Classic Craftsman Built in 1912, this Evergreen house has thoroughly modern styling. by JOHN GRIFFIN t's clear from the contrasting paint job that the importance of the windows here is appreciated. Big windows in pairs stack vertically all the way to the attic. Little windows eccentrically dropped in open up interior corners and delight the eye. Other craftsman details abound. Triangular knee braces visually support the roof, brackets tie porch roof to box columns, and the porch and porte cochere are contained by an ornamental stick-work railing. These classic craftsman elements -- lots of windows and a big porch -- could easily turn up in a neotraditional development like Seaside today. The deep porch with its forward-facing gable is very welcoming. The multiple, tall windows tell you there's a sunny interior awaiting. It's throughly modern styling and it was built in 1912 on North Parkway. The entry has its own fireplace. The staircase rises to one side and windows on the landing fill this room with light. Tall pocket doors open the entry to a long living room with another fireplace on the wall opposite (dueling fireplaces!). Deep box beams run the width of the living room. Box beams in two directions coffer the ceiling of the adjoining dining room. A tall, board and batten wainscot with plate rail wraps around the dining room and a boxbay with built-in window seat opens this room to lots of eastern light. The kitchen has been redone with all-white base cabinets and cobalt tile counter tops. There's a big walk-in pantry so no overhead cabinets were installed. It certainly opens up the space, but I might bow to ease and add a bracketed shelf or two, and even a couple of glass-fronted cabinets. An appropriate mullion pattern and bracketed shelves would extend the craftsman details to this room. Two rooms adjoining the kitchen have been joined to create a large, downstairs family room. That alone is a rare find in Midtown. There's also a spacious laundry room and a full bath nearby. A rear deck off the kitchen and breakfast room overlooks the deep, shady backyard. The two-story carriage house is large enough to accommodate two cars. The staircase to upstairs is missing, so I'm told the last two owners have never even seen what's up there. But upstairs in the main house has certainly been redone. The entire east side is now a master suite. Sleeping room, dressing room, bath and rear exercise/office all interconnect. The other side has two big corner bedrooms with lots of light and original walk-in closets. These bedrooms share the third bath that still has its deep soaking tub. There's even a sleeping porch/playroom attached to the rear bedroom. This house is very modern both in its original layout and certainly in its updatings. It's in wonderful condition and offers more amenities than you'd expect in Midtown. It's the perfect house if you'd rather tackle the painting and landscaping than endure major renovations. It's a work of fine craftsmanship that at 87 years old has proven itself a classic. 1706 North Parkway Approximately 3,180 square feet 4 bdrms, 3 baths; $194,000. Realtor: Ligon Hughes, 272-0008 Agent: Linda Kaiser, 272-2126