I think that you should honor not only the history of the house, but also the way that it has changed and evolved over the years, so people can see the lives of the people who have lived there, and the way that they made it their own to fit their needs. so, in summary, please keep the itty-bitty blue bathroom.
I love the bathroom, too, but struggle with it feeling so out of place. Since the house will be open to everyone, it's ice to get other's perspectives.
@@leaguekempnerhouse I'd say go for what's most cost effective since people will always have a difference of opinion. If the bathroom doesn't need to be functioning, keep it. If work needs to be done to be brought up to code, then try to redo it in tune with the time period and rest of the home ❤
Those bathrooms are getting harder to find in their original state. Think it would be neat to show the progression of the house. The other consideration would be the cost to leave it vs tearing out and replacing. I vote keep.
So glad you're not tearing down the sunroom!!! When my family would visit my uncle in the 90s we would sit in that room and watch TV in the evenings, low lamp light, with the windows open, warm summer air and the old smell of wood in this magical house.
The Blue Bathroom, to me, looks more along the lines of something you'd see in the 1940s. Even if it was renovated in the 1950s, in 30 or so years, that bathroom would be 100 years old. It's a part of the houses history and would be an amazing piece of life that the house lived in the mid-20th century. With the recent tread of removing original tile from mid century bathrooms, I think it will be even more appreciated in the future if it were preserved.
Keep the blue bathroom, it adds character to the changing times and different families that live in the mansion, also it would save you $$$, that can go to other priorities! 🏠
I vote to keep the blue bathroom. It's part of the history of the house. Like the people who built it and lived in it, the house has grown and changed with the years. The blue bathroom reflects that.
The bathroom is just wonderful- yes mid- century modern but I think your inclination to leave it is right on! I totally agree with your assessment that structural restoration is far more vital when considering budget. You are very wise and you know what you are doing! You have a loyal fan club here in Corpus Christi- we love your videos!
As a architect and BOI, now living in the Boston area since 1986, I have been enjoying the League- Kempner videos very much. My grandmother was a 1900 storm survivor and taught me to appreciate the old Galveston mansions, showing me during drive- byes in her Studebaker and lamenting each one that was demolished in the 50's. My mother worked at a bank owned by the Kempners during the 60's, and she often spoke fondly of them and their generosity. When one of the senior Kempner owners passed away, every bank employee was included in distribution of funds from his will. My mother pointed out the house as the Kempner residence, but my memories of the home from the 50's and 60's are limited as the exterior was concealed by the trees and overgrown landscaping. On recent yearly visits to Galveston, I was heartened to see that you have exposed the exterior to view. One of the regrets I have of these old homes in Galveston, many which now exist as museums, is a sense of sadness and loneliness from the loss of permanent residents to appreciate and pass them on for others to enjoy. I believe the best option, which you are pursuing, is for the homes serving functions such as weddings, birthdays and other similar events where new positive memories are created. An example is my mother's enjoyable 90th birthday celebrated in 2005 at the Menard mansion with all of her friends and family. I believe there were bedrooms available for overnight stays. My personal opinion of the "blue bathroom" is that it's out of context with the rehab, and users such as brides or perhaps future overnight guests (hopefully), may find it off-putting in contrast with a potentially handsome suite. The bath could be fitted with modern features but finished with materials referencing the Victorian era. My plan during my latest visit in early September this year was to tour the house progress, but it was closed due to the intense heat. As a BOI, I personally appreciate your enthusiasm and courage with this project. As for the surprise walk-about with the YWCA rehab, my friends and I spent many happy summer days in the 50's using the indoor public pool. Is the swimming pool I noticed in video the original public facility? I am so pleased that the building now has permanent residences. Howell A. Gordy h.gordy@comcast.net
So nice to hear your memories and thoughts on the house. People ask me all the time if I ever considered living there before I placed it in the nonprofit. My answer was always no. It has felt, to me anyway, that it should be a public space that can be used and enjoyed by the many people who appreciate these old homes. I would love to see wedding and celebrations that create those memories that you mentioned. I really believe that this house is meant to be shared.
I love the blue bathroom! And colored plumbing fixtures were actually introduced in 1929, so the bath could be much earlier than you think. Different colors were introduced in different years, so a little research could more accurately pinpoint the likely year the bath was built.
I lived for many years in an apartment with similar blue bathroom, so this room resonated personally for me. So I vote keep it as is. At least until more important updates have been done, and budgets aren't so pressed. Maybe in future it will seem appropriate to retro fit to an earlier turn-of-century style.
As you're doing a kind of house museum, I'd Say keep the blue bathroom. It gives you a better idea how the families used and changed the home over the years. Thanks for the new walk through!❤
Unfortunately, the blue bathroom feels out of place to me with the rest of the original architecture. I understand that a bathroom was added and is part of history of the Kempners’ time in the house. As a compromise, I would love the see the bathroom stay, but modified to be more in line with the original Victorian architecture style and be more suitable for outside guest use for parties and special events.
At the beginning of this video, you mentioned that one of the unique features of this house was the big porch so they could sit and feel the ocean breeze. So I personally would open the porch for sure cause it was a main feature of the house (in my opinion) As far as the bathroom or any other decisions I would set a date like 1958, that's halfway between 1893 and now, and I would say that anything done after that date has to be removed I appreciate you making these videos!
Girl, that blue bathroom needs to go. I grew up in a suburban mid-century home with that same style bathroom & it does not belong in your fabulous Victorian house. I would re-build a Victorian style bathroom with antique fixtures. You are also honoring the Kempners by keeping the sunroom. Additionally, you need updated facilities for wedding venue. 😊
Gosh, I can see your dilemma ! For me in an absolutely ideal scenario the whole extension would be put back to how it was, as the original veranda/porch ... but yeah that's nigh on impossible .... So as it is, for all the things you've outlined here, keep the blue bathroom... it's cute in its own time period and yes not wrong to keep the evolution of the house. It reminds me of my Grans bathroom though hers was aquamarine. I like the whole one colour thing, and why not with less work you can have a functioning bathroom. If the grouting was all cleaned up it would look much smarter (though that is a huge job in itself I guess)... Great video as always.
The YWCA conversion is beautiful! The condo's look really nice! Bravo to the architectural firm for doing such a great job at maintaining history while making the place modern and livable !
The original balcony ceiling and with its original paint brings so much joy to my heart. That is so cool. So much in this episode. Very split on the matter, but I’m mooching off the other comments. Sympathetic to the history and change overtime sounds like the way to go. I’ve seen several before and after bathroom renovation posts on Instagram where they “transformed” charming Mid Century bathrooms for cheap looking trendy ones. And I never considered the different types of restoration. It’s one of those things I’d think I’d know…and could swear I do. But don’t think I do. Now I can assess the Queen Mary’s [restoration] conundrums since having management who cares literally onboard. So charmed by the original YWCA building and it’s connections to the house. 1920s architecture has the best of the ornate decor from the Edwardian Era combined with moderne often Spanish aesthetics. So proud to see a city that cares about its history.
I really think that the bathroom should be kept. It just shows the progression of the house as the family’s needs, changed and had to be met. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that I love mid century modern! L O L! I just really think that it is an important part of the history of the house. Y’all are doing such a wonderful job. I’m sure the decision that you make will be the correct one. thank you for sharing the YWCA for us, that was very interesting! Take care!
Yes, keep it. It sounds like the house has two distinct 'era's' to it - Victorian when it was built and 1920's when it was remodelled. Personally I would rehabilitate the 1920's additions to reflect the decor of that time, and decorate the original parts of the house in the Victorian style. That way you are being true to the house and keeping a clear delineation between the two time periods most pertinent to the house history. This also allows 'tourists' to clearly understand the original parts of the building versus the later additions. Whatever you decide I know it will be superbly done.
I want to thank the family fir building the initial YWCA for the community along with Powers & Brown for the redevlopment. I appreciate you for adding this onto the back of the bathroom video. The redevelopment of the YWCA looks great.
