2415 W. Lunt Avenue

From HistoryWiki

Two apartments were reviewed in a combined write-up in 2010 Annual House Tour booklet.

2415 W. Lunt Avenue, Apartment 1E--See also 2417 W. Lunt Avenue, Apartment 3W

Circa: 1929-1930

Architect: Guske and Foster

Original Owner: G. Gundling

Present Owners: Gary Wendt and Rafael Milewski

This Apartment Building was featured in the 2010 Annual House Tour.

Construction on this beautiful buff brick 6-flat was begun in 1929 and completed in 1930 for owner G. Gundling at a cost of $38,000. The architect is listed on the building permit as Guske and Foster. The Eclectic Spanish Colonial Revival building shares some characteristics with California Mission, a popular historic revival style during the 1920s, that freely combined elements from several revival styles. Though relatively rare outside of California and Florida, we are lucky to have some examples in the Indian Boundary Park neighborhood.

Some elements of this style can be seen in the carved, low-relief stone ornament around the front door, the heavy wrought iron window grilles covering the round windows flanking the entry and other ground-floor windows, and the broken-tile mosaic inside the lobby (which is repeated in the apartment entry halls) The curvy roof line and unusual shape of the upper-story windows (and French doors) are also markers of the Eclectic Spanish-style. Windows are six-over-six casement-type, primarily in groups of three.

In both apartments, vintage features abound. Each entry hall has its original cove ceiling molding, heavily textured plaster walls, and mosaic tile floor (matching the downstairs lobby) which leads to a triple-arch opening to the living room. Separating the arches are two spiral columns topped by Corinthian capitals, with decorative wrought iron linking the columns to the walls. Opposite each living room’s triple arch, another arched opening leads down a hall to the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The unusual barrel-vaulted ceiling runs the length of the hall, and past the built-in vintage telephone stand.

The living rooms in both apartments are full of eclectic charm. The Girard-LeDuc’s top-floor apartment benefits from the double-height tray ceiling, accented by wood beams. A full-height faux stone fireplace features arched niches on each side. Architectural features in the apartment have been exquisitely highlighted by a professional decorative painter.

The Wendt-Milewski’s living room has a coved ceiling highlighted by molding which runs seamlessly into the decorative fireplace surround, and another pair of niches. The grand piano and bust of Mozart in the living room attest to Gary Wendt’s profession as a musician. This apartment has a medieval feel, with its jewel-toned walls and ornate fireplace.

Another set of matching columns and arches open from both living rooms into the dining rooms, which feature even more ornamental plaster molding and original wainscoting.

The Girard-LeDuc bathroom retains its original subway tile, black and white trim tile and accessories, and tub fixtures, all in remarkable condition.

Both apartments’ kitchens have been remodeled.

Don’t miss the ornate brass peep hole (on a spring-loaded latch) to the back staircase in the Girard-Le Duc apartment. A special treat awaits the old-house enthusiasts who venture to the basement: the building’s original coal burner complete with stokers, and one of the building’s last remaining breakfast nook tables, currently in use as a laundry folding table.