DESIGNING WOMEN
INTERIOR DESIGNERS BRING THEIR BOLD CREATIVE VISIONS TO LIFE
SPRING INTO GARDENING TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL GROWING SEASON
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
THE
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14 HIGH-FLYING FUN
Council on Aging of West Florida’s Kites on the Coast returns for 2023.
16 COUGH IT UP FOR THE FUR BALL Pensacola Humane Society celebrates 80 years with third annual Fur Ball Gala.
19 SPRING INTO GARDENING
East Hill edible gardening offers tips for a successful growing season.
23 DESIGNING WOMEN
Four pensacola-based interior designers bring their bold creative visions to life.
28 THE MODERN
A Seville Historic District property reimagined as a luxury Airbnb.
2021 issue survived barrage loss and entire loved ones, kept side, at least will change vaccines coronavirus, some freely
strange spring. The novel in our so far been it from print with time, Escambia Santa quickly once
Obesity, diabetes and heart disease became death sentences for too many people battling Covid. While genetics predispose some to these illnesses, many can be managed or eradicated by lifestyle changes. I’d like to focus on making healthy choices while still enjoying the bad-for-you good stuff in moderation.
PENSACOLA
Publisher Malcolm Ballinger malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com
Passion and Joy
incredible special-needs pets and owners and she discovered that while these precious babies may take a little more care, the love they give in return is worth every second.
As Pensacola grows and changes, our local architectural landscape is evolving as well. New homes are popping up on every corner, creating an interesting juxtaposition of old and new. While infill housing is typically a good thing in downtown areas like ours, I also applaud those who spend their time, energy and money on renovating some of the historic properties in our history-rich little town. Having lived in a 120-year-old home for the last 20 years, I definitely understand the labors of love (and pocketbook) involved in maintaining these treasures.
first responders and hospital workers? Thank you for putting yourselves on the front lines to keep us as safe as possible. Also, a big shout out to all the teachers out there scrambling to put together online lessons to keep our kids engaged and learning instead of worrying about things they cannot control. We appreciate you!
Executive Editor Kelly Oden kelly@ballingerpublishing.com
Art Director Ian Lett ian@ballingerpublishing.com
What has suspect it mental time positive experiences. resolutions Instead, brought home have uncertain. my community. health is our knew it.
The fact is, virus or be symptoms. That is community, stay possible--leaving the idea, too, rather than social via world—phone encourage tribe. We bring and something this.
in our will see that community groups and safe ways difference distancing. I must outpouring amongst my toilet paper more than to make up applause for our
already? assure you equally— alone. it—the I’m over on a word: over Only suspect. pandemic the stress, distancing and many things can provide more return. Society has had fostering know that always a sweet kitty sounds check page 34. for our with some
I don’t know about you, but 2020 offered far too little of either of these to me. I was so consumed with my mom’s illness and then with surviving the grief of her loss and the anxiety of the pandemic and the sorrow of so many national news stories that I took little time for myself. This year, I hope to explore creative and personal endeavors that help me rediscover myself and discover new outlets for personal expression.
Kelly Oden Executive EditorOur cover story highlights a couple that has done just that. Michele Fortin and Bill Lay have transformed a late 1800s era home in the historic Seville District on Zaragoza Street into a stunning and modern Airbnb, while being sure to honor the home's history and unique architectural character. We invite you to take a peek inside this gorgeous space to learn more about its history and the renovation process on page 28.
If exotic animals are more your thing, head on over to the brand spanking new and significantly enlarged Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The new location features all the hands-on, up close interaction as the previous location plus added attractions, amenities and experiences that will make for a wonderful family day out.
Graphic Designer/Ad Coordinator Garrett Hallbauer advertise@ballingerpublishing.com
Editor Morgan Cole morgan@ballingerpublishing.com
Procrastination
On that note, I encourage you to read our COVID-19 Resource Guide, which provides resources for food, business, community and more. The ever-changing nature of this crisis necessitates that I mention that these resources may or may not be available to you by the time you read this issue. I hope it will provide a place to start, some ideas or some inspiration either way.
In this issue, we also showcase the incredible talent of four female interior designers. From traditional to modern, these local designers are making waves in the industry with their unique perspectives and creative approaches to design. See what these designing women are up to on page 24.
If you’re interested in conservation, check out Dakota Parks story on local Panhandle Rooftop Nesting Biologist, Rebekah Snyder. Through her work with Audubon Florida, Snyder helps to ensure local shorebirds have safe nesting spaces in an increasingly overpopulated region.
You may also notice that we have some nonpandemic related stories in this issue. We made the call to include already planned articles that might still be helpful, relevant or enjoyable for our readers. We hope you find them useful.