I think the bathroom in its own right shows the evolution of the house, as a later addition it shows societal changes and advancements in standards of living, it also helps anchor the house in time showing the changes made over the decades and stylistic differences. Also the fact that it is in part of the house that use to be a porch I feel helps remove it from the desire to be period accurate, even if a period bathroom was put there it still would not be correct due to the spaces previous use as a porch. Also this colored tile vintage bathrooms with matching fixtures are getting so hard to find its ridiculous, I think it would be a great room to preserve !
I think you honour the evolution of the home over the years. It tells a story and future generations will marvel if the blue bathroom. In the UK and here in New Zealand, rehabilitation of the evolution of the dwelling is as important as the original structure. Keep the evolutions it’s part of the history.
I vote keep the bathroom as is ,but repair what needs repairing. The houses give the feel of the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth Minnesota. They give tours and they left the basement kitchens in the way it was when last lived in 1960's. It helps tell the story of how people lived in the house over time.
In reference to your comment on having functioning restrooms for your events, I say keep the bathroom and its wonderful blue tiles. Build your shelving unit. Add some wonderful 50's appropriate wallpaper and fixtures. Bling it up. Make that a focal point for visitors. I can be a jewel of an attraction that people will want to come see and use! The famous Blue Bathroom!
If it was being sold as a private residence, YES keep it. Since it's being used in a museum capacity.. you can take out the bathroom and use it elsewhere? It's adorable. Would be a massive shame to not use it somewhere. But for a museum it would be an oddity. If it stayed, it would have to be a point of interest mentioned to tourists- the time period and reasoning for keeping it. It would be a quirky feature. Is there an interesting story behind it? The sunroom and porch are both gorgeous and interesting 😍 Definitely wise to keep them. Once these things are demolished you can never go back! I want to cry when such gems are destroyed so easily. I also want to cry however, when architectural treasures have been repeatedly cut and pasted into a hodge podge of eras, as this has. Not my favorite thing. Makes your job tricky.
You know, it is possible that the blue bathroom could be earlier vintage as another subscriber commented. My father grew up in a house with a deco purple bathroom original to the house which was built in 1930. Your blue toilet has an older style - who knows? But fun to wonder👍
There are other clues about the blue bathroom being a 1930s addition- the hexagonal deco look, very large basin tapware and the basin itself is more 30s than mid century in my opinion- (given it’s open leg stands??)Ditto for the tub and the deco looking towel rail ends. The tile size and glazing method might make dating this addition a bit more accurate. Even the toilet looks a bit too broad and large to be a 50s / 60s unit. My vote- I love it and I think it should be kept. If it is dated to the 30s, perhaps there are a couple of deco styled artworks or other trims- like a mirror, that can help a visitor to see it as a deco era addition from the Kempner’s time in the house a bit more easily. Keen to know if the sunroom can be restored in such a way to open up the stairway stained glass to the natural light from that room again and so that part of the large stained glass can actually be viewed from the 20s/30s sunroom addition as well. - that would be my preference if structural Timbers etc are not in the way, rather than potential light box solutions . Love this channel and I am so glad the house is going to become more of a living museum and function space rather than air b and b or appartment sections :) Great work :)
My initial thought was aggressive to keep the blue bathroom thinking it's retro and modern for the time it was installed. But after taking the time to listen to your thoughts and knowledge of the history of the builder, architecture and practicality, it all makes sense to go back to original as much as possible and period appropriate. So definitely repurpose the blue toilet, tub. Or simply get late 1800's bathroom fixtures and place in a more practical location. I hope you will reinstall the walk through windows.😊
Me too. I was blown away by the connection to the LK House. It was so sad for Nellie to lose her only child but lovely to honor her by such a great gift to the community.
@@leaguekempnerhouse I can’t imagine her deep grief at the time. Yet, she made something beautiful and deeply rewarding to the community in her grief. That is truly making beauty from ashes.
GO!!! Blue bath does not (in my opinion) fit into your period plan. Great ideas come through your mind and I know whatever you decide, it will be perfect!!!
I think you should keep the blue bathroom. It tells the story of the house and is the original bathroom at that spot. In a decade or two it will be considered historical rather than "dated."
I married my husband in 1992. We moved into his family's home after she passed away. This was what our only bathroom looked like, minus the blue tile. I of course changed it and now I kinda miss it.
I'd keep it unless the individual items are worn out and can't be cleaned properly. True, it has more of an OMG! factor rather than a WOW! factor but remember that the last couple of generations have grown up with white porcelain, mirrors, chrome, marble etc and haven't experienced the full horror of a pink, blue or avocado green bathroom! It's a period piece. Why spend money on a faux Victorian bathroom if this is serviceable? Probably one of the rooms visitors will remember most after a visit!
I would understand if you decide to keep the blue bathroom, there are pros to keeping the changes to the home. But I would love to see more age appropriate.
Hello Janey, greetings again from Australia. Maybe keep the blue bath, sink, toilet. They are different enough to be interesting. Remove the blue floor and wall tiles. Rough paint the wall in cream or white paint to get an idea of the contrast, or temp. place some drywall. The skilled part would then be to find some tiles for a simple "frieze" /border (?correct name) tiled wall-strip which will tie in the whole bathroom colour-wise. The picture coming to mind is a wall border in small black diamond-shaped tiles, on a white or cream wall tile. Perhaps those rectangular tiles. Also a (white/cream) floor, with a tile-border of black squares or diamonds, common in that period at least here in Aus. The effect would be "masculine" in keeping with the history of the bathroom; but making it acceptable to modern sensibilities. The blue hardware would "pop" and become interesting rather than overwhelming. Thank you for your interesting commentary and rationales as always; and of course for the massive undertaking and the videos. I thought you may like to know that a UA-camr here called Mike gave your channel a big plug and was very complementary towards you personally. His channel is 4th Generation Renovation as I recall. 😊
1st would like to say how much I've enjoyed your journey at League Kempner house. I hope to get down to Galveston one day to visit and hopefully volunteer. But as far as the blue bathroom / bedroom goes I would love to see that return to a porch again. But at the end of the day I'm quite sure you will choose what's best for the future of the home.
Each time I see the the front facade, the enclosed porched grabs my attention. Though I don't know the particulars involved to "restore" it (I assumed it would be difficult), to see it brought back has remained the single greatest wish I have for this house. Not just to regain the original appearance, but for what is happening below it. In today's video, when you showed the original porch floor beneath the added floor, it was even more apparent that massive weight was added to that corner of the house. The posts on the main porch below seemed to have buckled under the weight, and likewise, did the now-repaired arches on the ground. It appears that when the porch was enclosed, nothing was done to support it. The blue bathroom: A fine example from its day and a pleasure to see. However, could the fixtures be reused elsewhere in the house, perhaps in the apartment? If the upstairs possibly serves for public use in the future, as you described, will restroom facilities there or elsewhere on that floor have to meet requirements? I can hardly wait to see the original family bathroom restored, it will be a show stopper! The 1920s bathroom is gorgeous too! Thank you again for bringing us along. -Jo in Oklahoma. P.S. I'm a redhead too 😊
That did come to mind while watching the video, if the tiles and fixings could be reused elsewhere. My concern was if the tiles could safely be removed from the walls safely and intact. If the addition can be reduced and restored as it were, that’d be an amazing feat. Makes me think of the Queen Mary’s 1st Class Shopping Center wall paneling. Was replaced from wood veneer with pink and blue striped pig skin to go with the Mid Century tastes in the late ‘50s. Preservation is a tricky subject even without money being one of the big concerns.
