The Loveland-Curtenius House

Kalamazoo grew rapidly in the early 20th Century eventually earning the title, “Paper City.” Unsurprisingly, two families with ties to the paper industry lived at 435 Stuart Avenue from 1909 – 1931.

 

William and Adah Loveland had this three-story home built in 1909. Loveland attended Parsons Business College and shortly after married Adah M. Cook in 1891. Several years later he enlisted in the Spanish-American War and eventually became president of the Watervliet Paper Company. Adah, who came from wealth on her own part, volunteered in the community, raised two children and remained active in social circles.

 

This Mission-Revival house with Craftsman & Prairie elements brought an architectural style that was something new to Stuart Avenue. Most homes on the street, sided with either traditional clapboards or brick, reflected the a-symmetry of the late Victorian Era. The Loveland’s however, chose to clad their new home with Stucco, which was quickly gaining popularity in American Architecture

after the turn of the Century.

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The Exterior includes large overhanging eaves, two prominent dormers for the third floor, and a stately front porch with distinguished mission-style, wrought iron brackets supporting the roof. The original front door and beveled glass windows remain intact.

 

The Interior of this home greets you with a prism chandelier in the entrance foyer and grand staircase, with original handrail and spindles. From the foyer, one can look up to the 2nd floor landing and see the large leaded & palladium glass window, still containing its original glass.

 

The 2nd and 3rd floors feature bedrooms, each with private bathrooms. Originally, the 3rd floor would have been used as servants quarters, which has a separate back staircase leading down to the kitchen and basement.

 

The living room is finished with hardwood floors, original wall moldings and a mantled brick fireplace. Off the living room is a 3-seasons porch that leads into the backyard.

 

In 1922, Alfred and Aimee Curtenius purchased the regal home. Alfred was a Curtenius, a name etched in Kalamazoo lore. He graduated from Amherst College with honors. They were married in 1905 and had two children. Alfred served on several City Commissions and school boards, and later became president of the Kalamazoo Paper Company. In 1931, with the Great Depression heating up, the Curtenius’s sold the home.

 

435 had a number of owners over the next several decades. Eventually, it was divided into 4 apartment units and later fell into disrepair. In 2013, the home was purchased and rescued from demolition. The Interior was then rehabbed while retaining many of the original historic features.

 

In 2015, the home was sold to Fred and Shelly Edison, who turned it into

“Festive West Bed and BreakFest”, which entertained guests from 2016 -2020.

 

In recent years, substantial repairs have been done on the dormers, guttering and soffits/fascia. The gardens have also been meticulously worked and maintained. Inside, a significant amount of plaster has been restored, and a bathroom and laundry

room added.