Many homes that feature significant amounts of ornamentation and other detail features can be difficult and expensive to maintain. One way in which many large structures have been maintained is to utilize the structure for another use. Restoration experts call this adaptive use. This section of the web site will examine homes that were converted into businesses. In some cases the original structures are kept in their original form, in others there may be significant changes.

 

This Prudential Gross and Associates Real Estate was once a home of the Beidler family (local manufacturer). This building with wonderful ornamental detail is located at 101 N. 5th Street (Fifth & Arch Streets), across from the Perkasie Fire House. Along with great detail , this symmetrical building is complemented by large specimen Japanese maples.

This home was built in 1925 for manufacturer George R. Beidler, owner of a clothing manufacturing business. The factory (now Ken Smith Basses) was located on Fifth Street on the same block.

The architect for the building was Edward L. Smith.Two properties were torn down to build the present structure. Unique features are a crystal chandelier in the entrance foyer and a walk-in refrigerator. The building was sold to Paul Stinley in 1954 and in 1971 it was sold to Richard and Peggy Mills. When the building was sold to Harold O. Gross and Robert Spanninger it was operated as a real estate and insurance office. In 1999 the building was sold to Joseph J. Kennedy who operates Prudential Gross and Associates Real Estate at this location.

		Attention to decorative detail and fine craftsmanship is evident both inside and out side the structure. Both the home and the garage has a slate roof. The roof is in its original form. Slate roofs usually last for fifty years. The angular forms at the ends of the house's roof draw attention to the roofing material. The two chimneys have unique brickwork patterns that create small niches (openings) and copper flashing (at the bottom of the chimney).
Note the "B" for Beidler on the chimney (under the eaves).		Though the copper roofs on the side porches have been resurfaced due to leaking roofs, the original copper can still be seen near the porch railings.

Throughout the building, evidence of fine craftsmanship is very evident. The cost of producing such artistic details makes them rare today.

Beveled leaded stained glass is found in the front door and two second floor windows.		Crystal chandelier in the entrance foyer.
Curved forms are repeated throughout the entrance area, both inside and outside including these curved brackets and moldings on the exterior.		Hand painting accents the chandelier at the entrance. Note how the color scheme is repeated in the fireplace painting below.

This fireplace, one of two working fireplaces in the building, is one of the most magnificent artifacts in the Prudential business. It has hand crafted details. The picture on the left shows the whole fireplace that was originally a focal point of the room. Above the fireplace is a hand painted decorative panel..

This andiron shows the extraordinary detail the fireplace has. The andiron has hand wrought surface textures. These details show off the fireplace.

The architectural details and ornamentation all relate to the form of the house. The influence of the architect is evident in even the most common elements of a home, such as this staircase.