The Great Depression’s tennis court

What’s up, friends?

Welcome to March: the month of luck, shamrocks, and random pots of gold. And, today, you’re all in luck because I've found an architectural marvel in a place you wouldn’t typically think of… Cleveland.

Back in 1930, the son of President Garfield, Abram Garfield, had this property constructed as part of an estate. With time, it was turned into a private tennis club… and now it’s back on the market as a home? 

I’m not sure why anyone would want to sell this place, but if they are, the possibilities for its future transformations are limitless.

Located outside of Cleveland, OH, this $2.4 million dollar property sits in 4 acres… of trees… because this isn’t technically a home. Yes, the lot is designated as “commercial,” but let’s be real: on Hometasrophes, we’ve seen crazier properties transformed into homes -and a rec center isn’t even close to the weirdest thing!

And while I’m not sure why anyone would want to sell this place, its great bones make for endless possibilities for a remodel.

Well, we’ve been slapped in the face with Art Deco. Upon entering, we get the first taste of the styling of this place. It’s formal, but fun. It’s colorful, but selective. It’s… really cool.

This living space is breathtaking. Above us is a hand-painted mural, a blue ceiling design, and a geometric light fixture. On the floor, the furniture has bends and colors to make the space even more inviting.

Pastel green prominently lines this kitchen. While it’s a color reminiscent of past design trends, so is the rest of this darn property! For this place, it’s perfect.

BUT for this being a recreation center, this kitchen is minuscule! Is it a member’s only kitchen? And by that I mean: no staff and ONLY members allowed in?

Let’s not ponder on that for too long. Instead we should take a look at the first of two marvels this (future) home has in store…

Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, and Ryan Lochte all trained in this Olympic-sized pool!

I lied -but wouldn’t that be cool? This grand arch ceiling is adorned with mosaic tiling -which is cute! But just you wait for later…

We should probably wash-up after getting in the pool. Let’s take a look at the nearby bathroom:

It’s fishy here… The bright green holds a lot of character as it wraps this space with joy. It’s not for everyone or every space, but it definitely works here. 

To match the bathroom, there’s a locker room with the same eccentric wallpaper. While I don’t foresee a use of these lockers in a home, this would make the perfect walk-in closet.

Though, if you did want the lockers, there’s another locker room…

…but it’s like really old. Similarly, there’s a bathroom with the same ancient vibe:

It looks like they skipped this bathroom during the tennis club remodel. There’s absolutely dust from 1932 in here. 

So we’ve established a common space, kitchen, bathroom, and recreation… What about a place to sleep?

Given the next owner will have over $2.6 million to buy this place, they’d most likely have additional money to update this space. Here’s my vision: 

A circular bed goes in the center of the room -stay with me! To go along with the Art Deco, put art on the wall that compliments the rectangular skylight and ceiling molding. On one end, you build on the existing built-in cabinets -or you destroy them and create new ones! On the other end, you put a curvy couch near the balcony door to bask in the sunlight.

Also, add curtains. And maybe ever blackout shades. The sun probably COOKS this room. 

Backyard? Nah, indoor tennis court. Despite sitting on over 4 acres of land, this property doesn’t do much with its surrounding land -but inside, they’re invested their money wisely. Here, the tennis court is covered with a beautiful arched skylight, vines, and metalwork. It feels industrial, yet modern, and would make for an incredible entertainment space… or tennis court, if you’re into that.

You can’t tell me this doesn’t look like a 1930’s oil tycoon’s estate that you’d see in a movie. It’s genuinely gorgeous.

Does it matter if this place actually gets turned into a home? No. But it is fun to imagine the possibilities, given the absolute wack we’ve seen before.

Sarah @Hometastrophes