I think the bathroom needs to go. Given what you need the function of the house to be, this bathroom just doesn’t fit that purpose. If you’re going to use the property as a bridal venue or party venue, you don’t need huge bathtubs and lavish ensuite bathrooms. You need basic bathroom facilities, a regular sized bathtub at most, and frankly you could get away with half baths for the bride and groom’s rooms, since they won’t be staying onsite overnight, but I’d still include a shower just as a courtesy for those who might need that functionality and to make it feel more like a home. This is also future proofing, in case the house becomes a private home again at some point in the future. While I do appreciate the blue bathroom for what it is, if it’s not going to be restored to its former appearance anyway, there’s no reason to keep anything in place. These fixtures can be removed and reused elsewhere, in a home that is more in keeping with the midcentury aesthetic. As for other venue facilities, is there an opportunity to add public restrooms for tour visitors and venue attendees in the basement? That seems like the natural spot for things like that, and a gift shop, etc. Additionally, restroom facilities can be located in a repurposed outbuilding, and if you really wanted to preserve these fixtures, you could relocate them there and even create some kind of plaque or presentation.
The house has evolved to meet the needs of its occupants and that bathroom is a wonderful example of that, most of the rest of the house is still fairly original ( apart from the extension). As an historical house/museum you must let the house tell its own story not dictate what it should be, Replacing it with a period appropriate bathroom would in my opinion be wrong as it has never existed there as it was the porch/verandah. It is in such a good state of repair, I feel it would be sacrilege to touch it. you have perfect access on the other side of the wall to repair/update any necessary pipework ie. lead ect. With the bathroom doors closed no one can tell what lies beyond, and won't visitors get quite the surprise when ushered in. You were going to build wheelchair accessible restrooms beside the garage, expand on that idea and make restrooms for all out there I was born in the mid seventies a time of shag pile carpets, brown and bright orange kitchens and those wonderful avocado bathroom suites, a few decades on and our houses have evolved again and again, very few examples of a 60's, 70's interiors are deemed important or beautiful enough to preserve, so we rip them out. Some of these things need to be preserved if only to tell future generations how terrible or elegant the fashions of interior decor were back then. You have the perfect house that can mind that bathroom, as it is not a lived in home but there is no problem with a bride or groom using it from time to time, it would be a novelty. Anyway I didn't mean to write a sermon, so here endeth the lesson. Denis from Ireland
personally i'd leave it. i think of that house as a time capsule that shows many eras of design. when i look at historic homes thats what i like to see how people lived and the changes that went on through the years. it kind of tells the story of the house. If you do take it out understand those fixtures go for really high prices people love putting them in their retro inspired bathroom remodels. so at least sell it and then you can put the money back into the house if you choose to remove it.
I also vote to keep the blue bathroom. Even if it is a more recent addition I'd say as the House already shows styles from the 1890's and 1920's showing a third period only makes it more interesting. Thank you for your effort in showing the Process, I really enjoy your Content!
It has value in the perplexing reactions it creates. A bathroom that inspires philosophical thinking! That's a historical treasure in itself. 1. From an idealistic perspective, its a lesson on what not to do to a house. Its useful to point out. 2. From a practical standpoint, its useful for daily activities. 3. I learned not to touch functional plumbing. 4.Installing an era bathroom could be alot when there are other bigger points of interest that draw attention and meet the need to have attractions to show.
I say keep. It’s part of the houses story. As long as the fittings are in good repair. I for one would be more than happy to use it if visiting. While it might look a bit dated to us who Knows what people in the future will think. Remember at one time they used to tear out old Victorian fittings because they were old and dated! Loved the interesting walkabout at the end.
IMHO...a period appropriate rehabilitation to the bath using modern fixtures in the period style of the house would be best. Having a modern usable bath with a victorian style would be best for generating income. Also, should any problems in the bath arise maintenance would be easier and not as devastating. I'm sure whatever decision you make will be well intended. Thanks for sharing the house.
If i was to add my two cents to the mix: With the public facing use in mind, to try to create a taste of the grandeur, and what might be pleasing to experience, I would have to vote for restoring the open porch, and eliminating the bathroom , altogether. The porch in my thinking is the real gathering space that could offer the spacious room, and appealing look available with such a grand house, allowing for comfortable gatherings. People like that, and how about serving tea/coffee on the 'veranda'? The Blue bathroom could be shifted down stairs, where it wouldn't interfere with the flow of the historical upper floor. I've followed your journey since you first started this project, and much admire your dedication, and purposeful approach. It's the best canvas in the world, to create (rehabilitate?...lol) a true masterpiece. Thank You!
Since the original railings and pillars were removed from the wonderful open porch, and you cannot restore it back, I think you might as well keep the blue bathroom. I would have preferred to see the porch again, but the blue bathroom is a little gem.
I always want the original restored completely. However, this is also part of the history. It’s the League-Kempner house so it needs the Kempner era as well. Whatever you decide will be amazing!
I would keep the blue bathroom. Preserve what you can preserve and show off the progression of the house over the years. If you recall Ashton Villa has the ballroom the Shriners built. The GHF decided to keep it and make use of it versus restoring the old family room and kitchen. The blue bathroom is an interesting addition to the house as is the enclosed porch.
Thank you for the amazing thought and care you put into this episode, Janie. I am extremely conflicted about the fate of this room, but understand how the decision you make today impacts the order of operations and ultimately the future use of this space. I'd never get rid of a functioning bathroom, and it seems like a foolish thing to do if it works. (time and $) However, I think the bathroom does not add value to the overall experience of this lovely space, and therefore, I would probably keep the bathroom, but reimagine it in a way that honors the sensibilities and style of the era in which it was built. You will be creating a more cohesive look to the location that will get the most use. Either way - Good Luck!
A decade or so ago the National Park Service "restored" "Montpelier," James Madison's home (designed by Thomas Jefferson) after nearly a century of ownership by the Dupont family. The Duponts added thousands of square feet, vastly altered Jefferson's original design, and changed the house from an 18th century gentleman's country home into a gilded age billionaire's mansion. (Montpelier's website is wonderfully informative about the process and results.) I loved the picture of League-Kempner with its original porch. The house was so much more Victorian than neoclassical with the porch. Given what's planned for the structure, I suggest keeping the bathroom and restoring a majority of the original porch. Loved the video...all of it, including the walkabout.
Late in my comment, but I would say leave the bathroom and its vintage decor. It will not be that far off in the future when the fifties-style bathroom is a hundred years old. To me, it represents a part of the building's history and should remain a part of the overall story. Just my two cents worth LOL.
I just saw this video and wanted to weigh in. I feel you should keep the blue bathroom. It isn't hideous like some "modern" updates and it looks to be in good shape. I think an historical plaque next to the bathroom entrance or inside explaining the bathroom would make it even more interesting. I think it's a fun peek into the history of the house and like someone below said, I bet it would be really memorable!
I vote to keep the blue bathroom. It is old enough to be interesting, and it looks like the tile and fixtures are in good shape. It doesn't interfere significantly with the original architecture of the house. I think it is important when touring an old house to get little hints at how the house has evolved to meet changing needs while still retaining its grandeur. The first old house I ever toured was Rosedown plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana (back before it became a state park) when I was a teenager. That was decades ago, but one thing that still sticks out in my mind was seeing two small bedrooms upstairs that had been converted to bathrooms (because houses didn't have plumbing when it was built). I was fascinated at how an old house could be carefully adapted to modern needs, and that was the moment that I decided I wanted to live in an old house (my house that I live in now was built in 1889).
I think that the physical condition the blue bathroom is in should dictate its fate. If it is whole with nothing cracked or missing, why not keep it and save yourself some money to spend or absolute necessities? I see from other subscribers comments below that the general consensus is that you should keep the Blue Bathroom in tact. It seems to be popular, and it is a nice shade of blue.
In keeping with, some what, original "type" of the house, you could do away with the blue bathroom and restore the floor length windows and turn that area into a solarium. Many houses of that period had beautiful rooms for exotic plants! But keeping the blue bathroom allows for seeing the growth of each family.
I like making the bathroom consistent to the period when it was added would be my vote but understand all the comments saying to keep it! Tough decision!
