Double Take

When a well-traveled couple from Florida decided to look for a new place to call home, they discovered that Wabash, Indiana, offered everything they were looking for: a walkable community with plenty of arts and culture options. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when they discovered a house for sale by Indiana Landmarks.

John DiGioia, originally from New Jersey, works in education, while his wife, Maria Isabel Antonio from the Philippines, is involved in international banking. The couple always admired old homes, but busy schedules meant keeping their first old-house project simple. They found the right fit in a c.1900 Queen Anne/Free Classic duplex at 106-108 E. Hill Street in the city’s East Wabash Historic District. It’s one of several properties Indiana Landmarks acquired in 2020 to help spark revitalization in the area.

The Hill Street home’s architectural character potential for and rental income appealed to John and Maria. Indiana Landmarks had already completed substantial exterior repairs; inside, the owner’s unit retained plenty of original features, including two fireplaces, a wide oak staircase, and built-in cabinetry.

Since moving in this summer, John and Maria have begun adding new paint and landscaping improvements, with plans for a study on the third floor and updates to the kitchen and bath. They’ll maintain the other unit—originally finished much more simply—as a rental.

The restored front porches have become a favorite place to unwind with a drink and enjoy views of their new location. “We really appreciate the slower pace of our adopted hometown and all the amenities that it has to offer. From our front door we can walk to see a movie, attend a concert, stroll to local restaurants, and more,” says John. “This home and community have fulfilled everything on our wish list. We expect to be long-term residents!”

To learn more about our work in Wabash, contact Paul Hayden, director of Indiana Landmarks’ Northeast Field Office, 260-563-7094, phayden@indianalandmarks.org.