And, since spring is upon us, we would be remiss not to include some gardening tips and inspiration. We’ve enlisted Renee Perry with East Hill Edible Gardens to bring you the dirt on spring gardening in the Florida panhandle. Whether you are interested in planting fruits and veggies or herbs and flowers, now is the time to start planning your spring and summer gardens.
While many people made glorious headway on home improvement and personal projects in 2020, I did not. I did not organize anything. I did not fix anything. I did not learn a language or a new skill. Nothing. But that’s ok, too. I’m still here. That’s an accomplishment. However, in 2021, I’d like to lighten my load and empty my house of much of the clutter and unnecessary junk that fills it. It’s time to make room for something new.
All of this, plus a few DIY pet treat recipes and some good news from the Florida legislature regarding protection for pets in abusive situations.
Assistant Editor Nicole Willis nicole@ballingerpublishing.com
Editorial Intern Gillian Rabold
Contributing Writers
DeeDee Davis
Darien Hardy
Renee Perry
Sales & Marketing
Paula Rode, Account Executive ext. 28 paula@ballingerpublishing.com
On the topic of gardens, I always like to slip in my favorite gardening quote of all time.
“In gardens, beauty is a by-product. The main business is sex and death.”
So, turn off the news, put down your phone and enjoy these heartwarming tales and adorable of photos of local animals and the folks who care for them. When you’re done, give your kitty a little catnip and throw your dog a bone. It’s these simple pleasures that will keep us all sane.
In this issue, we’ve covered all of these topics and more to help readers shift their own focus in 2021. We hope you enjoy. Here’s to your health!
I leave you with that idea to ponder, dear readers. As always, I hope this issue inspires, entertains and informs.
As for us, Pensacola Magazine has been published under one title or another for more than 40 years. We have no plans on changing that. We will continue to publish and to bring you all the information we can for as long as we can. Please reach out to us with story ideas, inspiration or just a quick hello. We are all working from home and we are missing our water cooler conversations. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong, Pensacola!
Geneva Strange, Account Executive ext. 31 geneva@ballingerpublishing.com
21 E. Garden St., Ste. 205 Pensacola, FL 32502
850.433.1166 |
Kelly Oden
ExecutiveKelly
Kelly Oden Executive Editor
Oden Executive Editor
Editor
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permission from the publisher. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2023
There are plenty of ways to wander down memory lane. Holiday gatherings, photo albums and family videos will do it to you every time. Hearing certain music can take you back, as can certain smells. Fresh peas simmering on the stove make me all warm and fuzzy and send me back to my grandmother’s little house where we knew the table would soon be filled with all of her deliciousness. Sometimes these triggers will sneak up on you when you least expect it. And then there are the moments where you come face to face with your past. I am talking about a trip through the aisles of Publix. It can be any large supermarket, but in my case, it happens to be the big P. I am usually in a hurry when I stop in for groceries. I park, practically sprint to the door with my list in hand, grab the items I came for, look for the shortest line and bam, I am done. My husband, on the other hand, needs a frequent flyer pass for Publix. Seriously, they need to bring back the old cards that they would stamp and when you reached a certain level of purchases, you got a free piece-to-a set of dishes that probably cost $1.25. This is a man who, in retirement, has discovered the joy of cooking and that involves ingredients. He knows every employee there and even gets most of them Christmas gifts. On a recent weekend, when he was busy cleaning fishing gear, I offered to do the shopping. Normally, he would say absolutely not. And spoil his fun? Ha. This time was special, however, and off I went on my big
adventure, as only something involving fishing will trump his visit to Publix. I usually only need one of those little green baskets for my infrequent stops, but this time I needed the whole enchilada—the buggy. I had a lengthy list and I knew it would take a while, as I don’t know the location of every product the way my husband does. So, I decided to stroll up each aisle and just kind of check it all out. I don’t know how anyone gets past the entrance. It is an absolute sensory explosion. Cookies, cakes and breads—all coming straight out of ovens and screaming my name. As if that isn’t challenge enough, throw in bins of BOGO items and all of a sudden, my buggy is filling up with items not on my list. Who can resist such a bargain? I am sure that I will find a good use for tomato-infused spiral pasta noodles. And the produce! I consider myself a pretty respectable gardener, but vegetable growing in Florida soil is not for amateurs. I hear people complain about eightynine cents for a cucumber and I want to have a serious chat with them. If I calculated what I have spent trying to grow them, I would consider $5 cheap. On that rare Saturday in Publix, it didn’t take long to appreciate those tear-jerking ads they are famous for. I turned down the baby food aisle and I almost fell apart. Okay, the diapers didn’t grab me and only made me relieved to not have to deal with them anymore. But everything else. The pink plastic bottles of baby magic lotion, for starters. I slathered my babies with it after every bath. Even now, I can smell it and 40 years have melted away. Jars of baby food. The ones they would greedily slurp up and the ones that became airborne weapons. Baby formula and the nights I sat up warming it and hoping they would go back to sleep so I could do the same. Shelves lined with children’s books. I am so thankful that Little Golden Books are still there with all of the classic stories. There are so many remarkable authors out there that I find it comforting to
see Goldilocks is still available. I am sure I bought the entire collection over the years. Walk a few aisles over where every girl can remember reaching puberty. I can still remember having to pick up monthly items and almost dying of embarrassment when I went through the checkout line. I would try to hide the boxes under cans of tuna or whatever else but the insensitive clerks would always uncover them. I always wondered why the manufacturer couldn’t put the name a little smaller and more discreet. It’s bad enough needing the product, but a teenage male checkout employee never helped an already uncomfortable situation. Fast forward to the aisle with adult products. Mercifully, I don’t yet need most of them yet but odds are, there will come a day. Lots of products line this aisle that we used to purchase as gag gifts for a 40th birthday. Adult diapers, iron supplements, support hosiery, denture care. Oh my.
