2442 W. Morse Avenue

From HistoryWiki

2442 W. Morse Avenue, Ron House.

Circa: 1928

Architect: Dewey & Pavlovich

Developer: Edward Zeches

Original Owner: Clarence Theders

Present (2010) Owner: Jenn Ron

Featured in the 2010 Annual House Tour.

Architects Dewey & Pavlovich designed this two-story Tudor Revival home at 2442 W. Morse Avenue for developer Edward Zeches, who lived in the neighborhood. The house was built in 1928 for $8,000 and by 1930 was estimated in the Census to be valued at $25,500. In 1930, the driveway was changed and the brick Porte-cochère was added to the east side of the home. The stone-accented arched door creates a special entry to the home, as do the broken-tile mosaic floor and porthole window in the foyer. Not purely Tudor Revival in style, the house also displays Mediterranean influences, such as the wrought iron light fixture in the entry hall. The arch of the front entry is echoed in the limestone shells above the French doors off the front patio, another departure from the Tudor or Gothic Revival-style.

Ms. Ron knew, as soon as she pulled up to the house three years ago, that this would be the right home for herself and her son. Since moving in she has eliminated the back portion of the driveway to allow more space for an outdoor living area and garden. The kitchen was also fully remodeled and opens to the dining room for a more contemporary floor plan.

Original homeowner Clarence Theders, wife Mabelle and son Robert might have felt the same about the house as Jenn does. Clarence worked as a salesman for adding machines in 1930 when he purchased this Tudor Revival home.

The stunning feature on your left upon entering is the sunken living room, which requires you to descend two stairs. A cast stone Gothic Revival fireplace with tapered overmantel emphasizes the room’s ceiling height, as do the original French doors. Two more steps opposite the French doors lead you up to the dining room and kitchen.

Arguably the most magnificent feature of this home is the second-floor bathroom. The brilliantly-hued tile walls and floor are original as are the tub and decorative columns flanking the tub. The second-floor also features three large, airy bedrooms opening off the hall.