park avenue - The Story

The Park Avenue project was a complete restoration of the J.H. Rhodes House in East Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio.  This 1895 historic Romanesque Revival estate homesquare feet with three stories, 8,000 sq. ft. including 10 bedrooms & 4 bathrooms was designed by famed Cincinnati architect Samuel Hannaford (1835-1911).  Some of Cincinnati’s best known landmarks such as Music Hall and City Hall, were of his design. The resemblance is unmistakable.

Families had lived in the home for 73 years until 1968 when it was converted into a nursing home with no regard to the home’s exquisite beauty.  The overall restoration took 6 1/2 years.  After the demo and cleanup, it was time to begin in interior restoration work.  Owners - Benjamin & Kristen Walters, contacted Holtman Design owner - Chris Holtman, through word of mouth recommendation.  The rapport was immediate. The Walters hired Chris at their initial meeting to be the primary restoration and building contractor for the project from October 2013 to December 2014.  You will see many quotes from Ben & Kristen about the work Chris did throughout the specific project pages.

AND THE WINNER IS...

The J.H. Rhodes House received special recognition from the Cincinnati Preservation Association for excellence in preservation in the rehabilitation category.  The 2015 Preservation Awards were presented at the association's annual meeting held November 8, 2015 at the Renaissance Hotel, Downtown Cincinnati.

Ben & Kristen Walters...Chris moved, room by room, and restored each panel, each trim piece, and floors.  Where original features were removed, he re-built these features.  Our home is a living piece of art thanks to Chris Holtman.