canal house renovation 2014

 

 

Built about 1850, this canal-side house is a good example of modest local vernacular Greek Revival architecture. The current owners, Paul & Karen Zachman, purchased the single family home in the fall of 2013 with intent of converting the house to office and gallery exhibit space.

 

Exterior:

The exterior of the home was in poor condition and in need of major repair. An early 20th century large front porch that was not appropriate for the original style of the home was removed and replaced with a small period style front entry porch, and a single story wing addition was added to the west side with a front porch roof extension.

Off the rear of the home a poor quality screen porch and deck were removed to make way for an elegant classic Greek Revival style porch overlooking the canal. Every exterior detail, from column detail to exterior colors, was studied and designed to contribute to, and restore the home back to its style origins. Molded clay fired brick paver walks and handicap parking area add to inviting, authentic vintage feel of the exterior.

 

Interior:

The interior of the home had been remodeled several times over the years and retained little of the original detail. This opened a window to start over with a complete gut of the interior to the 4 exterior walls. The intent with the interior renovation design was to create an eclectic warm environment that is at the same time sophisticated and rustic, showcasing the original post and beam framing from the mid 1800’s. Over a half dozen new and recycled wood species, stainless steel railings, exposed spiral duct work, and exposed electrical conduit and fixtures combine to create a striking yet calm setting. A large central brick chimney servicing 4 fireplaces was crumbling and needed to be removed. A new clay brick chimney with rustic mortar joints and Rumford style wood burning fireplace were re-constructed in place of the old, and repositioned on the first floor to open up the space. The floor and framing for the front third of the second floor has been removed to create a vaulted ceiling space with a viewing balcony for large art photography display.

 

Current Use:

The offices of Boardwalk Design-Build, founded by Paul Zachman in 1989, and Gallery 96, a new Fine Art Photography Gallery partnership with Paul Zachman and noted local photographer and exhibit producer George Wallace, are co-located within the converted home on the canal in Bushnell’s Basin. With dock and stairs in place, future plans may include a Kayak/Boat rental operator out of the canal-side walkout basement space available below Gallery 96.