madcow

Sneak preview for UO. The house is still under construction, but is better than last time.

The attached is more similar tilework on the library fireplace. http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/Picture072-1.jpg (I still do not know how to get the photos to post)

Forgive me since this is my first attempt to post imagages on a blog, but I hope I can get some coaching about how to do this right. (I tried the instructions but only got text on the preview without the link to the photos. I need to know how to insert the actual images) These attachments are a series of interior shots of the Sorg Mansion and a few of the architectural drawings prepared for the 1902 remodeling and expansion of the mansion. The Historical Society has about 30 pages of drawings including floor plans, elevations and interior details. Since many of the rooms are rented to private individuals, unfortunately we could not take photos of the spctacular details. (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/Picture053.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/Picture054.jpg)(http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/Picture070-1.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/Picture073-1.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/sorg-b.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/sorg-c.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/sorg-e.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/sorg-f.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/sorg-g.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/DSC00953.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/Sorg-a.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/DSC00957.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/DSC00941.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/Picture074-1.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/Picture009-1.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/DSC00956.jpg) (http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp57/madcowmarty/DSC00960.jpg)

I agree that the house is not in great condition but most of the original fabric of the house is still there. Even with the damage, there is enough still there that missing pieces can be replicated. I agree that a $1 million restoration budget is a good figure. (although I think Prescott House in Springfield cost over $1.7 million to restore) The house is over priced given the restoration costs. I am currently restoring an 1870's, 6,000+ sf house that was used as a nursing home for the past 40 years that has seen extensive abuse and remodelaing. In my perspective, the Sorg Mansion is in pretty good shape. What the property needs is a great business plan. Several years ago I spoke with a potential buyer that wanted to use the carriage house as a micro-winery and bistro. The house would be a B&B on the upper floors with the main floor for receptions & events. The owner would live in the 3,700 sf. servant's house. The property needs a plan that would generate the cash flow to pay the operation and maintenance expenses. (the house is horribly inefficient for energy consumption in its current state). The property is eligible for state and federal tax credits for historic rehabilitation. There is also a possibility for City financial assistance.

I toured the property with the realtor last weekend. I expected the house to be in much worse condition than it was. The boiler and electric service are fairly new. The house is used as a rooming house which means that individual rooms are rented, therefore they have not been subdivided into units. They share the original bathrooms and cooking is not allowed, so no new kitchens or bathrooms have been added. The woodwork and sculpted plaster ceilings are fantastic and in fairly good shape. The stained glass windows are in rough shape, but can be repaired. We were not allowed into rented rooms which means that we only saw half of the house. We did see the carriage house and servants house which were great on their own. The house demonstrated a level of craftsmanship that is unparalleled in southwest Ohio. The entry is floor to ceiling carved panels in mahogany. The alcove of the ballroom has mosaic tiles with floral designs on the walls and ceiling which is spectacular since the background is entirely real gold plated tiles. the house has huge potential as a tourist destination, B&B, conference center, resteraunt, etc.