It’s obvious that there has to be plenty of psychology that goes into product placement on those shelves. My Publix adventure ended where I felt most at home and equipped to handle the emotional roller coaster I had experienced. The beer and wine aisle.
March Birthdays
22 Dax Noonan
23 Teri Levin
25 Benjamin Nettles
26 Will Bazemore
OCT. 1, 2022
NOV. 5, 2022
JAN. 14, 2023
FEB. 25, 2023
APR. 22, 2023
MASTERWORKS
OPENING NIGHT!
SCHUMANN SYMPHONY NO. 3
BEETHOVEN & BLUE JEANS
VERDI REQUIEM
SEASON FINALE: DVOŘÁK SYMPHONY NO. 7
DEC. 31, 2022
FEB. 11, 2023
MAR. 25, 2023
CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR! CIRQUE SPECTACULAR
POPS! ADD-ON CONCERT
BRONFMAN PLAYS RACHMANINOFF’S THIRD
The Council on Aging of West Florida’s annual Kites on the Coast event will be returning to Pensacola Beach this Spring for two days of intergenerational, high-flying fun. This year marks the second annual Kites on the Coast event, which is held in support of aging adults throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The inaugural Kites on the Coast event was hosted last September by the Council on Aging of West Florida as “an opportunity to bridge the generational gap and create an intergenerational event everyone could enjoy,” according to Council on Aging of West Florida Development Manager Farrah Hale.
The festival will return to Casino Beach on Pensacola Beach March 17 from 4 pm to 10 pm and March 18 from 10 am to 4 pm. This year’s event will feature professional kite flying demonstrations, a newly added lighted night flight, numerous kites for sale, children’s activities and more.
Kites on the Coast will kick off on Friday at 4 pm, which will allow for a special new lighted night flight once dark. Organizers are looking forward to this fun addition to this year’s festival.
“Chicago Kite will return to fly their giant kites, but this time they light up! I’m excited to see how amazing they will look next to the gulf. Last September, we couldn’t have the lighted night fly because we were still in turtle season, and the lights could misdirect mama turtles from coming ashore to lay their eggs,” Hale explained. “We love our turtles, but we wanted the lighted night fly. So, we moved the event to March.”
In addition to the night flight, there will be a variety of professional kite flying demonstrations taking place over the course of the festival. Chicago Kite will be at the event flying their larger-than-life kites which feature a variety of fun colorful characters like Snoopy, a flying pig and a gorilla. “He (Chicago Kite) has so many interesting and beautiful kites. Last year, people said they could see them all the way from Navarre,” Hale said.
SkyFX is new to this year’s event and will also host a series of show-stopping kite flying demonstrations. “SkyFX performs choreographed demonstrations with their quad-line stunt kites. I’ve watched their ‘warm-up’ videos and was blown away. I can’t wait to see what they can do,” Hale said.
Throughout the two-day festival, the Council on Aging of West Florida hopes to see the sky filled with kites and invites the entire community to come out and join in the fun by bringing a kite to fly during the festival. If you want to participate in the high-flying fun but don’t have your own kite, don’t fret. There will be a variety of kites available for purchase at the event.
