The Historic McCracken-Mize Has Many Fans

McCracken-Mize House, 210 E. Trinity Avenue, Durham
Photos by Jessie Gladin-Kramer

I finally got the chance to go preview the beautiful, historic Victorian Queen Anne home at 210 E. Trinity Ave. in Durham. What an experience! One can certainly never judge a book by its cover. At first glance, you might see a tired old house with sagging floor joists and peeling paint. But once you step inside, the McCracken-Mize House certainly comes alive as her turn-of-the century styling is revealed... 

And, I have discovered there are quite a few people out there who love her! The Old North Durham neighborhood has set up a web site outlining her history, which you should visit:

http://www.mccracken-mize-house.com/index.html

According to the web site, “the exterior of the house has seen little change over the years. A fanciful turret still rises over a central gable and a wide, front porch. The home has windows that are decorated with colorful stained glass. The bays on the east front and the west side are embellished with unusual, round windows that are divided into nine, petal-like panes of colored glass. The window frames are also decorated with carpenter gothic details. The angles over the diagonal walls of the bays feature decorative pendant brackets.

“The interior of the house features a wide, board-and-batten paneled central hall with French doors dividing the front of the house from the back. Four large square rooms flank the hall, with a large fireplace and mirrored mantel. A staircase leads from the back of the house to the upper hall, which extends into the turret at the front of the house past a bedroom and bathroom.

“The twin front parlors retain their original high ceilings, hardwood floors, elaborate moldings, and pocket doors, although the back rooms were damaged by a water leak in the mid-1990’s and the floors and ceilings need to be replaced.”

The McCracken-Mize House is owned by Calvary United Methodist Church next door. Although the house is currently on the market for $172,500, but the church is open to estimates of renovations verses the selling price. There is also land available through the church. The church is reasonable and wishes to welcome new neighbors and be great neighbors themselves. So don't be shy. 

There is a preliminary estimate on the web site to renovate/restore the McCracken-Mize house for around $284,000, according to Alan Spruyt of Trinity Design/Build. After historic tax credits, the net cost could be just under $200,000. To learn more about the state’s historic tax credit program, click on this link:

http://ncolderhouse.blogspot.com/search?q=state+tax+credits

It will take a special kind of a person to “adopt” the McCracken-Mize House. But this home has a large number of cheerleaders on its team already, and many hands and feet can make for a light load. So if you think you might be that special person, be sure to let me or one of the many fans of this wonderful older home know!

The web site photos were donated by Jessie Gladin-Kramer