabeth Hornor, Director of Education, welcomed us on behalf of The Carlos.


Betty Dowling introduced Professor Allen on behalf of the ICA & CA.


Douglas Allen used gestures, laser pointer, Latin words, slides and wit. The crowd literally oohed and aahed. I oohed and aahed out loud.


Doug defined villa rustica. The crowd fantasized a nice fixer-upper. (Here are a few floor plans.)


The House of the Faun covered a Pompeii city block.


It was over all to soon but the crowd was happy.


The lobby is a very comfortable place to chat after the show.


These reproductions are everywhere.