Using the plans he brought to Lafayette from Boston, Ira G. Howe, a well-to-do mill operator, built a block of three row houses to be occupied by himself and the families of his two children.
The two-story Italianate home is essentially rectangular with three projecting bays called “Boston swell fronts”. Red brick laid in Flemish bond is the principal material of the building with many decorative cornices and brackets painted tin and white stone.
White sand stone steps lead up to the front door. The windows are tall, narrow, and double hung. The double leaf doors (Victorian character) contain etched glass panels of floral design from France.
The entrance opens into a narrow hallway with a long, beautiful wooden staircase lit up with gorgeous chandeliers. High-ceilinged rooms include a front parlor, dining room, sitting room, and Zinn kitchen with a half bath. The front stairway leads to the master bedroom with sitting area and a huge dressing room and bath. The back stairway leads to the guest room.
The lower level , used as an office and conference area, is charming with its brick foundation walls and archways. This home is zoned for general business and there are two separate phone lines going into it. One for personal and one for business. Formerly, the lower-level hall was used as a pass through for the fire department and has front and back outside entrances.
The charming brick court yard connects the two-car garage to the home. This historic home is a pleasure to visit and a joy to own.
