Sunday, November 1, 2015

Preservation 911: The Greensfelder Mansion, Logansport Indiana

The Greensfelder family figured prominently in the history of Logansport. The Greensfelder commercial building was lost several years ago after Indiana Landmarks bought it and a partial collapse resulted in an emergency demolition. I've been lobbying Indiana Landmarks to acquire this one and maybe its time to ratchet up the public outcry.

The Greensfelder is perhaps one of the best examples of a late Victorian /early Edwardian home in Logansport. Built in 1902. The home combines Queen Anne elements with free classic detailing and the exterior includes features like a slate roof, large front porch with free classic details and a second floor balcony. Built by a prominent local family on a prominent location at 806 Market Street this home sits in a two block area of larger mansions.

Grand staircase
The property is on the market at a very affordable price and faces the real possibility of being bought by someone who world turn in into apartments and in that process remove the history of the grand interior. It is that "over the top interior' that makes the Greensfelder  Mansion special and its level of originality make it a significant home and it is a significant part of Logansport history.

Mosaic tile entry
The interior of this home is in deed over the top. You are greeted at the entryway by a finely carved wood door and a Mosaic tiled floor.

Rare Lincrusta wainscot
The staircase still has its original Lincrusta wainscot. The home has several large Pocket doors between the formal room and high ceilings.

This 'wedding cake' ceiling detail is very rare in intact condition
Rare treatment for a wood floor with a mosaic style executed in wood.
The front Formal parlor features a finely detailed 'wedding cake' plaster embellishments on the ceiling as well as a grand fireplace with fine carving and mirrors. The wood floors are all inlaid with creative patterns and different stain creating mosaic effect in wood.

The 'star' of the house is its grand formal Dining Room with custom designed US Encaustic Tile floor, this "tile carpet" is highly unusual.
Highly decorative
One of several rooms with this treatment . This bath features several colors of tile..
Formal dining Built in

The home features a rear servants staircase that travels all 4 levels. The basement is large with generous storage and recent boiler, the home also has a great deal of updated wiring and two circuit boxes.

Master bedroom has built in wardrobe and sitting room
Period Lighting
The second floor a has  a long hall, Master suite with its own sitting room and built in closet, several guest room and a period bath with large claw foot tub.
One of several finely detailed fireplaces

The third floor is open and huge with the ability to create more bedrooms or a grand ballroom. While this house will require a significant investment, its level of historic authenticity makes this an extremely worthwhile project. Priced at only 39,900. it is very affordable and we can only hope a preservation minded individual buys it.  I am encouraging Indiana Landmarks to buy it and I encourage you to contact the regional director Todd Ziegler tzeiger@indianalandmarks.org and ask landmarks to option this home  or buy it outright. More info is on the realtor site and Deb Drinkwine is the listing agent with Pacesetter Realty. Listing info 806 Market

We need to save this historic home, it is too important a  part of Logansport History. This would make a great Bed and breakfast or a fine single family residence. We need a "preservation hero" or a local group to come together and acquire it.