Since hosting events will be the major source of income for this house, I would include checking that box on your list of renovation considerations. The master should have its own bathroom, but it can be small with a tub/shower combo, a toilet and dual sinks, all in a 1920's motif. Some events will require the master to be used for dressing preparation and some may require the master to be used for the primary person or couple to stay overnight. You don't want to lose an event because of this. I would completely gut and renovate the small blue bathroom to this same exact 1920's motif. New "old" looking fixtures are available from multiple manufacturers, and that has the benefits of no lead, high reliability due to current plumbing fixture designs, readily available parts when needed down the road and water saving fixtures. It also locates the toilet hold down bolt positions to today's standard if they ever need to be replaced in the future. Also, I would want to lift that tub anyway to look for any structural issues from bad plumber wood cuts (as you've had elsewhere), water damage or the dreaded termites. Now I fully understand that after safety, the budget is everything, and if that money is not available blue is certainly a great color.
I believe that you should take a look at putting the bathroom in white tile and pedestal sink. The toilet should also have a top tank with a pull chain flush. The tub could be a ball and claw foot. These items are not so hard to find. You are doing a great job on the house and I look forward to your next video!❤😊
I would leave the tile floor, as those tiles look original to the 20's. Have the other tiles (50's) sprayed white with an enamel. I would NOT gut the bathroom. It's gorgeous as is.
I think it would be more attractive for the revenue stream if the blue was removed and it was turned I to a period appropriate elegant bathroom. If it was just a museum it would be OK, but for $$ earning events it needs to be more stylish.
Keep it blue, saving the fixtures if possible but use that room for the groom's room. Block the door off, move the sink away from the toilet. So it is less cramped. The other side could be for the brides room. Fixtures there could be more 1900s style. Whatever you do, you are saving a beautiful home that was only a few years away from collapse. Bathrooms, restrooms for parties won't take away from that.
I would keep the blue bathroom. It shows the evolution and history of the house. The most important thing is to clean up the grout which is usually the thing that makes old bathrooms look gross.
So many of these houses have their porches enclosed, take out those lovely walkout windows. Whenever I see those sorts of attributes still extant to a house I really enjoy it. Most people today do not understand the way these houses were built to be comfortable in different seasons. Sleeping porches, large tall windows with even taller transoms were key to keeping cool in hot climates. People even slept on the roofs of some buildings in cities like New York. Our entire culture has been changed by the invention of air conditioning. I don't think most of us can fathom joining lots of families on a roof. collectively sleeping to evade heat. I have seen very few documentaries that talk about how people used to live with heat. It feels like we are destined to lose those experiences and forget them entirely. All that aside, I don't have a strong opinion about whether to rip out the bathroom, it is a part of the history of the house, and it could be useful. That being said, if it were my house I would probably want to put the walkout windows back where they were so that people understand how these houses were designed for climate control. I think these are lessons we are going to have to relearn because of climate change.
Just my opinion…if you (the non profit) plan on future use as a place for meetings and events, then I think a bathroom that is more “period correct” would be a good compromise between going back to 1893 and “mid century modern”. I would not, personally, be upset with keeping the blue bathroom, but I think a period correct bathroom would be awesome.
Lots of commenters like the blue bathroom. Not me. I see lots of crazy, tasteless things people have done to really nice buildings (including my house). My vote: Revert it to something more like the Kempner family would have added.
I vote to spruce up the blue bathroom but keep it. I would update the plumbing of course, remove the tiles that are damaged and with some creativity that bathroom can look "vintage" and cute. We all get hung up on making our Victorian homes look period appropriate and in the process tear out perfectly good rooms that perhaps all they need is just a little bit of tlc. I agree with the age assessment of the bathroom looks more 1930s early 40s. In my 1870s Victorian I have an identical bathroom which was remodeled in 1940s when the house was used as a boarding house. Regarding the adjacent room: I think it would be penny wise pound foolish not to add the extra bathroom in the principal room of the house. the plumbing is already there and the walls are already open. I like your idea of a smaller bathroom sympathetic to the size of the adjacent bathroom. I would make the semicircular area into a magnificent period sitting/boudoir. You are right about thinking about the future of the house now and planning for it. You don't know what is in the books for the house 10 to 15 years from now, by adding now an extra bathroom not only you increase its value but also its functionality for whatever it may come in the future. Love the work. Keep up the good job.
New period appropriate bathroom would be my vote. Just redid an 1897 house in Hallettsville, Texas. Not near the magnitude of your mansion. Two story Victorian about 2800 square ft.
The blue bathroom is part of the history of the house. I would make it a full working bathroom that can be used for events in the house. Its already installed, so to rip it out to restore the space and then have to install a newer one elsewhere, could be a burning money that could be used elsewhere! Those tall ships were awesome! Looked like the USS Texas in the dry dock too!
That was the Battleshop Texas you spotted. It was so exciting to see it moved to Galveston for restoration. It has been a real delima for years as to whether or not it could be moved. Everyone is happy to see it safe.
I do like the blue bathroom. Part of the Kempner history of the house . But the future finances if the house are important. Perhaps new bathrooms would increase the flexibility of the building making it more attractive to prospective clients booking events. The blue tiles and fixtures could be removed with minimal possible damage and reused or sold. What I do not agree with is keeping the sunroom which blocks the sun light of the glorious Tiffany windows. The architect who designed the sunroom had little regard for the work of the architect who designed the building . Removing the sunroom and allowing the Tiffany windows to shine would be a show stopper. Best regards.
I wasn't going to comment but buy into your argument that you need to find the fine line of preserving as much as you can, but also taking very seriously how you can raise enough money once complete that will cover the cost of upkeep. The video on the YWCA is an excellent example of keeping as much as you can but having a purpose to allow the continued use and upkeep of this historic building. NET - you need enough bathrooms for events - the level of the exact content, I will leave for others to debate.
This is an excellent point. Historic house museums are notoriously underfunded and often fail. Having a plan to make enough income to keep up the the restoration and then the ongoing upkeep is critical. It is a very important consideration in everything we do, and the order in which we do it.
Obviously you will need a bathroom, the question is whether to keep the blue. I think the answer is that restoring the house to the 20-30's remodel would look best. If it turns out the blue bathroom is actually from that time period keep it. If not replace it with something that would at least appear to be. Like everywhere else in the house you can have scan cards with information to explain whatever the result is for the tours. If the blue does turn out to be that old I think that would make it a great conversation piece more then anything.
I think that you should honor not only the history of the house, but also the way that it has changed and evolved over the years, so people can see the lives of the people who have lived there, and the way that they made it their own to fit their needs. so, in summary, please keep the itty-bitty blue bathroom.
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I like the blue bathroom. So vintage, and I wouldn't be surprised if the quality is far better than a bathroom built today.
I love the bathroom, too, but struggle with it feeling so out of place. Since the house will be open to everyone, it's ice to get other's perspectives.
@@leaguekempnerhouse I'd say go for what's most cost effective since people will always have a difference of opinion. If the bathroom doesn't need to be functioning, keep it.
If work needs to be done to be brought up to code, then try to redo it in tune with the time period and rest of the home ❤
Leave the bathroom as a clear example of how the house was used. Especially since it is so well preserved.
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Those bathrooms are getting harder to find in their original state. Think it would be neat to show the progression of the house. The other consideration would be the cost to leave it vs tearing out and replacing. I vote keep.
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So glad you're not tearing down the sunroom!!! When my family would visit my uncle in the 90s we would sit in that room and watch TV in the evenings, low lamp light, with the windows open, warm summer air and the old smell of wood in this magical house.
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The Blue Bathroom, to me, looks more along the lines of something you'd see in the 1940s. Even if it was renovated in the 1950s, in 30 or so years, that bathroom would be 100 years old. It's a part of the houses history and would be an amazing piece of life that the house lived in the mid-20th century. With the recent tread of removing original tile from mid century bathrooms, I think it will be even more appreciated in the future if it were preserved.
There's a trend of removing mid century tile??! Ahhh 😭😭
@beltop5 Yes, unfortunately. Part of the Millennial Grey Tread and Landlords. They either paint over the tile or completely gut the bathroom.
