224 N. COMMONWEALTH AVENUE
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
224 N. Commonwealth was built in 1906 for Robert Arnold, the manager of the Brethren Publishing House, located at 22-24 South State Street, from 1904 to 1940. After he retired, he spent 21 more years living in the home until his death in 1961. Robert's wife, Irena continued to live in the home until August 30, 1965.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The house at 224 N.Commonwealth many features of the Free Classic subtype of the Queen Anne style. Though it lacks the more classic ornamentation trim, towers or turrets, it maintains some of the other Free Classic details like the classic columns and decorative glass at the top of large-paned windows. The front porch is supported by five columns and extends across the entire front of the home ending in a circular sitting area. Original decorative zinc castings are mounted to the porch roof gable end, located over the front entrance.
TIMELINE OF OWNERSHIP
Sources: 2002 Heritage Plaque Application; Audio: TextAloud