Location: 601 Louisiana Street

Date: Sunday, June 11th, 2023

Time: 1-3pm

Lawrence Preservation Alliance is excited to invite you to join us for an Old House Warming at 601 Louisiana Street on Sunday, June 11th, 1-3pm. 

Open to the public for the first time since a crowded estate sale in 2019, we are excited to see the progress of this thorough and careful rehab project led by new owner Amy Lee. Built in 1914 for Theo Poehler Company executive Otto B. Guffler and his wife Myrtle, this Neoclassical dwelling of tan brick and native stone --with a circular two-story portico supported by Corinthian columns-- is better known as the longtime home of KU Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Larry Martin and his wife Jean.

  When Amy purchased the property in 2020, it was time for a comprehensive repair and mechanical update program to bring it into the 21rst century. Under the direction of general contractor Kenneth A. Peters Builder Inc. and utilizing both the federal and state historic tax credit programs, all service and mechanical systems have been replaced while taking care to disturb as little of the existing walls, ceilings and trim as possible. Out went the collection of old window air conditioners and in went a modern zoned HVAC system. Damaged architectural elements were restored and many smaller repairs completed. Project highlights include the third-floor great room, the new first- floor kitchen, and the refurbished grand entry hall and staircase which had attracted Amy when she first  saw this house.

 Amy has lived in historic houses for years and partnered in purchasing fixer-uppers of older rental properties, but this major project has given her a bigger stage to exercise her entrepreneurial spirit and creative problem-solving skills. Stop by and help LPA congratulate her as she nears the end of this huge project.

This is a free event for old house enthusiasts. LPA membership is not required to enter, but memberships will be available for purchase.