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Millenial mushroom houses greige greige greige. Unimpressive
Let. It go. That is one area that would be great to be restored into the architects vision.
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Keep the blue bathroom, it adds character to the changing times and different families that live in the mansion, also it would save you $$$, that can go to other priorities! 🏠
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I vote to keep the blue bathroom. It's part of the history of the house. Like the people who built it and lived in it, the house has grown and changed with the years. The blue bathroom reflects that.
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The bathroom is just wonderful- yes mid- century modern but I think your inclination to leave it is right on! I totally agree with your assessment that structural restoration is far more vital when considering budget. You are very wise and you know what you are doing! You have a loyal fan club here in Corpus Christi- we love your videos!
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As a architect and BOI, now living in the Boston area since 1986, I have been enjoying the League- Kempner videos very much. My grandmother was a 1900 storm survivor and taught me to appreciate the old Galveston mansions, showing me during drive- byes in her Studebaker and lamenting each one that was demolished in the 50's. My mother worked at a bank owned by the Kempners during the 60's, and she often spoke fondly of them and their generosity. When one of the senior Kempner owners passed away, every bank employee was included in distribution of funds from his will. My mother pointed out the house as the Kempner residence, but my memories of the home from the 50's and 60's are limited as the exterior was concealed by the trees and overgrown landscaping. On recent yearly visits to Galveston, I was heartened to see that you have exposed the exterior to view.
One of the regrets I have of these old homes in Galveston, many which now exist as museums, is a sense of sadness and loneliness from the loss of permanent residents to appreciate and pass them on for others to enjoy. I believe the best option, which you are pursuing, is for the homes serving functions such as weddings, birthdays and other similar events where new positive memories are created. An example is my mother's enjoyable 90th birthday celebrated in 2005 at the Menard mansion with all of her friends and family. I believe there were bedrooms available for overnight stays.
My personal opinion of the "blue bathroom" is that it's out of context with the rehab, and users such as brides or perhaps future overnight guests (hopefully), may find it off-putting in contrast with a potentially handsome suite. The bath could be fitted with modern features but finished with materials referencing the Victorian era.
My plan during my latest visit in early September this year was to tour the house progress, but it was closed due to the intense heat. As a BOI, I personally appreciate your enthusiasm and courage with this project.
As for the surprise walk-about with the YWCA rehab, my friends and I spent many happy summer days in the 50's using the indoor public pool. Is the swimming pool I noticed in video the original public facility? I am so pleased that the building now has permanent residences.
Howell A. Gordy
h.gordy@comcast.net
So nice to hear your memories and thoughts on the house. People ask me all the time if I ever considered living there before I placed it in the nonprofit. My answer was always no. It has felt, to me anyway, that it should be a public space that can be used and enjoyed by the many people who appreciate these old homes. I would love to see wedding and celebrations that create those memories that you mentioned. I really believe that this house is meant to be shared.
I believe a period appropriate bath would be lovely.💕
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I love the blue bathroom! And colored plumbing fixtures were actually introduced in 1929, so the bath could be much earlier than you think. Different colors were introduced in different years, so a little research could more accurately pinpoint the likely year the bath was built.
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I lived for many years in an apartment with similar blue bathroom, so this room resonated personally for me. So I vote keep it as is. At least until more important updates have been done, and budgets aren't so pressed. Maybe in future it will seem appropriate to retro fit to an earlier turn-of-century style.
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As you're doing a kind of house museum, I'd Say keep the blue bathroom. It gives you a better idea how the families used and changed the home over the years. Thanks for the new walk through!❤
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Unfortunately, the blue bathroom feels out of place to me with the rest of the original architecture. I understand that a bathroom was added and is part of history of the Kempners’ time in the house. As a compromise, I would love the see the bathroom stay, but modified to be more in line with the original Victorian architecture style and be more suitable for outside guest use for parties and special events.
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At the beginning of this video, you mentioned that one of the unique features of this house was the big porch so they could sit and feel the ocean breeze. So I personally would open the porch for sure cause it was a main feature of the house (in my opinion)
As far as the bathroom or any other decisions I would set a date like 1958, that's halfway between 1893 and now, and I would say that anything done after that date has to be removed
I appreciate you making these videos!
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Girl, that blue bathroom needs to go. I grew up in a suburban mid-century home with that same style bathroom & it does not belong in your fabulous Victorian house. I would re-build a Victorian style bathroom with antique fixtures. You are also honoring the Kempners by keeping the sunroom. Additionally, you need updated facilities for wedding venue. 😊
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I'd keep the blue bathroom, but present it with the appropriate amenities (drapes, soaps, linens, etc. in the time period of the bathroom).
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Keep the blue bathroom. It is, after all, part of the history of the house.
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Gosh, I can see your dilemma !
For me in an absolutely ideal scenario the whole extension would be put back to how it was, as the original veranda/porch ... but yeah that's nigh on impossible .... So as it is, for all the things you've outlined here, keep the blue bathroom... it's cute in its own time period and yes not wrong to keep the evolution of the house. It reminds me of my Grans bathroom though hers was aquamarine. I like the whole one colour thing, and why not with less work you can have a functioning bathroom. If the grouting was all cleaned up it would look much smarter (though that is a huge job in itself I guess)...
Great video as always.
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The YWCA conversion is beautiful! The condo's look really nice! Bravo to the architectural firm for doing such a great job at maintaining history while making the place modern and livable !
I agree. They did a fabulous job.
The original balcony ceiling and with its original paint brings so much joy to my heart. That is so cool. So much in this episode. Very split on the matter, but I’m mooching off the other comments. Sympathetic to the history and change overtime sounds like the way to go. I’ve seen several before and after bathroom renovation posts on Instagram where they “transformed” charming Mid Century bathrooms for cheap looking trendy ones.
And I never considered the different types of restoration. It’s one of those things I’d think I’d know…and could swear I do. But don’t think I do. Now I can assess the Queen Mary’s [restoration] conundrums since having management who cares literally onboard.
So charmed by the original YWCA building and it’s connections to the house. 1920s architecture has the best of the ornate decor from the Edwardian Era combined with moderne often Spanish aesthetics. So proud to see a city that cares about its history.
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It really shows off the evolution of the house as much as its not my taste I think it should stay 2x👍
Great update
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The Kempners put it there, it’s part of the homes evolution, it functions fine, no reason to remove it.
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I really think that the bathroom should be kept. It just shows the progression of the house as the family’s needs, changed and had to be met. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that I love mid century modern! L O L! I just really think that it is an important part of the history of the house. Y’all are doing such a wonderful job. I’m sure the decision that you make will be the correct one. thank you for sharing the YWCA for us, that was very interesting! Take care!
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Yes, keep it. It sounds like the house has two distinct 'era's' to it - Victorian when it was built and 1920's when it was remodelled. Personally I would rehabilitate the 1920's additions to reflect the decor of that time, and decorate the original parts of the house in the Victorian style. That way you are being true to the house and keeping a clear delineation between the two time periods most pertinent to the house history. This also allows 'tourists' to clearly understand the original parts of the building versus the later additions. Whatever you decide I know it will be superbly done.
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I want to thank the family fir building the initial YWCA for the community along with Powers & Brown for the redevlopment. I appreciate you for adding this onto the back of the bathroom video. The redevelopment of the YWCA looks great.
Our pleasure!
It shows how the how the house grew through the ages and the bathroom is like a snapshot in time.
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Keep the beautiful blue bathroom.
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I think the bathroom in its own right shows the evolution of the house, as a later addition it shows societal changes and advancements in standards of living, it also helps anchor the house in time showing the changes made over the decades and stylistic differences. Also the fact that it is in part of the house that use to be a porch I feel helps remove it from the desire to be period accurate, even if a period bathroom was put there it still would not be correct due to the spaces previous use as a porch. Also this colored tile vintage bathrooms with matching fixtures are getting so hard to find its ridiculous, I think it would be a great room to preserve !
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Keep the blue. You can easily source a NOS blue toilet lid. I found a yellow one for my 1962 toilet.
