Eclectic Beauty

Perched on a bluff surrounded on three sides by North Hogan Creek, a tributary of the Ohio River, Aurora’s historic Westside neighborhood boasts a picturesque collection of houses ranging from modest carpenter-builder cottages to large ornate Queen Anne homes.

When an out-of-state property management company filed plans to demolish one of the neighborhood’s most impressive houses, Indiana Landmarks intervened. The company donated the property to us, and we’ll kick-start restoration before looking for a buyer who can complete the work.
Built c.1905 by members of the Squibb family, the home at 207 Hanover Avenue shows elements of both Queen Anne and American Foursquare styles, with eclectic features that make the house truly special. From the slight kicks on the roof and dormers, to the shingled end gables, the house is a standout.

Inside a gorgeous wooden staircase with built-in bench is backed by three tall art glass windows. More art glass accents the dining room, including two hinged windows that still open easily. Other great historic features include pocket doors, fireplaces, and a large built-in window seat with storage.

At 2,400 square feet, plus a full attic, there is more than enough room for a family. While some properties in the neighborhood have been affected by hillside slide, this one has not, and with some investment in retaining walls and a deck, the creekside view and Ohio River access provide a special opportunity.

Renovation is scheduled to begin shortly with restoration of the art glass. Exterior rehab will include repairing and painting the wood siding and soffit, installing a new roof and all new electrical systems. Inside, we’ll uncover and refinish hardwood floors, paint, and remove evidence of an earlier remodel.

Once work is complete, we’ll market the house for sale with protective covenants, offering buyers a chance to be part of an area poised for revitalization. As the city expands its façade improvement grant program into the neighborhood, the area is ripe for investment.

For more information, contact Jarrad Holbrook in Indiana Landmarks’ Southeast Field Office, 800-450-4534, 812-926-0983, jholbrook@indianalandmarks.org.