The George Conrad Flavel House

Published 5:00 pm Monday, May 31, 2010

Statistics:

The Late Victorian, Gothic Revival house encompasses 2,400 square feet and includes three bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen scullery, dining room, living room, fireplace room, and a large, open basement. The house was built facing west, but was later lifted from its foundation and turned so that it now faces Grand Avenue. Bill Griesar and Bob Duehmig purchased the house in 2002 and are the residence’s fourth owners.

Historical significance:

The house was built in 1879 as a wedding present for George Conrad Flavel and his new wife, Winona. Flavel was the son of the renowned Astoria citizen Captain George Flavel. The house was later owned by Al Grimberg, a successful Astoria shoe merchant. Griesar and Duehmig bought the house from the late Tom Hannen, a local artist and photographer who had owned the house since the late 1980s. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

Completed projects:

After purchasing the house, Griesar and Duehmig had the structural supports rebuilt and had some of the house re-sided. It retains the original cedar shakes on the front portion and the cedar drains.

A portion of the chimney, which was torn off in a storm, was replaced. New drywall was added upstairs and in the basement. A new furnace was installed and the hardwood floors were re-finished. Most of the electrical system has been replaced.

Local contractors:

Among local contractors used on various projects were Tim Pierie Construction, house painter Jason Kang, Wadsworth Electric, Inc., and Joe Herman Masonry.

Challenges:

“It was a beautiful old house that has a lot of character and history, and it was something we thought we could (refurbish) a little at a time,” Duehmig said. But the two men found the renovation was a “bigger project than we expected.”

“One of the biggest challenges was having the time to do all the work – and the money,” Duehmig said. “Unless you won the $200 million Power Ball, you just can’t afford to do it all.”

Importance of restoration:

Griesar said the projects the men have undertaken have made the house more livable and functional for their needs.

“There’s a lot left to do,” he said. “We didn’t purchase the house as an investment. We knew it needed work and, as the years go by, we’ll tackle more projects. We just love this house so much.”

For more information about renovating an old home or commercial building, contact the Lower Columbia Preservation Society. The LCPS is located in downtown Astoria in the historic Hobsen Building at 1170 Commercial St, No. 210. Call (503) 791-1236 or visit www.lcpsweb.org.