2111 W. Greenleaf Avenue

2111 W. Greenleaf Avenue, the Christensen/Ford (Hasenbalg) House

Circa: 1916

Original Owner: Emil Hasenbalg

Second Owner: Wallace Streeter, 1917.

Present (2001) Owner: Larry Christensen and Dan Ford

This house was included in the 2001 Annual Fall House Tour

Not much is known about the original owner, Emil Hasenbalg, or his architect, but the bold design of this bungalow suggests both had a strong interest in the Arts and Crafts. The residence is an interesting blend of California bungalow and Spanish Colonial Revival styles, would have been suitable for Gustav Stickley's Craftsman Magazine.

In the living room, you will find many elements typical in an Arts and Crafts interior; a charming oak Inglenook built around a wood burning fireplace, beamed ceiling with Mission-style sconces, and leaded glass casement windows of English cottage design. The mantle and barrel-vaulted ceiling, though original, are more modern elements, contrasting against the more traditional setting.

Oak French doors lead to the dining room, which has the feel of a three-season patio or sleeping porch. When homeowners Larry Christensen and Dan Ford bought the house in 1997, the east and west walls of the dining room were covered with drywall on the inside and clapboard on the outside. During restoration, the original windows were found to be intact underneath and the decision was made to return the room to its original configuration.

Be sure to visit the basement, where you'll find an newly crafted family room and bathroom. The owners took the time and effort to find designs that would be harmonious, choosing elements and materials appropriate to the age of the home. The fireplace in the family room is original, though Arts and Crafts tile was added during restoration.