Observatory Hill

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Summer 2017 Newsletter
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3017 Mt. Alister

3017 Mt. Alister


When I first saw the house, I knew that the work involved would be considerable. I found the original blueprints, contract documents, and an artist’s sketch in a crawlspace, and was thrilled to learn details of the design and construction. It was designed by Kaiser, Neal, and Reid in 1936, and built for Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hess for $6,560.00 (not including the coal furnace).

With help from brothers and uncles, plus a few contractors, I upgraded just about every feature of the house. I tore out the original steel casement windows and replaced them with handmade wooden casements. I had a 200 amp electric service installed, and replaced every wire in the house with internet and cable drops in almost every room. I replaced the furnace and water heater and ran a new water line to improve the water pressure. I knocked a hole in the dining room wall and installed a 13,000 Btu air conditioner. I sanded and refinished all of the hardwood floors, put in a new kitchen with hickory cabinets and granite countertops, and constructed a new bathroom with a neo-angle shower, whirlpool tub and granite countertop. I finished the attic space with plaster walls and carpeting and installed ceiling fans in every bedroom. I transformed the steep backyard into a relaxing arbor with a waterfall, fish pond, and stone walkways.

Eventually, I want to install copper gutters to the front of the house. This last detail should render the renovation complete.