A Period Project
With a touch of modern
Words by Jess Hagemann Photos by Casey Fry
There’s a show-stopping home in Austin’s Rosewood neighborhood that defies all categorization.
Built in 1939 and renovated five years ago by Avenue B Development, the steep A-line roof and graceful arches of the yellow brick exterior preserve the home’s original Norman Tudor Revival style architecture, while the clean, bright interior smoothly ushers the space into the twenty-first century. An electric mix of vintage pieces and bespoke furniture, curated by Austin designer Ann Edgerton, help the otherwise brand new remodel feel well-loved and comfortably lived-in—like it’s okay to kick your feet up on the concrete coffee table, made by local artist Larry Massif, or mix an evening cocktail in a crystal tumbler at the mid-century bar cart.
The house at 2005 Richard Overton Avenue originally belonged to Ada Simond, a highly-regarded activist, writer, educator, and co-founder of the George Washington Carver Museum. Current homeowner Catherine Lucchesi calls Simond “an incredible woman, African-American pioneer, and stalwart of the neighborhood.” People who remember Simond and her house often stop by to say hello and express their support of the renovation. After it was designated a historical landmark in 2015, both the Lucchesis and their Rosewood neighbors are “happy to know the house will be saved.” Except for a new roof and windows, the exterior of the house remains untouched.
Catherine, who works for I Live Here I Give Here, and her husband bought the Simond House when work and school caused them to relocate from New York City. “We looked at ten other houses,” explains Catherine, “but when I saw this one, I fell in love.” Even covered in decades of dirt and grime, and lacking any kind of HVAC system or working plumbing, Catherine says she could see its potential. “The intensity of the project was attractive to me. The brick is beautiful; the original wood doors and floors were in great shape; there are tons of windows and natural lighting … all of those details I just loved. You don’t find that in new builds.”
To really make the home shine, the Lucchesis hired historical restoration experts Katie and Jeff Bullard of Avenue B Development. Unlike other contractors that Catherine interviewed, the Bullards “weren’t scared” of the challenge. They also let Catherine take the lead in the remodel design; she chose the light paint colors, navy cabinets, unlacquered brass hardware, floating walnut shelves, and marble countertops in the kitchen, plus the hand-glazed Zellige tile in the master bath. At the Bullards’ suggestion, the wall separating the breakfast nook from the rest of the kitchen was torn down, creating a more open floor plan and plenty of space for Catherine’s husband, who went to culinary school, to entertain guests.
The renovation took a year. Upon completion, Catherine hired Ann Edgerton Designs and Styling to outfit the 2,000 square foot space. Previously a student of art history, Catherine admires “modern design—a little bit of whimsy and bright pops of color,” but also wanted to honor the older home’s history. Period light fixtures and floor-to-ceiling mirrors abound; so do oversized framed prints by Catherine’s favorite photographers. “We tried to pick out pieces we’d want to live with forever,” she says. “It’s our home now, and we love it here.”
Note: These photos were taken pre-interior design.
Contact:
512.910.9656
avenuebdev.com
@interiorsbyavenueb
