Preview Party
520 South Stewart Street
Open Saturday, Dec. 7, 6-9 p.m. only
The Home of Bruce and Donna Downing
House Decorator Donna Downing
The Downings moved into their 1929 Colonial Revival home in 1978. The house was built by Lucretia Wood Ely. Mrs. Ely, her two daughters and a son-in-law, Ben Arthur, all resided in the house at one time. The home borrows its styling from early American building traditions with small pane windows, a pedimented porch with columns protecting the sidelights and transom around the front entry and a symmetrical façade balanced by porch additions on both sides. The Downings have maintained the historic integrity of their home over the years while making changes to accommodate their family needs. The rear sunroom was expanded in 1983 and an elevator was installed in 1984. A pergola connected the house to the garage in 1985 and a rear screened-in porch was added in 1999. The kitchen renovation done in 2003 extended the south façade while protecting the majestic oak tree outside their kitchen window.
The house is furnished with family heirlooms and fine art pieces created by local and regional artists. Deirdre Cochran will entertain guests during the party with live dulcimer music.