Spring 2004 Restoration Award
Hernando and Barbara Gomez
220 W Wisconsin, DeLand
Hernando and Barbara Gomez are the first recipients of West Volusia Properties Restoration Award.
The Gomez's purchased their home in February 2002 and for the next year worked extensively in their restoration project. The original owner, John Rhode, built this classic example of a Craftsman Bungalow between 1915 and 1921. Research indicates that Mr. Rhode probably brought the plans for the house from New York when he moved to the area and then adapted the design to Florida living by using stucco rather than wood siding and adding a partial rather than full basement.
The home was completely rewired, plumbed, and central heat and air installed. Full restoration occurred in the living room, dining room, first floor bedrooms, front porch, and exterior paint. The Gomez's retained the original lathe and plaster where possible, and restored all wood finishes, floors, doors, windows, and hardware.
Partial restoration occurred in the kitchen and first floor bathroom with cabinets in both rooms constructed according to designs of the period. Reproduction fixtures were added throughout the house to reflect the age of the property. The second floor was gutted and given a history-sympathetic remodel using the original bath fixtures and doors but choosing a new layout to accommodate the owners' lifestyle.
Appreciation is extended to dedicated preservationists such as Mr. Hernando, an architect, and his wife, Barbara, who have worked painstakingly to improve DeLand's quaint neighborhoods and bring life and vitality back into our community's older homes.