“I encourage everyone to bring a kite out or buy a kite at the event. If you run into a problem, the kite hospital is there to help! The kite hospital is available to help fix minor breaks, tangles or rips. If you’re anything like me, you will become well acquainted with the kite hospital,” Hale said.
In addition to the kite-related fun, there will also be a variety of local vendors, food trucks and children’s activities. “This year we plan to include a larger kid’s activity area. We will still have the customizable paper kites for the kids, but the MESS Hall will also have their STEM activities,” Hale explained.
As with any of the Council on Aging of West Florida’s events, the proceeds from Kites on the Coast will directly help support seniors in our community.
“Kites on the Coast helps Council on Aging of West Florida serve, support, and advocate for aging adults in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The proceeds from the event go directly to our programs like Meals on Wheels, The Retreat, Senior Dining Sites, as well as our Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent programs,” Hale explained. “The event also brings awareness to the agency and our clients. There are many vulnerable elders in our community, and all too often, society puts them and their needs on the back burner. Events like these are meant to remind us that we can make an impact despite the size of our wallets.”
Kites on the Coast 2023 is open to the public and there is no cost to attend; however, donations in support of the Council on Aging of West Florida will be accepted.
For complete event details and to learn more about the Council on Aging of West Florida, check them out on Facebook at @coawfla or visit their website at coawfla.org.
by Darien Hardy
Dust off your tuxedos and don your evening gowns—but don’t forget to keep a lint roller handy—because the Pensacola Humane Society is kicking off its 80-year anniversary with the third annual Fur Ball gala.
This annual gala made its debut in 2019 when the Humane Society was looking to boost revenue by hosting another major fundraising event in addition to their already well-established Barktoberfest and Paws on Palafox fundraising events. Eloise Lautier, Secretary of the Pensacola Humane Society’s board of directors and Fur Ball event chair, worked with Deborah Dunlap, Michelle Sauls, Megan Kennedy and a small committee of local volunteers and board members to organize and host the first Fur Ball event. Since its establishment, the Fur Ball has grown to become the Humane Society’s most popular annual event, with tickets selling out each year.
“People really enjoy coming and learning about the work we do,” Lautier said. “And we always have animals at the event too.”
The Fur Ball holds a special “Yappy Hour” during the gala that allows the Humane Society to show off some of the pets that are currently up for adoption. The event will also feature a puppy parade that will take place inside of the event space, as well as designated time for gala guests to mingle with all of the adoptable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens.
“There is something special about the people who love animals so much,” Lautier said. “We feel that we are all connected. The people who attend this event and other Humane Society events feel that we are part of a community that is compassionate for the unfortunate situation where animals are neglected, abandoned and abused, and it really touches their hearts.”
In addition to sponsorships pur chased prior to the event, the Fur Ball offers multiple auctions throughout the evening, the most notable of which is the Bow Wow Wow Wow table. The table is beautifully decorated, and each place setting is piled high with towers of wrapped gifts worth around $500 to be auc tioned off to gala goers. The table is adorned with flowers donated by Southern Gardens and Gifts, In addition to the gifts on the table, auction winners also get access to the open bar throughout the
evening. The gala also holds a live and silent auction later in the event.
In the Fur Ball’s first year, more than $85,000 was raised to benefit the Humane Society. Since then, that number has only increased. This year, the Fur Ball organizers anticipate raising more than $100,000. The funds raised and donated at the gala will go toward helping the Society’s animals stay in foster homes and out of the shelter.
“What we try to do is intervene as quickly as possible. Either that animal never goes into the shelter, or the time in the shelter is very short,” Lautier explained. “That’s where our resources will be fed into helping the community: keeping as many animals as possible and finding foster homes for many of those animals.”
The Society’s other goal to accomplish with the funds raised through the Fur Ball is to get their low-cost spay and neuter clinic back up and running with a veterinarian and the necessary medical staff. According to Lautier, spaying and neutering pets is the most important thing we can do to help our community avoid overpopulation in shelters. While the Pensacola Humane Society is a no-kill shelter, some shelters have to resort to euthanasia when they become overpopulated.
This year marks a special gala occasion as 2023 is the Humane Society’s 80th anniversary as a nonprofit. Lautier explained that the Fur Ball makes for a great venue to dress your best and enjoy a meal complete with wine and champagne, all for the benefit of the animals.
“This [gala] is one way of marking that anniversary, looking forward to 80 more [years] and making even greater strides,”
For tickets and information on this year’s Fur Ball event, visit the Pensacola Humane Society Fur Ball Facebook page. Stay connected with the Pensacola Humane Society on Facebook, Instagram and pensacolahumane.org for the latest details on upcoming events, adoptable pets, volunteer opportunities and more.
