January is usually a hard month, and the weather so far has not helped – Kentucky has been wet and cold, and then cold and wet. Thankfully, it is Whimsical Wednesday, so I shall lift my spirits (and hopefully yours?) with the fabulous J.N. Struck House. Built in 1893 by J.N. Struck, a contractor and builder for himself and his family, this Queen Anne style dwelling boasts enough decoration on its facade to lift anyone out of the doldrums.
Side elevation and facade. Looking northeast.
While I love a turret, what I first appreciated about this 2.5 story frame house was not the charming turret hugging the west side of the house, but the enormous, overhanging attic gable, festooned with shingles and a Palladian window.
Façade and east elevation. Facing northwest.
There is so much ornamentation: dentils, block modillions, foliate and Greek fret work, arches, chamfered angles…
Details for days.
More details…
Struck’s main business, the Louisville Planing Mill, supplied all of the millwork, doors, sashes for his house – and probably much more.* As of 1891, Struck could claim the construction of several distilleries, Louisville Power and Electric Company, the Kentucky National Bank, and “many fine residences of leading citizens.” Described as an “active and enterprising business man,” Struck was a director of the German National Bank, belonged to the Louisville Lodge of Elks, and founded the Builders’ and Traders’ Exchange.
An 1897 ad for the business founded by J.N. Struck.
Sadly, Struck did not have long to enjoy his fashionable new home. He died at home in 1895, only 38 years old.
Drawing of J.N. Struck, from the December 25, 1895 edition of the Courier Journal.
The J.N. Struck Construction Company was still in business in 1983, and this exuberant house, part of the Highlands Historic District, is a testament to the quality of the builder. It brought a smile to my face, and that is worth something on the sunshine-less days!
*The name was later changed to J.N. Struck & Brother
Address? Or did I miss it?
it is on East Broadway – 1100 block.
I’m struck by the cleverness of the turret, because it’s not really a turret, though you can call it one if you wish. It’s a very well thought-out illusion. The attic level seems like a turret, but is more a nearly-round dormer than it is the third floor of a self supporting mass. And what a totally great view and sense of privacy that space would afford! The second floor of that feature is a not-quite-semi-circular bay window on a flat wall plane. Finally, the main floor level of the feature continues the masquerade as a turret by emphasizing roundness in its fanlight. Look at the photo of the opposite side of the front facade, to see the bizarro-world version of its west side twin. And you’re right: that pediment is completely over-the-top, literally and figuratively! Thanks for taking the time to brighten our day!