In October of 2006, while the homeowners were away, the unspeakable happened to a Victorian home in the N. Mississippi Neighborhood of Portland. In one night, fire, started by a renter's cigarette, took away the years of hard work the proud couple had put into restoring it themselves.
This tragedy left the couple with a shell of a home that they are putting back together - for the better - by using sustainable materials and practices, improving its energy efficiency and using renewable energy. While not here because of their temporary work assignment, they are here in spirit, and they have a deep desire to share their experiences and educate the community.

Arciform LLC, along with its professional team, will restore, renew and improve this home and share this process with the public.
The 1899 House is a whole-house renovation project with a purpose. The project's purpose is to educate people about the methods for restoring/improving their period home, awaken all to the importance of preventing and preparing for disasters, such as fire, and to encourage awareness about the importance and ease of incorporating green, home-friendly design-build practices.

It is the owners objective to utilize earth-mindful practices and materials that bring back the original charm and feel of the home. The back exterior of the home will be restored to reflect the same beautiful detailing found in the front end of the home and the lower level and upper level deck. Inside a new less - dangerous (steep & narrow) staircase will be put in and the kitchen opened up to improve the overall flow. A new family room will be located on the upstairs level in what was previously used as a bedroom. All existing casework & details that are salvageable will be restored and those items that are not will be replicated. The entire home's exterior will need to be restored and the homeowners are looking forward to installing solar PV and thermal.

• 1899 Queen Anne Victorian
• Approx. 2,100 sf. (not including the basement)
  
• 4 bed / 2 bath existing - will become 3 bed / 2 bath with the creation of a 2nd story family room.
  
• Standing Height Unfinished Basement
  
• Heating: Forced Air/Gas - will be converted to hydronic radiant floor heating.
  
• No air conditioning.
  
• 1 Fireplace
  
• Water: Public
  
• Sewer: Public
  
• Stories: 2
  
• Stone Foundation
  

DEMOLITION

• Removal of all fire damaged material
  
• Recycle construction debris
  
• Abate hazardous materials

EXTERIOR

• ROOFING - Composite 3-Tab roofing
  
• RAIN WATER RETENTION -down spouts to be disconnected from the street, rain barrels may happen later
  
• SIDING - maintain existing when possible and replace to match where damaged by fire.
  
• WINDOWS - All new wood double pane lo-e windows.
  
• LANDSCAPING - the homeowners will restore their damaged garden with native and hardy plants as well as deciduous trees to help with lighting and temperature control inside the house
  
• FRONT DOOR - Original door - restored

FINISHES & PRACTICES

• ELECTRICAL SUPPLY - all new electrical throughout
  
• PLUMBING - all new plumbing throughout (Pex)
  
• INSULATION - insulated per code
  
• FLOORING - restore existing where possible and install salvaged wood floors with oil finish, one bathroom floor tiled
  
• WALLS - sheet rock
  
• PAINT - low or no VOC paints
  
• LIGHTING - period appropriate lighting used
  
• WATER HEATING - solar panels used to heat water
  
• HEATING & COOLING - improve efficiency throughout the home and use of hydronic radiant floor heating - no air conditioning
  
• FRAMING - Reuse wall studs from main floor to frame walls on second floor.

WOODWORK

• TRIM - MDF or hemlock for paint grade woodwork upstairs / salvaged trim where possible and milled custom to match stain grade downstairs
  
• CABINETRY - boxes made of formaldehyde free plywood stained grade alder faces/lowers lo or no voc painted uppers (alder)
  
• STAIN GRADE ELEMENTS - reclaimed woods
  
• INTERIOR DOORS - 1st floor salvaged from fire throughout - 2nd floor standard
  
• HARDWARE - Salvaged on main floor.

KITCHEN AND BATH

• PLUMBING FIXTURES - low flush toilets, pressure control valves, period reproduction claw foot shower pan / clawfoot tub.
  
• APPLIANCES - highly efficient, Energy Star
  
• COUNTERS - Soap stone and marble.
  
• TILE - custom designed mosaic in tile - shower basin (main floor)
  
• FEATURES - recycling center in pantry, homeowner will use composter

POST REMODEL CLEAN UP

• Non-toxic cleaning products

PERIOD RELATED

• DESIGN - period appropriate design & fixtures applied throughout.
  
• RESEARCH - Utilize assistance from the Architectural
  Heritage Center to learn more about the neighborhood - several years ago extensive research was done on the home. All materials will be shared with the neighbors as well as appear on the www.the1899house.com website.
  
• WOODWORK - return period appropriate destroyed and salvage what is possible.
  
• SALVAGE - acquire & use salvaged materials as much as possible - hardware, doors, lighting
  

Old Address before 1933: 825 Kerby

Architectural Style: Queen Anne Victorian

Legal Description:

• Lot #6
  
• Block #20
  
• Plat: Central Albina

Date(s) of Construction: 1899

Early Ownership:

• James A. & Emily M. Gowanlock 1898-1905
• William C. & Anna M. Kerron 1905-38+
• Kall A. & Johanna Englund 1939-42
• Harrison G. & Martha E. Williams 1943-47
• John B. & Jenny K. Gallenius 1947-56