A Tudor’s revival
Years ago while Christine Snyder was attending former Taylor University she and her now husband, Ken Snyder regularly strolled the streets of Southwood Park’s quaint and unique early 20th century neighborhood hoping to someday purchase one of their own. Decades later after returning to the Fort, that youthful dream became a reality when they purchased their Tudor gem at 4602 Tacoma Avenue. The home they purchased could not be more distinctively 1920’s Tudor Revival featuring a coveted hit list of architectural characteristics: cat-slide roof, a large exterior brick and stone pattern chimney (one of two), arched wood front door, half-timbering with stucco, diamond pattern windows, original staggered shingle wood siding and three prominent peaks across the front, six peaks total. The Snyder’s not only appreciate their home but they are big fans of the entire neighborhood. They appreciate no two homes being exactly alike, soaring trees, pocket gardens and the departure from the standard city grid that gives way to curves and hills that honor the rural land that once hugged the St. Mary’s River prior to development. (Thank you Hilgemann & Schaff).
In an effort to improve the curb appeal and historical accuracy for their Tudor they first demolished a wood deck several years ago that had been built over the front entry’s original brick and concrete stoop which they had masonry repointed and concrete re-poured. New handsome iron handrails were installed leaving enough space for a bench and planters. They punched up the arched front door with a fun coral hue which plays well with the brown cedar shingles and taupe half-timbering on stucco. A newly built fire pit, expansion of the flower beds with flagstone pathways around their home and at the corner give passerby a verdant view of a variety of perennials, flowering shrubs and unique equestrian garden statues.
The Snyder’s have by no means limited their improvements to the exterior. Their kitchen has been renovated, losing its dropped ceiling and soffit. New cabinetry, soapstone counters and subway tile back-splash were installed as well as a new patio door for access to the deck, which is in progress. The main bath was taken down to the studs, save the original cast iron tub which was refinished, as well as an original window. New hexagon tile flooring, subway tile and plumbing put in place. Fortunately, many rooms of carpet and vinyl flooring have been removed to reveal original red oak floors as well as a recent and fortuitous discovery made in a dark corner of the attic-the original living room fireplace mantle. It was found as they were preparing for our neighborhood association’s garage sale. They had been lamenting it’s absence for some time, a “stock” mantle didn’t fit the character nor the scale of a century old home and with many projects underway and more on their slate, this was another expense that was spared. Refinishing and mounting the original found mantle is all that remains!
From taking in sunsets and the view of the St. John’s steeple from their solarium room to catching up with neighbors, dogs, kids and all who pass by their delightful corner of Southwood Park, Ken and Christine’s affection and pride for their home and our neighborhood is evident. Fortunately for us, they see themselves living here as long as they live in Fort Wayne.
~Erika Stuller
