As Interconnection is to computers, Ballard Reuse is to houses. Some items from the Bittman Estate are available there now, including a Murphy Bed and doors (pictured below).
James Taylor of Ballard Reuse says that the historic estate itself is being well cared for- this is not a gutting or tear down situation, just a few items that didn’t fit in the house anymore as it is being cleaned up with modern electrical and plumbing.
Ballard Reuse is closed until after Christmas, but if you’re interested then pop over on the 26th. The items are in a separate area of the store, here’s a sampling:
Man, that headline made my heart drop! I figured the developers were starting to raze the place and build a mass of apodments? Who ended up buying it and what are their plans?
It’s a private family that’s not interested in publicity so we are not naming them. Their plans appear to be to restore and preserve the house.
They are preserving and restoring the murals in the living room.
It’s one of the nicest stories of the year. All the neighbors were quite worried as were many in the Wallingford community.
In the end a charming professional couple with children and with good resources purchased the beloved home and property. They have begun the long process of bringing it into a useable state while keeping it intact and in character. Currently they are removing asbestos, fixing roof leaks, etc. They are well aligned with the neighborhood values and are keeping the home as it was intended and constistent with it’s 1915 original and beautiful construction.
Some of the larger trees are causing damage to the home, but there too they are working hard with professionals to do the right thing and keep the original trees and vegetation wherever possible.
We have welcomed them warmly into the community and are thrilled by their values and actions.