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I think you honour the evolution of the home over the years. It tells a story and future generations will marvel if the blue bathroom. In the UK and here in New Zealand, rehabilitation of the evolution of the dwelling is as important as the original structure. Keep the evolutions it’s part of the history.
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I vote keep the bathroom as is ,but repair what needs repairing.
The houses give the feel of the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth Minnesota. They give tours and they left the basement kitchens in the way it was when last lived in 1960's. It helps tell the story of how people lived in the house over time.
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In reference to your comment on having functioning restrooms for your events, I say keep the bathroom and its wonderful blue tiles. Build your shelving unit. Add some wonderful 50's appropriate wallpaper and fixtures. Bling it up. Make that a focal point for visitors. I can be a jewel of an attraction that people will want to come see and use! The famous Blue Bathroom!
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If it was being sold as a private residence, YES keep it.
Since it's being used in a museum capacity.. you can take out the bathroom and use it elsewhere? It's adorable. Would be a massive shame to not use it somewhere.
But for a museum it would be an oddity.
If it stayed, it would have to be a point of interest mentioned to tourists- the time period and reasoning for keeping it. It would be a quirky feature. Is there an interesting story behind it?
The sunroom and porch are both gorgeous and interesting 😍 Definitely wise to keep them.
Once these things are demolished you can never go back! I want to cry when such gems are destroyed so easily.
I also want to cry however, when architectural treasures have been repeatedly cut and pasted into a hodge podge of eras, as this has. Not my favorite thing. Makes your job tricky.
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You know, it is possible that the blue bathroom could be earlier vintage as another subscriber commented. My father grew up in a house with a deco purple bathroom original to the house which was built in 1930. Your blue toilet has an older style - who knows? But fun to wonder👍
Yes - the style of the bath also makes me wonder if it's actually part of a 1920/30's remodel!
I definitely need to research the fixtures more to try to pinpoint age. The toilet may be the key.
There are other clues about the blue bathroom being a 1930s addition- the hexagonal deco look, very large basin tapware and the basin itself is more 30s than mid century in my opinion- (given it’s open leg stands??)Ditto for the tub and the deco looking towel rail ends. The tile size and glazing method might make dating this addition a bit more accurate. Even the toilet looks a bit too broad and large to be a 50s / 60s unit. My vote- I love it and I think it should be kept. If it is dated to the 30s, perhaps there are a couple of deco styled artworks or other trims- like a mirror, that can help a visitor to see it as a deco era addition from the Kempner’s time in the house a bit more easily.
Keen to know if the sunroom can be restored in such a way to open up the stairway stained glass to the natural light from that room again and so that part of the large stained glass can actually be viewed from the 20s/30s sunroom addition as well. - that would be my preference if structural Timbers etc are not in the way, rather than potential light box solutions .
Love this channel and I am so glad the house is going to become more of a living museum and function space rather than air b and b or appartment sections :)
Great work :)
My initial thought was aggressive to keep the blue bathroom thinking it's retro and modern for the time it was installed. But after taking the time to listen to your thoughts and knowledge of the history of the builder, architecture and practicality, it all makes sense to go back to original as much as possible and period appropriate. So definitely repurpose the blue toilet, tub. Or simply get late 1800's bathroom fixtures and place in a more practical location. I hope you will reinstall the walk through windows.😊
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I just finished the walk about part. That YWCA rehabilitation was amazing! I’m so grateful you were led in that direction and learned the history.
Me too. I was blown away by the connection to the LK House. It was so sad for Nellie to lose her only child but lovely to honor her by such a great gift to the community.
@@leaguekempnerhouse I can’t imagine her deep grief at the time. Yet, she made something beautiful and deeply rewarding to the community in her grief. That is truly making beauty from ashes.
GO!!!
Blue bath does not (in my opinion) fit into your period plan.
Great ideas come through your mind and I know whatever you decide, it will be perfect!!!
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I think you should keep the blue bathroom. It tells the story of the house and is the original bathroom at that spot. In a decade or two it will be considered historical rather than "dated."
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So cute!!! The blue❤💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
Those blue hearts 😄 It is in perfect condition!
I married my husband in 1992. We moved into his family's home after she passed away.
This was what our only bathroom looked like, minus the blue tile.
I of course changed it and now I kinda miss it.
I grew up in a house with this kind of bathroom. So many of them are gone now.
I'd keep it unless the individual items are worn out and can't be cleaned properly. True, it has more of an OMG! factor rather than a WOW! factor but remember that the last couple of generations have grown up with white porcelain, mirrors, chrome, marble etc and haven't experienced the full horror of a pink, blue or avocado green bathroom! It's a period piece. Why spend money on a faux Victorian bathroom if this is serviceable? Probably one of the rooms visitors will remember most after a visit!
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I would understand if you decide to keep the blue bathroom, there are pros to keeping the changes to the home.
But I would love to see more age appropriate.
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I love it. Imagine how awesome it would look with all white accents!
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Hello Janey, greetings again from Australia.
Maybe keep the blue bath, sink, toilet. They are different enough to be interesting. Remove the blue floor and wall tiles. Rough paint the wall in cream or white paint to get an idea of the contrast, or temp. place some drywall. The skilled part would then be to find some tiles for a simple "frieze" /border (?correct name) tiled wall-strip which will tie in the whole bathroom colour-wise. The picture coming to mind is a wall border in small black diamond-shaped tiles, on a white or cream wall tile. Perhaps those rectangular tiles. Also a (white/cream) floor, with a tile-border of black squares or diamonds, common in that period at least here in Aus.
The effect would be "masculine" in keeping with the history of the bathroom; but making it acceptable to modern sensibilities. The blue hardware would "pop" and become interesting rather than overwhelming.
Thank you for your interesting commentary and rationales as always; and of course for the massive undertaking and the videos. I thought you may like to know that a UA-camr here called Mike gave your channel a big plug and was very complementary towards you personally. His channel is 4th Generation Renovation as I recall. 😊
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1st would like to say how much I've enjoyed your journey at League Kempner house. I hope to get down to Galveston one day to visit and hopefully volunteer. But as far as the blue bathroom / bedroom goes I would love to see that return to a porch again. But at the end of the day I'm quite sure you will choose what's best for the future of the home.
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Each time I see the the front facade, the enclosed porched grabs my attention. Though I don't know the particulars involved to "restore" it (I assumed it would be difficult), to see it brought back has remained the single greatest wish I have for this house. Not just to regain the original appearance, but for what is happening below it. In today's video, when you showed the original porch floor beneath the added floor, it was even more apparent that massive weight was added to that corner of the house. The posts on the main porch below seemed to have buckled under the weight, and likewise, did the now-repaired arches on the ground. It appears that when the porch was enclosed, nothing was done to support it.
The blue bathroom: A fine example from its day and a pleasure to see. However, could the fixtures be reused elsewhere in the house, perhaps in the apartment? If the upstairs possibly serves for public use in the future, as you described, will restroom facilities there or elsewhere on that floor have to meet requirements?
I can hardly wait to see the original family bathroom restored, it will be a show stopper! The 1920s bathroom is gorgeous too!
Thank you again for bringing us along. -Jo in Oklahoma. P.S. I'm a redhead too 😊
You and I are perfectly in sync. Two red headed Jo's is a lot to handle.😄
That did come to mind while watching the video, if the tiles and fixings could be reused elsewhere. My concern was if the tiles could safely be removed from the walls safely and intact. If the addition can be reduced and restored as it were, that’d be an amazing feat.
Makes me think of the Queen Mary’s 1st Class Shopping Center wall paneling. Was replaced from wood veneer with pink and blue striped pig skin to go with the Mid Century tastes in the late ‘50s. Preservation is a tricky subject even without money being one of the big concerns.