Spring! It’s the time of year when April showers bring May flowers. Or, if you’re a vegetable gardener, it’s the time of year when those April showers bring an abundant harvest of fresh, tasty, nutritious herbs and vegetables. Well…not exactly.
You see, by the time mid-April rolls around along the Gulf Coast, our region has already entered the early summer period, which is typically dry. It’s the time of year when we run short of rain showers, and instead begin to water both our lawns and our gardens on a regular basis. One easy way to recognize this dry and early summer period is by the clouds of dust that get stirred up by lawn mowers—whose operators often end up looking like Pigpen from the Peanuts comic strip.
So, if April and May are actually summer here along the Gulf Coast, when is our spring? Gulf Coast spring comes much earlier than in other parts of the country. It begins about the middle of February and ends about the middle of April. Early spring, including the last two weeks of February and the month of March, is prime planting season along the Gulf Coast when it comes to spring gardening favorites like tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, eggplants and more.
Take tomatoes for instance. Depending on the year, we generally try to plant our tomato seedlings anywhere from mid-February through March. If the year is colder, we might hold off a little longer, but if the year is warmer, we get our tomatoes in the ground as early into our spring as we can. Of course, even in a warmer year there can still be a chance of frost or a light freeze, but since the seedlings are small, covering them overnight for protection is generally not a problem. Remember that a good tip for success is to give
your tomato seedlings plenty of nutrition and remember to pinch the suckers as well.
The reason for our early tomato planting schedule is simple. Here on the Gulf Coast we have a shorter spring growing season than other parts of the country, so the earlier we plant, the sooner we can harvest. This allows us to have a bountiful harvest of beautiful tomatoes before the summer’s heat, humidity, pests, and diseases inevitably appear in mid to late June. If you choose the right varieties, you can still get away with planting tomatoes after March, but for the best success, the earlier you plant in spring, the more productive you’re likely to be.
You can grow old favorites like Beefsteak, Early Girl, and Better Boy, of course, but there are a huge variety of beautiful, interesting, and great-tasting tomatoes from which to try. We’ve grown dozens of varieties of tomatoes, each with its own unique color, flavor, texture, and culinary uses. This includes tomatoes like Jubilee, Beam’s Yellow Pear, Green Grape, Large Barred Boar, Chocolate Cherry, Kellogg’s Breakfast, Gold Nugget, Everglades, Principe Borghese, Ukrainian Purple, Garden Peach, Super Sweet 100, and many more. You can also grow great heirlooms like Abe Lincoln, Brandywine and Mortgage Lifter.
So, remember, spring comes early to the Gulf Coast, in mid-February, much earlier than in gardens farther north. Much of the commonly available gardening advice you find online, in books, or on social media is designed for someplace else. If you follow planting advice designed for farther north, you’re likely to start planting here too late for real success. If you’re a frustrated Gulf Coast gardener, this is likely an important part of the reason why.
Yellow squash and zucchini are another good example of the great value of early planting. We try to get these old standbys in the ground no later than March. Planting early in the spring season allows us to get an abundant harvest before the appearance of the dreaded squash vine borer, generally around mid-May.
The squash vine borer is the scourge of the squash grower, and the damage it creates marks the beginning of the end of yellow squash and zucchini season.
The good news is that there are varieties of squashes, including butternut, Tromboncino, and Seminole, that are resistant to the squash vine borer and that will continue producing well into summer. Once the yellow squash and zucchini season ends, about mid to late June, you can switch to these more resistant varieties. When they’re young, green and tender, you can prepare these squashes just as you would zucchini or yellow squash. And once they mature, they will harden and turn a “butternut” color and can be kept for use beyond the end of the regular squash growing season.
March is also a great time for planting green bean varieties such as Kentucky Wonder, Rattlesnake Pole Beans, and Contender Bush Beans. There are also many interesting varieties of eggplant that can also be planted in March, including the traditional Black Beauty, Pingtung Long, White Beauty and Rosa Bianca. And don’t forget, there are numerous varieties of peppers that thrive in our region. This includes bell peppers in green, red, orange and yellow, but also a wide range of other pepper sizes, shapes, colors such as Chablis, Red Cherry and Shishito.
Spring is also a time of transition. While we are working on getting our warmer weather plants started, we l can also grow many types of cooler-weather vegetables. This includes a wide variety of lettuces, as well as leafy greens like collards, komatsuna, mustard and kale. You can also plant cool weather herbs in early spring including cilantro, parsley and dill. If you're a little more on the adventurous side, you can even plant and harvest spring potatoes.
