Restoring the Inn

Physical and Historical Significance

The William A. Angas House was constructed early in the development of the Riverside neighborhood after the Great Fire of 1901. The building's original address was 1501 Riverside Avenue when the house enjoyed an unobstructed view of the St. Johns's River and held a place on "The Row", (a local nickname referring to Riverside Avenue's prestigious homes). Riverside is one of Jacksonville's oldest and most historically significant residential neighborhoods.

Notable features of this three-story 1902 Wood Frame Vernacular home include a steeply pitched gable roof, two cross-gable extensions, a nansard extension, a hip extension, shed dormers and an irregular ground plan. The eaves line is also embellished at the gable ends with a flared mansard treatment. The exterior wall fabric is drop siding. Fenestration consists of 1/2, 12/12, 12/8 double hung sash windows and a sliding window with four lights. Other features include a tripartite window on the east gable end, and a balcony on the east elevation.

By the 1980's, a two-story block structure was added to the sought elevation. The main structure was divided into eight apartments. This addition combined with the eight apartments converted the house into twelve apartment units. After the concrete block addition, there was no main recognized entrance to the house that once faced Riverside Avenue and the St. John's River.

At the time of acquisition, the house had been gutted down to the two-by-fours. (Pictures can be viewed at the Inn). The first floor interior was divided into three great rooms with three fireplaces as well as a sun porch with seven twelve-pane double hung windows. The impressive original staircase to the second floor led to a main landing with three large rooms, one with a fireplace. The back servant's staircase from the second to the third floor led to the attic-like floor with pitched ceilings and two generously sized rooms with additional nooks.

By the 1980's, a two-story block structure was added to the south elevation. The main structure was divided into eight apartments. This addition combined with the eight apartments converted the house into twelve apartment units. After the concrete block addition, there was no main recognized entrance to the house that once faced Riverside Avenue and the St. John's River.

Purchase History and Overall Renovation

This home was built in 1902 and enjoyed a very large property that faced the St. Johns River. Unfortunately, over the years, the property was divided and sold. The house was turned into an eight-unit apartment complex, and an addition was placed on the original front of the property to accommodate more apartment units. This addition defaced the property and it no longer had a main grand entrance on Riverside Avenue. When the house was purchased, the interior had been completely destroyed and what was left had to be stripped down to the two--by-fours. In doing so, it was impossible to locate the original walls and ceiling heights. However, being a clean slate to start from allowed the opportunity to install completely new electric, plumbing, heating and fire sprinkler systems as well as foam insulation.

At the time of renovation, there were no known photographs of the original home (that we were aware of). The goal was to restore the home to it's original splendor of 1902. Because the main entrance facing Riverside Avenue was closed off with addition of the apartments, the original wrap around porch was located within those covered walls. The porch was recreated, then installed at the opposite side of the house, providing a new entrance and address on Oak Street. Just after the Inn opened in 2002, a photo was received of the house as it looked in 1905 from the granddaughter of Mr. Angas, the original owner. It was wonderful to see that the wraparound porch had been recreated just like the one over 100 years earlier!!

Renovations on this 6,000 square foot home took 18 months to complete. During this time recreations of the original trim baseboard, ceiling, door and window moldings were made from the remnants of the original pieces. The railings and balusters were duplicated, the original heart pin floors and double hung sash windows were refurbished, and the four fireplaces were made gas operable. There were only two original doors left in the home. To complete the renovation the 24 solid eight-foot cypress paneled doors were purchased from a New Orleans residence that was built in 1908.

We hope you enjoy your stay in our home!!

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