I think the bathroom needs to go. Given what you need the function of the house to be, this bathroom just doesn’t fit that purpose. If you’re going to use the property as a bridal venue or party venue, you don’t need huge bathtubs and lavish ensuite bathrooms. You need basic bathroom facilities, a regular sized bathtub at most, and frankly you could get away with half baths for the bride and groom’s rooms, since they won’t be staying onsite overnight, but I’d still include a shower just as a courtesy for those who might need that functionality and to make it feel more like a home. This is also future proofing, in case the house becomes a private home again at some point in the future.
While I do appreciate the blue bathroom for what it is, if it’s not going to be restored to its former appearance anyway, there’s no reason to keep anything in place. These fixtures can be removed and reused elsewhere, in a home that is more in keeping with the midcentury aesthetic.
As for other venue facilities, is there an opportunity to add public restrooms for tour visitors and venue attendees in the basement? That seems like the natural spot for things like that, and a gift shop, etc. Additionally, restroom facilities can be located in a repurposed outbuilding, and if you really wanted to preserve these fixtures, you could relocate them there and even create some kind of plaque or presentation.
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The house has evolved to meet the needs of its occupants and that bathroom is a wonderful example of that, most of the rest of the house is still fairly original ( apart from the extension). As an historical house/museum you must let the house tell its own story not dictate what it should be, Replacing it with a period appropriate bathroom would in my opinion be wrong as it has never existed there as it was the porch/verandah. It is in such a good state of repair, I feel it would be sacrilege to touch it. you have perfect access on the other side of the wall to repair/update any necessary pipework ie. lead ect.
With the bathroom doors closed no one can tell what lies beyond, and won't visitors get quite the surprise when ushered in.
You were going to build wheelchair accessible restrooms beside the garage, expand on that idea and make restrooms for all out there
I was born in the mid seventies a time of shag pile carpets, brown and bright orange kitchens and those wonderful avocado bathroom suites, a few decades on and our houses have evolved again and again, very few examples of a 60's, 70's interiors are deemed important or beautiful enough to preserve, so we rip them out.
Some of these things need to be preserved if only to tell future generations how terrible or elegant the fashions of interior decor were back then. You have the perfect house that can mind that bathroom, as it is not a lived in home but there is no problem with a bride or groom using it from time to time, it would be a novelty.
Anyway I didn't mean to write a sermon, so here endeth the lesson.
Denis from Ireland
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personally i'd leave it. i think of that house as a time capsule that shows many eras of design. when i look at historic homes thats what i like to see how people lived and the changes that went on through the years. it kind of tells the story of the house. If you do take it out understand those fixtures go for really high prices people love putting them in their retro inspired bathroom remodels. so at least sell it and then you can put the money back into the house if you choose to remove it.
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I also vote to keep the blue bathroom. Even if it is a more recent addition I'd say as the House already shows styles from the 1890's and 1920's showing a third period only makes it more interesting. Thank you for your effort in showing the Process, I really enjoy your Content!
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It has value in the perplexing reactions it creates. A bathroom that inspires philosophical thinking! That's a historical treasure in itself.
1. From an idealistic perspective, its a lesson on what not to do to a house. Its useful to point out. 2. From a practical standpoint, its useful for daily activities. 3. I learned not to touch functional plumbing. 4.Installing an era bathroom could be alot when there are other bigger points of interest that draw attention and meet the need to have attractions to show.
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I say keep. It’s part of the houses story. As long as the fittings are in good repair. I for one would be more than happy to use it if visiting. While it might look a bit dated to us who
Knows what people in the future will think. Remember at one time they used to tear out old Victorian fittings because they were old and dated! Loved the interesting walkabout at the end.
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I agree with you to keep most of the porch as a porch. And add the smaller bathroom.
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IMHO...a period appropriate rehabilitation to the bath using modern fixtures in the period style of the house would be best. Having a modern usable bath with a victorian style would be best for generating income. Also, should any problems in the bath arise maintenance would be easier and not as devastating. I'm sure whatever decision you make will be well intended. Thanks for sharing the house.
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If i was to add my two cents to the mix: With the public facing use in mind, to try to create a taste of the grandeur, and what might be pleasing to experience, I would have to vote for restoring the open porch, and eliminating the bathroom , altogether. The porch in my thinking is the real gathering space that could offer the spacious room, and appealing look available with such a grand house, allowing for comfortable gatherings. People like that, and how about serving tea/coffee on the 'veranda'? The Blue bathroom could be shifted down stairs, where it wouldn't interfere with the flow of the historical upper floor. I've followed your journey since you first started this project, and much admire your dedication, and purposeful approach. It's the best canvas in the world, to create (rehabilitate?...lol) a true masterpiece. Thank You!
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Since the original railings and pillars were removed from the wonderful open porch, and you cannot restore it back, I think you might as well keep the blue bathroom. I would have preferred to see the porch again, but the blue bathroom is a little gem.
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I always want the original restored completely. However, this is also part of the history. It’s the League-Kempner house so it needs the Kempner era as well. Whatever you decide will be amazing!
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I would keep the blue bathroom. Preserve what you can preserve and show off the progression of the house over the years. If you recall Ashton Villa has the ballroom the Shriners built. The GHF decided to keep it and make use of it versus restoring the old family room and kitchen. The blue bathroom is an interesting addition to the house as is the enclosed porch.
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Thank you for the amazing thought and care you put into this episode, Janie. I am extremely conflicted about the fate of this room, but understand how the decision you make today impacts the order of operations and ultimately the future use of this space. I'd never get rid of a functioning bathroom, and it seems like a foolish thing to do if it works. (time and $) However, I think the bathroom does not add value to the overall experience of this lovely space, and therefore, I would probably keep the bathroom, but reimagine it in a way that honors the sensibilities and style of the era in which it was built. You will be creating a more cohesive look to the location that will get the most use. Either way - Good Luck!
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A decade or so ago the National Park Service "restored" "Montpelier," James Madison's home (designed by Thomas Jefferson) after nearly a century of ownership by the Dupont family. The Duponts added thousands of square feet, vastly altered Jefferson's original design, and changed the house from an 18th century gentleman's country home into a gilded age billionaire's mansion. (Montpelier's website is wonderfully informative about the process and results.) I loved the picture of League-Kempner with its original porch. The house was so much more Victorian than neoclassical with the porch. Given what's planned for the structure, I suggest keeping the bathroom and restoring a majority of the original porch. Loved the video...all of it, including the walkabout.
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It should go. Use a closet maybe to something more period, maybe powder rom if theses a closet under stairs or pantry in kitchen
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Late in my comment, but I would say leave the bathroom and its vintage decor. It will not be that far off in the future when the fifties-style bathroom is a hundred years old. To me, it represents a part of the building's history and should remain a part of the overall story. Just my two cents worth LOL.
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I think the last comment fits my feelings id take the bath back to what kempners would have used
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That tile is too beautiful to destroy.
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GO GO GO GO GO GO
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Just watched the GHS lecture on Clayton, it was sure neat seeing THIS home during the lecture!
Where did you watch it? Is it online?
@@leaguekempnerhouse on the Galveston Historical UA-cam channel
I just saw this video and wanted to weigh in. I feel you should keep the blue bathroom. It isn't hideous like some "modern" updates and it looks to be in good shape. I think an historical plaque next to the bathroom entrance or inside explaining the bathroom would make it even more interesting. I think it's a fun peek into the history of the house and like someone below said, I bet it would be really memorable!
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I vote to keep the blue bathroom. It is old enough to be interesting, and it looks like the tile and fixtures are in good shape. It doesn't interfere significantly with the original architecture of the house. I think it is important when touring an old house to get little hints at how the house has evolved to meet changing needs while still retaining its grandeur. The first old house I ever toured was Rosedown plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana (back before it became a state park) when I was a teenager. That was decades ago, but one thing that still sticks out in my mind was seeing two small bedrooms upstairs that had been converted to bathrooms (because houses didn't have plumbing when it was built). I was fascinated at how an old house could be carefully adapted to modern needs, and that was the moment that I decided I wanted to live in an old house (my house that I live in now was built in 1889).
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How interesting to see the upstairs porch original stucco stone walls behind the lathe !
I'm glad it wasn't ripped off during the remodeling.