Spring is also a time of transition for our garden friends – the beneficial insects. Although we tend to think of
honeybees as visitors to the garden, there are dozens of varieties of native bees, wasps, beetles and even flies that perform pollination and pest control services for our gardens. A great way to attract these good bugs to your garden is to let some of the cooler weather plants flower, particularly herbs like cilantro and dill, rather than immediately removing them when the weather begins to turn warm. You can also plant attractive cool weather flowers like alyssum, calendula, cornflower and laceflower. All these flowers provide essential food sources of nectar and pollen, which can be scarce early in the year. And, if you watch closely, you’ll be surprised by the great variety of interesting and productive insects that come to visit the late winter and early spring flowers in your vegetable garden.
Spring is a really great time to garden here along the Gulf Coast. The key is to remember that our spring starts much earlier than other parts of the country. If you keep this timing in mind, you’ll be well on your way to abundant harvesting and gardening success.
Renée Perry and Tom Garner are the owners of East Hill Edible Gardening. We help gardeners grow their own fresh vegetables and herbs in the unique gardening conditions along the Gulf Coast. They offer an extensive variety of vegetable and herb plants specifically suited to the Gulf Coast, including the largest selection of tomato varieties in the area! For more information visit their Facebook and Instagram pages or their website, easthillediblegardening.com.
by Kelly Oden
Famed interior designer Albert Hadley once said that, "The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. It is about the realities of what makes for an attractive, civilized, meaningful environment, not about fashion or what's in or what's out. This is not an easy job."
While designing a space for another person to spend their life in certainly sounds difficult, the best designers seem to make it feel effortless. This month, we are highlighting four female interior designers who have each carved out their own unique style while creating both stunning and practical spaces. From bold and eclectic to minimalist and serene, these designing women have mastered the art of bringing a client's vision to life. If you're in the market for a major renovation or just looking for some design inspiration, these Pensacola-based designers are sure to inspire you with their creative approaches to design.
When did you first become interested in interior design?
As a young girl and military junior, our family traveled a great deal. I always wanted to see the homes of senior officers and my parents' friends. In addition, I was also interested in fashion, lifestyle and art as a teenager. I began my studies in fashion design at Florida International University in Miami, but realized that I was much more interested in interior design.
What do you love most about working with clients to achieve a desired look?
Seeing their eyes light up during presentations and then, later, seeing the confirmation of how much they enjoy their new home or spaces. I also love working with my team.
What is your design philosophy?
Exceptional interior design is the result of understanding the client's needs and applying our knowledge, experience and methodology to achieve the aesthetics and functionality they require and the quality they expect.
What’s hot right now?
The colors cream, pink, and taupe with layers of texture and organic elements. Black and white with minimalist furnishings. Other trends include statement lamps, nostalgic design, blue and meaningful decor accents, quartz in all aspects of the house and warm woods.
What is your favorite piece of furniture in your home?
An antique Maitland-Smith campaign desk that I purchased 20 years ago.
Constance Crosby Interiors
Constance Crosby Interiors, Inc. is an award-winning design firm with 29 years of experience in serving clients across the Southeastern United States. Owner Constance (Connie) Crosby studied interior design at Florida International University, Florida State University and Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. Connie has traveled extensively internationally, living abroad in both England and Europe. She is an Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Designers and is the past president of the Emerald Coast Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Along with numerous awards she has received during her career, her works have been published in a variety of local and national publications. Her design work reflects a classic and timeless understated elegance with warmth and comfort.
Poobah, Rainmaker and Creative Chief, In Detail Interiors
Owner, Creative Chief, Poobah, Rainmaker and saucy critic of the status quo, Cheryl Kees Clendenon, DGD, has been influencing the design industry with her out of the bread box, no way in hell, ok maybe will consider that, wow what a great idea—transformative ideas—for 22 years. Cheryl’s outspoken irreverence leads to confident and innovative solutions to the most challenging of design parameters. With an attitude of fearless exploration of all channels, she is able to solve problems and create unique interiors that reflect the client, not just the design of the day. A business strategy advisor, kick-in-the-butt mentor and passionate cheerleader to small business creatives, Cheryl is also a savvy shopkeep and a sassy writer. While her interior design day job keeps Cheryl (and the crack team babysitting her) busy, she still finds time to be mom to a menagerie of three in the animal kingdom, and a wife to Randy.
When and why (or how) did you first become interested in interior design?
After getting kicked in the teeth in a rough divorce, I needed gainful employment. So, I took my history of rehabbing homes—along with a strong background in marketing and an excellent spatial eye—and hung out my shingle. We now have a retail shop, a design firm, a robust consulting firm to other designers, a Candle Studio and a few other irons in the fire!
