This morning in Trenton, Preservation New Jersey announces its list of the 10 most endangered historic sites. This Bloomfield house at 160 Willard is one of them.
The 10 Most Endangered Historic Sites program identifies irreplaceable historic, architectural, cultural and archeological resources in New Jersey that are in imminent danger of being lost.
The following counties will be represented in the 2008 listing: Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris and Union.
Here's more about 160 Willard from our favorite historian Frank Gerard Godlewski, who was key to the nomination of this property, which is for sale for $895,000 (taxes are $9651; offered by Medici Realty, 973-427-3445)
White stucco walls and heavy brackets below the sweeping thatch like roof distinguish this fine Craftsman Home that sits on a generous one acre raised corner property, in what was once the "Estate Section" of Bloomfield. Willard Avenue, a historic residential street has mainly single family homes built in the early 1900's that share Craftsman features. The remarkable roof, with its picturesque gables and eyebrow dormers, rolls under to simulate thatch. Heavy brackets accentuate the entry and are repeated at ornamental gabled balcony overlooking the car court. This enclosed balcony and the generous sun porch are the most striking decorative features and suggest an old country cottage. The windows throughout the house are tiny panes, including three beautiful leaded glass windows which further convey a medieval feeling. Two tall chimneys suggest a cozy warm interior.Finely detailed woodwork and elegantly proportioned spaces create an open airy feeling - the same qualities that were valued in the early twentieth century are still admired today. The center stair hall addresses a large double sized living room with fireplace and library. Adjacent is a large glazed sunroom with a tiled medieval hearth with heavy wrought iron chains. The rest of the main floor consists of an ample corner dining room with a small butler's pantry. The kitchen is pleasant and accessible to the car court. A service stair leads a large unfinished basement and to the upper floors. There is a powder room on the main floor. Upstairs, the second floor has one full bath and a butler’s station with sink, fridge and electric stove. There is a large bedroom and a smaller one, plus a double sized master bedroom with a fireplace. The third floor has two bedrooms and a bath. In total there are five bedrooms with closets and two baths upstairs.
The outside features flat green lawns and ornamental shrubbery. The car court has a garage and a shed. Another shed shields the basement access at the rear façade. Across the Franklin Street corner, there is a historic art deco styled school by the renowned Starrett & Van Vleck, architects of New York's Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue, that will soon to be converted to residential.
Frank, don't even think of doing it, but you would make a hell of a Real Estate Agent... :)