I think that the physical condition the blue bathroom is in should dictate its fate. If it is whole with nothing cracked or missing, why not keep it and save yourself some money to spend or absolute necessities? I see from other subscribers comments below that the general consensus is that you should keep the Blue Bathroom in tact. It seems to be popular, and it is a nice shade of blue.
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In keeping with, some what, original "type" of the house, you could do away with the blue bathroom and restore the floor length windows and turn that area into a solarium. Many houses of that period had beautiful rooms for exotic plants! But keeping the blue bathroom allows for seeing the growth of each family.
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I would love to see the part of the porch that is not a bath room returned to the open porch, if possible and keep the blue bath for future use.
I've wondered that myself could just part of the porch be reopened. It would be something far in the future to consider.
I like making the bathroom consistent to the period when it was added would be my vote but understand all the comments saying to keep it! Tough decision!
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Since hosting events will be the major source of income for this house, I would include checking that box on your list of renovation considerations. The master should have its own bathroom, but it can be small with a tub/shower combo, a toilet and dual sinks, all in a 1920's motif. Some events will require the master to be used for dressing preparation and some may require the master to be used for the primary person or couple to stay overnight. You don't want to lose an event because of this.
I would completely gut and renovate the small blue bathroom to this same exact 1920's motif. New "old" looking fixtures are available from multiple manufacturers, and that has the benefits of no lead, high reliability due to current plumbing fixture designs, readily available parts when needed down the road and water saving fixtures. It also locates the toilet hold down bolt positions to today's standard if they ever need to be replaced in the future. Also, I would want to lift that tub anyway to look for any structural issues from bad plumber wood cuts (as you've had elsewhere), water damage or the dreaded termites.
Now I fully understand that after safety, the budget is everything, and if that money is not available blue is certainly a great color.
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I love the blue bath!
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I believe that you should take a look at putting the bathroom in white tile and pedestal sink. The toilet should also have a top tank with a pull chain flush. The tub could be a ball and claw foot. These items are not so hard to find. You are doing a great job on the house and I look forward to your next video!❤😊
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I believe a period appropriate bath would be lovely.
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I would leave the tile floor, as those tiles look original to the 20's. Have the other tiles (50's) sprayed white
with an enamel. I would NOT gut the bathroom. It's gorgeous as is.
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I say the blue bathroom should stay, it is part of the history of the house and it would be useful to have.
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I think it would be more attractive for the revenue stream if the blue was removed and it was turned I to a period appropriate elegant bathroom. If it was just a museum it would be OK, but for $$ earning events it needs to be more stylish.
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Keep it blue, saving the fixtures if possible but use that room for the groom's room. Block the door off, move the sink away from the toilet. So it is less cramped. The other side could be for the brides room. Fixtures there could be more 1900s style. Whatever you do, you are saving a beautiful home that was only a few years away from collapse. Bathrooms, restrooms for parties won't take away from that.
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I vote to restore the porch to original.
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Keep the blue bath
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I would keep the blue bathroom. It shows the evolution and history of the house. The most important thing is to clean up the grout which is usually the thing that makes old bathrooms look gross.
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So many of these houses have their porches enclosed, take out those lovely walkout windows. Whenever I see those sorts of attributes still extant to a house I really enjoy it. Most people today do not understand the way these houses were built to be comfortable in different seasons. Sleeping porches, large tall windows with even taller transoms were key to keeping cool in hot climates. People even slept on the roofs of some buildings in cities like New York. Our entire culture has been changed by the invention of air conditioning. I don't think most of us can fathom joining lots of families on a roof. collectively sleeping to evade heat. I have seen very few documentaries that talk about how people used to live with heat. It feels like we are destined to lose those experiences and forget them entirely.
All that aside, I don't have a strong opinion about whether to rip out the bathroom, it is a part of the history of the house, and it could be useful. That being said, if it were my house I would probably want to put the walkout windows back where they were so that people understand how these houses were designed for climate control. I think these are lessons we are going to have to relearn because of climate change.
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Just my opinion…if you (the non profit) plan on future use as a place for meetings and events, then I think a bathroom that is more “period correct” would be a good compromise between going back to 1893 and “mid century modern”. I would not, personally, be upset with keeping the blue bathroom, but I think a period correct bathroom would be awesome.
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Lots of commenters like the blue bathroom. Not me. I see lots of crazy, tasteless things people have done to really nice buildings (including my house). My vote: Revert it to something more like the Kempner family would have added.
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I vote to spruce up the blue bathroom but keep it. I would update the plumbing of course, remove the tiles that are damaged and with some creativity that bathroom can look "vintage" and cute. We all get hung up on making our Victorian homes look period appropriate and in the process tear out perfectly good rooms that perhaps all they need is just a little bit of tlc. I agree with the age assessment of the bathroom looks more 1930s early 40s. In my 1870s Victorian I have an identical bathroom which was remodeled in 1940s when the house was used as a boarding house. Regarding the adjacent room: I think it would be penny wise pound foolish not to add the extra bathroom in the principal room of the house. the plumbing is already there and the walls are already open. I like your idea of a smaller bathroom sympathetic to the size of the adjacent bathroom. I would make the semicircular area into a magnificent period sitting/boudoir. You are right about thinking about the future of the house now and planning for it. You don't know what is in the books for the house 10 to 15 years from now, by adding now an extra bathroom not only you increase its value but also its functionality for whatever it may come in the future. Love the work. Keep up the good job.
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Keep it
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I'd get more historical fixtures also use the area on the other side of wall as the grooms or men's bathroom with the rounded in closed porch.
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New period appropriate bathroom would be my vote. Just redid an 1897 house in Hallettsville, Texas. Not near the magnitude of your mansion. Two story Victorian about 2800 square ft.
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The blue bathroom is part of the history of the house. I would make it a full working bathroom that can be used for events in the house. Its already installed, so to rip it out to restore the space and then have to install a newer one elsewhere, could be a burning money that could be used elsewhere! Those tall ships were awesome! Looked like the USS Texas in the dry dock too!
That was the Battleshop Texas you spotted. It was so exciting to see it moved to Galveston for restoration. It has been a real delima for years as to whether or not it could be moved. Everyone is happy to see it safe.
@@leaguekempnerhouseAny concern about wear and tear of thousands of visitors, on the blue bathroom? That idea makes me a bit nervous
I do like the blue bathroom. Part of the Kempner history of the house .
But the future finances if the house are important. Perhaps new bathrooms would increase the flexibility of the building making it more attractive to prospective clients booking events.
The blue tiles and fixtures could be removed with minimal possible damage and reused or sold.
What I do not agree with is keeping the sunroom which blocks the sun light of the glorious Tiffany windows.
The architect who designed the sunroom had little regard for the work of the architect who designed the building .
Removing the sunroom and allowing the Tiffany windows to shine would be a show stopper.
Best regards.
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I wasn't going to comment but buy into your argument that you need to find the fine line of preserving as much as you can, but also taking very seriously how you can raise enough money once complete that will cover the cost of upkeep. The video on the YWCA is an excellent example of keeping as much as you can but having a purpose to allow the continued use and upkeep of this historic building. NET - you need enough bathrooms for events - the level of the exact content, I will leave for others to debate.
This is an excellent point. Historic house museums are notoriously underfunded and often fail. Having a plan to make enough income to keep up the the restoration and then the ongoing upkeep is critical. It is a very important consideration in everything we do, and the order in which we do it.
It should stay!🙂
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Obviously you will need a bathroom, the question is whether to keep the blue. I think the answer is that restoring the house to the 20-30's remodel would look best. If it turns out the blue bathroom is actually from that time period keep it. If not replace it with something that would at least appear to be. Like everywhere else in the house you can have scan cards with information to explain whatever the result is for the tours. If the blue does turn out to be that old I think that would make it a great conversation piece more then anything.
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I would keep the bathroom for logistical purposes but bring it back to a more historical setting. Perhaps keep the blue tile and repurpose elsewhere?
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