What is your design philosophy?
To me good design is all about layers—mixing patterns, color, texture and most importantly light—together for a cohesive but natural style that reflects the client's personality. This is very important to us. We do not espouse one particular aesthetic (although we love color) because not every client is "one size fits all." Our goal is to bring their style to the forefront but keep in mind a good balance of those four design elements.
What’s hot right now?
You tell me. I do not follow trends. We like to create them. I have been around a long time now and we have seen it all come and go and I don't really care. I am proud to say our work from 15 years ago looks as good today as it did then, but maybe a bit more loved from the people who inhabit the home. And that is the way it should be. We do not position ourselves as "luxury" designers. Our hashtag is #realpeoplelivehere!
What color combinations do you love?
Again, this will vary depending on my mood but it’s a great question. I would say I love a strong ochre mixed with a bit of a color bed of dark eggplant and a wood tone such as walnut to anchor the intensity of the color. This is a secret—the organic nature of wood tones will help absorb the intensity of any strong color combinations and help ground the look so you are not doing early Barnum and Bailey!
When did you first become interested in interior design?
I started collecting design magazines in high school and definitely knew the passion was there. My career path had a few twists and turns along the way, until I was living in Dallas and I began working as a design assistant. A few years later, I started my own design business. That was fifteen years ago.
What do you love most about working with clients to achieve a desired look?
We work mostly with new construction, so we are often helping families make a life-long dream come true with their forever home. In these cases, it is not always about a certain style they want to achieve, but more like what story they want the home to tell. Therefore, every tile and fabric is part of the big picture and the legacy that the home will leave.
What’s hot right now? Wallpaper!
What is your favorite piece of furniture in your home?
I recently acquired an antique Swedish clock. It doesn’t work and it really serves no function, but I just love it because it is pretty.
What is your favorite color combination?
I work mostly with blues and greens, but I love anything that plays with pinks.
Lacy Phillips Designs
Lacy Phillips offers clients an unwavering passion for interior design, combined with a commitment to creating unique and personal spaces. As lead designer of her firm, Lacy Phillips Designs, she is known for creating interiors that are elegant, fresh and sophisticated, as well as comfortable and practical for daily living. Lacy’s design career began in Dallas, Texas, and continued on when she returned to her hometown here in Pensacola. From her downtown studio, Lacy and her team design and manage projects locally and beyond.
Dee McDavid Interiors
Lindsey began her journey at the University of West Florida, studying building construction and majoring in studio art. Through her passion and talent for art, Lindsey quickly developed a keen eye for interior design. After graduating, Lindsey joined Dee McDavid Interiors as a designer. Throughout the years, she has designed numerous homes in the Pensacola area. When Lindsey isn’t busy designing beautiful spaces, she is typically flexing her art skills through painting. Her art has been showcased in numerous local galleries and in New Orleans. She has also produced artwork for various clients. You can follow Lindsey’s work on her instagram @colorgrayareas.
When and why did you first become interested in interior design?
My passion is my artwork. Having started painting at the age of 20, I immediately fell in love with the clarity I gained while painting. This translated into interior design when I began working for an architectural firm.
What is your favorite piece of furniture in your home?
My current space is fairly new to me. The space I love the most would have to be my studio, which has this velvet chartreuse couch that holds a lot of memories for me. An artist is only as good as their inspirational space.
What is your design philosophy?
Interior designing is about creating a quality of life for others. I believe a home can be designed in an ideal way to increase your mentality and overall mood. Knowing my clients and putting together a beautiful, positive space for them that they feel creative and comfortable in is my philosophy.
How would you describe your design style?
I am bold in innovating new ideas into a space. Finding that symbiotic relationship between the design and the artwork is always my goal, which often creates this emergence of modern and eclectic design styles
What’s hot right now?
All my spaces have some form of energy, which adds a particular interest to the space. Another thing that’s really taking off in the design world right now is the addition of sculptures in both indoor and outdoor spaces to increase the elevation of the area.
Situated in the heart of downtown Pensacola's historic district, 425 East Zaragoza has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. Affectionately named “The Modern,” this unique historic property has been transformed into a modern, elegant and stylish two-bedroom, two-bath apartment, which can now be rented through Airbnb. Current owners, Michele Fortin and Bill Lay, purchased the property in 2011 and undertook a significant renovation project to restore the home's original charm and character.
“While there are some records suggesting the house goes back to the 1850s, it is more likely that it was built in the latter part of the 1800s. The design is what is known as a camelback. The main building was added to several times over the years and the cottage was added in the 1980s,” Fortin explained.
