An Exquisite 19th Ward Home
Southwest Rochester's 19th Ward is well known for its carefully maintained and finely detailed early 20th century houses. The stained glass windows, hardwood floors, and crown moldings are some of the characteristics that residents especially enjoy. Several of the most interesting examples of residential architecture in the neighborhood stand along the block of Wellington Avenue between Trafalgar and Aldine Streets. One of these homes is the elegant 1920 American Foursquare at 399 Wellington Avenue.
Entrance to the home is from a spacious covered front porch supported by four round columns. The porch railings are enhanced by a simple latticework design. As you step through the vestibule, the sparkling hardwood floors throughout the home immediately catch your eye. The hardwood floors in the living and dining rooms are highlighted by decorative parquet borders. Crown moldings line the top of almost every room.
The living room, located off the front hall, includes a bay window and a wood-burning fireplace. A large mirror hangs above the mantelpiece and built in bookcases flank the fireplace. Over each bookcase is a leaded glass window with a floral design. The adjoining dining room includes three square leaded glass windows and an entrance to the kitchen. The kitchen features the perfect seating area for breakfast around a counter, which extends into the center of the room. Adjacent to the kitchen is a powder room with a full-size wall mirror. A short distance from the powder room is the stairway to the second floor. At the landing is a stained glass window blossoming with a yellow and red floral motif.
A feature of the second floor is a lavish, recently remodeled, white-tiled bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and separate stall shower. Entrances to the home's four bedrooms are located around the upstairs hall. Each bedroom is large and contains a medium-sized wardrobe closet. The master bedroom offers access to a small en-suite bathroom.
The 19th Ward has many conveniences of a small town in the midst of a bustling city. Within a short walking distance of 399 Wellington Avenue are the Arnett Boulevard branch library, the Thurston Road YMCA, Wilson Magnet High School on Genesee Street and School 16 on Post Avenue. Also minutes away by car are the Brooks-Chili Wegmans, the Medical Center and River Campus of the University of Rochester, and the many cultural venues of Downtown Rochester.
The asking price for the 2,556 square foot home at 399 Wellington Avenue is $136,000. Annual taxes are $3,143. The home includes a washer and dryer and separate two-car garage. For more information please contact Jerome Davis of Re/Max First at (585) 749-1618.
The public is invited to the 19th Ward for A Swing Back in Time: A Celebration of the Front Porch on September 16 from 2-4pm. This event, sponsored by the Landmark Society and the Rochester Historical Society, takes place at several front porches along the block of Wellington where number 399 stands. The vibrant story of the front porch in early 20th century America will be told through theatre and participatory activities. For more information please call (585) 271-2705.
by Padraic Michael Collins-Bohrer
Mr. Collins-Bohrer grew up in the 19th Ward and is a Landmark Society volunteer.
