Page 38 - Flathead Beacon // 11.5.14

38 | NOVEMBER 5, 2014 REAL ESTATE FLATHEADBEACON.COM
LANDMARKS
444 Sixth Ave. E., Kalispell
McKeown/Braunberger House
By JAIX CHAIX
From the looks of it, the house at 444 Sixth Ave. E. seems unique, as if it has little in common with other homes in the neighborhood, such as the nearby Conrad Mansion for example – but it certainly does.
Plans to build a home on this lot date back to 1895. For a bit of perspective, the first bridge across the Flat- head River was built in 1895. Flathead County was just two years old, and home to a popular new fad: bicycling. And 1895 was the year that labor organizations boycot- ted Chinese labor and goods (consequently, many Chi- nese left, although more than 150 Chinese people re- mained in Kalispell, mostly around Second Street West and Second Avenue West).
Incidentally, the initial plans for the house were de- vised by Arthur Pearmain in 1895. Pearmain was the supervising architect for the Conrad Mansion (Kirt- land Cutter of Spokane designed the architecture plans of the mansion; Pearmain was responsible for re- alizing them). Also M.C. Conley, the general contractor responsible for the Conrad Mansion, was also respon- sible for the construction of this home.
Once built, early residents included George and An- nie Phillips, who lived in the home with their two sons and a maid at the beginning of the 20th century.
However, the residence – in its original form with a pointed, gable-roof, and more traditional Victorian appointments – would soon be transformed, much like life in general in the Flathead Valley, as time marched onward during the early 20th century.
PHOTO BY JAIX CHAIX
After World War I, things indeed began to roar as the 1920s began. Indeed, it was a time of change, cul- turally and socially, artistically and intellectually – you name it. Old-fashioned was outdated. This partly explains why so many homes in Kalispell and the Flat- head Valley were renovated and revived during the era.
Albeit somewhat ironic, old home styles were ren- ovated in “revival styles,” which harked to even older times. The more popular revival styles in Kalispell in- cluded Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, Georgian Re- vival, Dutch Colonial Revival, and even Gothic Revival (St. Matthew’s Church and The Linderman School).
And like many other homeowners of the day, name- sake owners William and Grace McKeown revived and renovated as well. Consequently, the house was trans-
formed with a substantial addition, a gambrel façade (which faces Sixth Avenue) and other elements of a gen- eral Colonial-Revival style.
The McKeowns could afford such a transformation as William was a local attorney of prominence, and kept an office with his partner (Mark B. Conrow) at the former Conrad Bank Building. And like other home- owners of the era, the McKeowns triumphed in replac- ing “the old” with a popular, modern style.
In 1923, Albert and Margaret Braunberger pur- chased the home. Albert was born in Creston in 1880. And like other early residents of the Flathead Valley, he didn’t (immediately) leave “the farm” for the “big city.” That is, until he came to Kalispell in 1908 to work in the jewelry business, at the age of 27. Albert continued in the trade, and ultimately owned and operated Braun- berger Jewelry from 1936 until 1955, when he retired.
The house was home to the Braunberger fam- ily, including son A. Barry, and daughter Virginia, who were raised in the home. Margaret Braunberg- er unfortunately passed away in 1957 and Albert passed away in 1960.
The house remained in the Braunberger family un- til 1962 – a legacy of nearly 40 years of ownership, and a legacy of common origin, unique architectural renova- tion, and proud homeownership that we can still fortu- nately appreciate today.
Jaix Chaix appreciates history and architecture. Share ideas and facts with him at [email protected] or at facebook.com/flatheadvalleylandmarks.
FLOOR SPACE By Georgia Christianson
What You Can Buy for About $200,000
NEXT WEEK: $250,000
BIGFORK
WHITEFISH
KALISPELL
COLUMBIA FALLS
280 Swan Retreat
3166 Knopfle Rd.
148 Barron Way
660 Martini Ln.
PRICE: $180,000
WHAT: Two-bedroom, one-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 1,144
Located in a country setting, this remodeled home sits on 1 acre and features a fabulous kitchen, living room with picture window and large laundry/ mud room. RE/MAX of Bigfork
MLS #: 330372
PRICE: $189,000
WHAT: Two-bedroom, one-bath condo SQUARE FEET: 896
This nice, private Ptarmigan condo has a bright and fresh appeal. Upgrades include extra closet space, storage and laundry area. Some furnishings included. RE/MAX of Whitefish
MLS #: 330652
PRICE: $190,000
WHAT: Four-bedroom, two-bath
townhouse SQUARE FEET: 1,918
This private townhouse is in great condition and features an open floor plan, large backyard, underground sprinklers and attached double garage. West Venture Real Estate, LLC
MLS #: 330709
PRICE: $219,900
WHAT: Three-bedroom, two-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 1,472
This home sits on 1.25 acres and features awesome views. It has an open floor plan, gas fireplace, lots of windows and deck in the backyard. RE/MAX Mountain View
MLS #: 329592
If you would like your property listed in the Floor Space section, please e-mail [email protected]. Entries are compiled by the Beacon staff and Georgia Christianson, Montana Brokers.
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Call Georgia, a certified residential specialist for a free one-hour consultation.