THE property shown above, owned by E. L. Fiske and situated at 9917 S. Irving Avenue, might well be investigated for ideas by builders who contemplate two-family structures in those parts of the Ridge District zoned for such structures. The builder here has ingeniously applied the English style of architecture to his purpose, making his two-family building a credit to the community instead of a detriment.
The building is made interesting by its economy of space and materials. Common brick is used for the exterior, with attractive flagstone walks and terraces. The drains and gutters, specially built of wood, give a mellow effect and are reported to be unusually serviceable.
The interior is symmetrically arranged to provide the equivalent of two small, well arranged homes with two floors. The entrance, on the south side, as shown above, opens to a vestibule, which in turn opens on one side to one home, and on the other side to the other home.
On the east and west sides are found two large combination living and dining rooms made attractive by large fireplaces as indicated by the chimneys in the picture. Both rooms are tastefully decorated and the windows are of the tall, leaded pane French type. Each room opens, on their respective sides, to flagstone terraces.
Arches lead from the rear of these rooms to rear hallways, systematically arranged on each side. The hallways give access to large bedrooms, the kitchens and baths. A feature of the construction here is the latticed effect for the bedroom doors, which provides privacy and excellent ventilation at the same time during hot weather. The kitchens are admirably equipped and enhanced, too, by velvatile tile floors.
The upper floor is gained by dual stairways that lead to two large bedrooms, each equipped with unusually large closets and lavatories.
Economy in design is also seen in the basement arrangement. One heating plant suffices for the whole house, so only half of the dwelling has a basement under it. This is under the east half, where the slope of the ground has made its construction more feasible and less expensive.
Rough plaster of a tawny color and oak wood trim are used throughout the interior.
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