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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarker Project 012705Alterations Constructed in 1936 and on its original site, the house has seen many changes, but all for the better. The original wooden floor of the house has remained and been taken care of. The original kitchen’s location is not for sure, but its second location was at the center, back of the house, long and narrow. The original back porch was converted into a living room by a previous owner. The current owner made many changes including adding a second story to the house. The original fireplace was removed and a center core to the house was added. A new fireplace was added to the living room. The bathroom attached to the north bathroom was moved over approximately the width of the original and a closet was added. The doorway to a south bedroom was filled in. Front porch had indoor/outdoor carpet that was removed The back room’s ceiling was raised 2-3” The original driveway and garage were converted what is now the kitchen and breakfast room. The driveway was shortened and a new garage put in place. A fence was added around the back of the property. A concrete pad was added to the back of the house along with the back porch. The latest addition is a pool that has recently been added to the south side of the house B. Historical Figures Bo Bell, the all-American baseball player and head coach for Texas A&M University, occupied the house after the original owner and sold it to the Birdwells in the late 40’s. Dick Birdwell, an engineer for Dow Chemical for over 25 years, has served College Station as a city councilman for many terms. He occupied the house in the late 40’s and early 50’s with his wife Joyce. Mr. Birdwell is an active member in this community, a proud member of the class of 1953, and a generous benefactor to Texas A&M University. Ann Rudder was known to have played in the house as a child. She is the daughter of former A&M President James Earl Rudder who was not only a key force in World War II, but is a much beloved member of the Texas A&M family. C. Property Ownership Grantor Grantee Date State of Texas Raatz 1936 Raatz Bo Bell 1940s Bo Bell Dick Birdwell 1940s Joyce Birdwell Dick Birdwell John Otts 1950s Joyce Birdwell John Otts Donita Haden 1981 Donita Haden Hays Glover, III 1983 Robin Glover D. Tenant History Information was taken from the current owner and may be a bit sketchy. Built by a Mr. Raatz in 1936 Mr. Raatz owned a dry cleaning establishment around Northgate. Bo Bell occupied the house in the early to mid 40’s. Dick & Joyce Birdwell bought the house in the late 40’s and lived there until the early 50’s. John Otts bought the house from the Birdwells, but was believed to have used it as storage instead of living quarters. Donita Haden made many renovations during her time in the house. Hays & Robin Glover have called this house home for 22 years and made most of the renovations that exist today. E. Narrative History As far as it is known, the house remained unchanged until Donita Haden made some adjustments to its floor plan. Ms. Haden moved the kitchen from its original location to the back part of the house where it stayed until the Glovers moved it again in their 1987 additions. In 1987 the Glovers found themselves quickly outgrowing their space – they either needed to move or make some additions. They chose the latter and gave the job to Burris & Patterson Architects. They responded to the existing house well by adding some 1200 SF to the floor plan, while not destroying the original charm of the house. Three original bedrooms were left almost completely alone, the dining room had a few changes and the original wood flooring was left in place and refinished. Drawings See Attached Photographs See Attached H. References Glover, Robin. Personal Interviews. 24 Oct 2004, 21 Oct 2004, 6 Oct 2004 Burris and Patterson Architects. Architectural Drawings. College Station, TX Drawings  Site Plan  Front Elevation  Rear Elevation  Right Side Elevation  1st Floor Plan  2nd Floor Plan  Section through House  Wall Sections Historic Photographs  House as Bought in 1983 by the Glovers  House as Bought in 1983 from the Corner of Burt and Suffolk  House after Landscaping and Painting  House after Landscaping and Painting from Burt and Suffolk  The Back Porch Addition before 1987 Renovations  The Curved Driveway before 1987 Renovations  Original Metal Cased Fireplace  Original Fireplace After Being Repainted  Dismantling the Back Porch and Preparing for 1987 Addition  Original Fireplace being removed during 1987 renovation. Notice the Entryway to Dining Room that has also Been Removed.  Added Second Story Stairwell  Central Core Unit of 1987 Addition  New Fireplace Addition where Back Porch Used to Be  Christmas at the Glover House in New Addition Photographs As Of Oct 2004  Front Elevation  View From Suffolk and Burt  Right Elevation  New Garage added with 1987 Renovation  Rear Elevation  Left Elevation  New Pool  Side Entry with Connecting Portico to Garage  Front Entry  New Dining with Wall where Original Fireplace Was  New Dining Room where Walkway to Previous Dining Room was removed  This Bedroom and Bathroom is where Previous Dining Room and Kitchen Were  Remodeled Bedroom where Dining Room was