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A 1920s Duplex: The Past Tastefully Reinterpreted
The Evergreen Historic District in Midtown Memphis, one of the Mid-South's oldest neighborhoods, features diverse architectural styles including bungalows, foursquare buildings, duplexes, and stately homes, reflecting its transitional history. This area, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and sometimes referred to as “Stonewall,” has been diligently preserved by the Evergreen Historic District Association. The Association successfully reclaimed area lots after a 20-year development battle that saw over 200 houses destroyed, culminating in a 1971 Supreme Court ruling against a proposed I-40 segment that would have impacted Overton Park. This victory allowed the city to reacquire and resell empty lots, ensuring the neighborhood's architectural balance between old and new homes.
Architectural designer Jeff Edwards' remodeled 1920s duplex exemplifies the tasteful reinterpretation of the past to suit modern living. The home retains its original charm while incorporating contemporary updates. Edwards meticulously stripped all trim work to bare wood before repainting to reveal original details, which had been obscured by multiple layers of paint. The large windows and numerous door openings, originally crucial for cross-ventilation before air conditioning, now ensure excellent air circulation for entertaining and contribute to a light and airy ambiance. The design approach avoids extremes, neither strictly adhering to a single period style nor overwhelming the interior with excessively modern furnishings. Instead, a thoughtful blend of contemporary and inherited antique pieces creates a unique aesthetic.
Interior designer Greg Baudoin of Ray & Baudoin Interior Design contributed to the home's updated feel by selecting crisp, contemporary fabrics for dining room chairs and other upholstered pieces, effectively contrasting with inherited antique furniture. The second-story porch, a significant selling point for Edwards, offers a relaxing space, formerly shaded by a large sweet gum tree lost to Hurricane Elvis, now replaced by an Autumn Blaze Maple. This porch serves as a favorite gathering spot for guests, providing both shade and privacy.
The kitchen underwent a significant renovation post-Hurricane Elvis to enhance space efficiency. Appliances were relocated, and an alcove was created for the refrigerator to achieve a built-in look. The stove was moved from the west to the south wall, allowing for a large hutch and expanded counter space. Open cubbies were installed for glass and serving ware, facilitating easy access during entertaining. A radiator cover was integrated into the sink cabinet to maximize counter space. Concrete countertops, dark in color, mimic soapstone and provide a modern, eco-friendly material choice suitable for a historic home. A monochromatic color scheme was applied to visually expand the space, and the original pine subfloor was refinished and painted to match the countertop. The former back screen porch was converted into a laundry and service area. The ongoing preservation efforts in the Evergreen Historic District, through homes like Edwards's, reflect a commitment to retaining historical character while adapting to contemporary needs.
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