1153 Neil Ave
Owner: Randy Carr
Built in 1902 by architect Wilber T Mills for F.H. Nichol this home was named Corbett House for the longtime resident and late artist Corbett Reynolds.
After 100 years, Randy Carr completed a 22-room century restoration handled by local interior designer John Wilson of Creations CRI Interior Design.
Welcoming guests to the home office of Randy Carr and CPA Solutions is the original tile front porch and marvelous leaded front door. The stunning main staircase sets the tone, giving a nod to Corbett’s famous Red Party with its hand-painted, gilded metallic red wallpaper. The most striking of the homes original features remain — inset wood floors, beautiful woodwork, original light fixtures, six fireplaces, 54 windows, plaster walls, high ceilings, and many staircases. The first floor gourmet kitchen features custom cherry coffered ceilings and an inset slate rug.
Featured on the tour this year is a first look at the recently completed third floor private owner’s residence featuring an amazing open floorplan kitchen, glass tiled bathroom and fourth floor lofted master bedroom, designed and built by Montrese Hollar assisted by designer John Wilson.
The journey will unveil a secluded backyard created by Corbett with large boulders and stone walkway to the two-story original carriage house.
Corbett Reynolds at work – source: Facebook
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO CORBETT
Corbett Reynolds, former owner of 1153 Neil Avenue was Columbus’s own celebrity artist. The house was his home, his studio, his lair and inspiration. Corbett rescued and renovated the home which is among the largest mansions on Neil Avenue, helping spark the revitalization of the Victorian Village area into one of the city’s most beautiful historic districts.
In 1977 Corbett renovated and transformed the historic Art Deco style Avondale Theater into his famous nightclub, Rudely Elegant… many in Cbus will always remember being a guest at Corbett’s renowned Red Party, an annual themed, over-the-top party to end all parties. Guest flew into Cbus from far and wide to attend – celeb guests included Divine, Grace Jones, Tammy Faye Baker Mink Stole, Sylvester to name just a few. The photos of Corbett and the Red Party on his Facebook tribute page are not to be missed!
Sources:
Smithsonian » – Corbett Reynolds Papers 1962 – 2015
Born in Tacoma, Washington, educated at the Columbus College of Art and Design, Reynolds was an artist and designer. In 1975 he purchased the Avondale Theater in Columbus, Ohio, and turned it into a gay-centric nightclub called Rudely Elegant, which opened in 1977. The decor of the club was changed regularly for thematic parties and events. Guest performers at the club included Grace Jones and Divine. The club closed in 1985 but Reynolds continued to have themed parties at other locations and continued his artistic activities. read more »
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Columbus Monthly »
“It was not just his inimitable style that set Reynolds apart. A trailblazer in the gay community, he opened a nightclub in Franklinton, renovated a mansion in Victorian Village that he called home and hosted his theatrical all-night parties …, all while maintaining a prolific career as an artist…Corbett Reynolds’ Red parties were legendary, drawing thousands to the spectacle of music, light and art that pulsed ’til morning.” read more »
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Wikipedia » – Corbett Reynolds – Circuit Party
What was to become another circuit party was founded during the same time period by Corbett Reynolds, a Columbus, Ohio-based artist and nightclub owner in the late 1970s. Initially, Reynolds envisioned a one-night party-to-end-all-parties, designed around the theme of the color Red (hence the name “Red Party”), which was to be held at Reynolds’ nightclub, “Rudely Elegant.” read more »
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Ragazine »
Life was much different for gay men and women in 1970s’ Columbus, Ohio. The few gay bars in town were mostly dives, and had no signage or visible street presence. Police raids were common, as was harassment from the general populace. It was at this time that a charming little man named Corbett Reynolds came along and helped put the city of Columbus on the map. read more »
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Corbett in his backyard – source: Facebook