4721 Girard Ave S

Just a block from Lake Harriet, this magnificent & historic residence sits on an estate-like site.  Designed and built by Gratia A. Countryman on a hillside site where she had camped in 1902.  Ms. Countryman, head of Mpls Libraries & first female chief librarian in the United States, greatly expanded our young library system with Carnegie Endowment funds.
 
Bold architecture with definite Prairie School influence on the exterior, the interior has large rooms made for entertaining, and a lovely sunroom with unique arched windows to welcome morning sun and offer lovely views to the grounds.  Beautiful hardwood floors, enameled woodwork and lots of bookshelves should come as no surprise.  The current mudroom off the kitchen once was a sleeping porch and maid’s room.
 
The new HVAC system was oversized, anticipating a renovation & expansion of the existing home.  This gracious home is a perfect candidate for a new kitchen, family room and master suite addition.  Contact me to see conceptual sketches by Otogawa-Anschel Design/Build.