December 2006 - 835 Mississippi Avenue

December’s Home of the Month belongs to Mike and Phyllis Maguire. Their immaculate 1925 Arts and Crafts bungalow is located at 835 Mississippi Avenue.

The couple bought the home from the Trumbles in 1994 and helped with the renovations which included removal of a second bathroom and kitchen that had been created when the house was divided. Historic Lakeland honored their hard work with a preservation award in 1995. The home has its’ original pine floors and soaring 10 ½ foot ceilings.

Phyllis is a design consultant and stages houses for realtors. Her own home is decorated in an eclectic style. The living room is accented with sunset colors on the walls and beautiful furniture pieces. Mike, who owns a business consulting firm and also designs and makes furniture, built a corner cabinet and coffee tables for this space. He built two pantries for their inviting kitchen. A bathroom off of the kitchen is appropriately named the “Terrace Bath” as it showcases a mirror and ceiling fixture originally from the Terrace Hotel.

One of the home’s highlights is the brick patio. When The Ledger built its’ new facility, nearby streets were closed and old bricks were disposed. The Maguires retrieved broken ones, and piece by piece, created a lovely patio. They added an awning and enjoy eating breakfast in this outdoor space.

Mike and Phyllis wanted a home and neighborhood with both “personality and heartbeat”. They know this has been achieved, as these traits are enjoyed from their favorite spot, the front porch. Not only did this charming couple help to restore their bungalow, they brought it back to life with love. And it shows.