Buy Yourself a Present in Historic Maplewood
The home at 10 Riverside St. in Historic Maplewood will celebrate its 100th birthday in about seven years. The house has witnessed many celebrations over the decades, beginning with its construction as a likely wedding present for Julia E. Gorsline, whose parents lived in a mansion on nearby Gorsline Street.
As if dressed up for a party, this American Foursquare features a generous porch running the width of the façade, with arts and crafts style columns. The perennial garden in front promises hundreds of bulbs in the spring. The interior is bright and airy, with original architectural elements such as pocket doors, stunning hardwood floors in Greek key and parquet designs, French doors, beveled glass windows and doors, servant stairs, and elaborate ceiling molding. The next-door neighbor, The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, purchased the property in 1955, adapting it for use as the curate’s residence and classrooms. The occasional dropped ceiling and retrofitted wall can be undone to reveal potential treasures beyond.
The living and dining rooms are huge, handsome and wide open to each other. The gas fireplace is surrounded by tile, a stately mantle and wrought iron screen. Floor to ceiling bookshelves line a living room wall. Across the foyer is a charming parlor or den, made private by multi-paned glass and chestnut French doors.
The most intriguing space is the kitchen and adjacent 12x12’ anteroom. They can be left as is, or united to become a generous eat-in kitchen, pantry and operations center. The kitchen overlooks the rear garden and detached one-car garage.
Since becoming a residence again in 1978, the home has known only two families, and they have showered it with affection and stewardship. This is a family home in a family neighborhood, with adaptable spaces to accommodate in-laws, a home office or home schooling. Including the finished attic, there are six or seven bedrooms, three full baths, and closets that are large for the period.
The home enjoys all the benefits of being in Maplewood. It’s a short walk to tennis courts, the Maplewood Rose Garden and the Genesee River gorge. A little longer walk reaches the Maplewood library and YMCA, small businesses, Aquinas and Nazareth high schools, churches, drug stores and eateries. The Lake Avenue bus line is a half block away.
Come visit 10 Riverside Street during City Living Sundays, March 19, from 1-4 p.m. The property is listed by Robert Kirby, Re/Max First (585) 719-3500. The price is $139,900, taxes are $2,628, lot size is 64 x 133 feet and the interior is 3,300 square feet.
Elizabeth M. Teall is a Landmark Society volunteer and Maplewood resident.
