Tour Stop 1: 1111 Neil Avenue
James and Lisa Martin

James and Lisa moved to this 3,500 sq. ft. home, containing 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, after their youngest child left for college. The new home kept Lisa busy during her Empty Nest transition, and it allowed James to be closer to walkable activities in the Short North and Arena District.

Originally built in 1898, likely by the first owner, Mack Y. Maxwell, it has lived many lives as a single home, boarding house and office. Be sure to take a look at the double bay windows on the first and second floors, a unique feature for this home. The building in the backyard was originally a carriage house but was converted to a garage and storage unit in the 1980s.

Walking to the back of the home, you’ll find a porch system, which was renovated in 2015 by builder Derrick Layer and architects Stock and Stone to create a larger first-floor kitchen and second-floor master. James and Lisa also decided to convert two additional second-floor bedrooms into a walk-in closet space and master bath. The half and second-floor bathrooms were both updated with new tile, cabinetry and fixtures. Hardwood floors were laid on the third floor to complete a bedroom, bath and study. Interior design assistance was provided by Amanda Sexton and Colleen Lora, and Five Season Landscape completed the backyard patio and landscaping. Derrick Layer and Co. also painstakingly laid the Victorian tile on the front porch.

Finally, be sure to stop in the first-floor hallway to view Bank Checks, found during the renovation, dated and signed by Maxwell. As a contractor, he paid for products at Grandview Lumbar, Columbus Buggy Company, The Wire and Iron Works, Ferris Steam Mortar Works and Columbus Brick and Terra Cotta.