According to historical records, the house originally served as a sawmill, which was eventually replaced by a private residence. During the early 1900s, the house was believed to have been a bordello, and later, it was rented out as a makeshift apartment building.
“When those businesses were finally forced to shutter during WWII. The space was rented as cheap, makeshift apartments with the downstairs petitioned off into three, one-room units sharing a kitchen and bathroom. A write-up from 1970 that was found in the historical archives of the Hilton-Green Research Center of Historic Pensacola, described the tenants as “living in squalor” and remarked that the home had “no historical architectural value what- so ever,”’ Fortin said.
In the 80s, the house was extensively renovated inside and out to include an apartment on the upper floor and a retail space on the ground floor. The Clothes Horse was the first shop in the space, followed by The Mole Hole, which remained there until 2021.
Fortin and Lay decided to transform the property into an Airbnb after the closure of The Mole Hole. To accomplish this, they hired Chris Bruner with WCB CAD & Graphics to create a new layout for the apartment. The design preserved the original floor plan of the home, including the fifteen floor-to-ceiling windows and exterior
The home was likely built in the latter part of the 1800s in an architectural style known as a camelback. During the first half of the 1900s, the house is rumored to have been a bordello. Later, the space became was rented as cheap, makeshift apartments with the downstairs petitioned off into three, one-room units sharing a kitchen and bathroom.
For many years, the building housed the popular Pensacola gift shop, The Mole Hole, which closed in 2021.
façade. Bucco Construction was brought in to carry out the renovation project, which took almost a year to complete.
The renovations involved stripping the interior of the apartment down to the studs and replacing the ceilings, walls, and floors. New insulation was added, and new plumbing, wiring and HVAC were installed to accommodate the new floor plan. The original divided-light windows with their vintage hardware were left in place as a hint to the building’s age. The molding and trim, heating vents on the floor, custom interior and exterior doors and gaslights on the front porch also reference the turn-of-the-century style. The 9-foot tall interior doors are solid wood to minimize noise and complement the 11-foot high ceilings. The brass and white globe chandelier lighting add a midcentury modern vibe, as does the vintage 1960s curved rosewood sofa in the living room and reproduction bucket seat dining chairs.
The kitchen is outfitted with a suite of Thermador professional-grade appliances, including a built-in refrigerator and freezer columns that blend seamlessly with the custom-built cabinets. The cabinets in the kitchen and baths are painted with Benjamin Moore Black Magic and fitted with solid brass hardware. The 11-foot long island features weathered magnetar granite, which anchors the space and provides seating for four.
The apartment is beautifully furnished with a mix of new and vintage items that reflect the owners' travels around the world. The wooden chests with brass inlays in the living room, entry, and main bedroom were handmade in Lahore, Pakistan, while the teak dining table and benches on the back porch were purchased when the owners were living in Dubai. The antique window frame and shutters leaning behind the dining table were purchased in Marrakech, Morocco. The large carpets are from China and the two small rugs in the entry are hand-woven with yarn on jute from India.
While there are some records suggesting the house goes back to the 1850s, it is more likely that it was built in the latter part of the 1800s. The design is what is known as a camelback. The main building was added to several times over the years and the cottage was added in the 1980s.”
A bronze Buddha statue in the living room is an antique from Bangkok, Thailand. The mudra (hand gesture) is the "abhaya mudra" and it signifies protection and blessing. Artwork displayed throughout the apartment includes photographs from Cambodia, Oman, and Dubai, and calligraphy from Abu Dhabi.
The owners' meticulous renovation work and attention to detail have resulted in an apartment full of character and charm The combination of vintage and modern furnishings and artwork from around the world makes this Airbnb a unique adventure for those seeking an unforgettable travel experience.
The hand-carved antique window frame and shutters were purchased in Marrakech, Morocco. The brass and white globe chandelier lighting adds a mid-century modern vibe to the dining area.
The silver-rimmed glassware in the bar area was made by Dorothy Thorpe in the 1950s and collected by the owner over the years. The round roly-poly glasses had a resurgence in popularity after they were featured on the TV show "Mad Men."
The two small paintings in the main bedroom are from Bali and depict the Barong, a Balinese mythological creature, and his enemy, the demon queen, Rangda. Their epic battles are often the subject of the choreography of a traditional dance.
The wooden chest with brass inlays is one of three in the home. They were hand-made in Lahore, Pakistan in the early 1960s.
The replicas of Pensacola houses and monuments in the guest bedroom were purchased on Etsy from CatsMeowVillage. Replicas include Fountain Park, the Pensacola Lighthouse, Old Christ Church, Barkley House and the Lear Rocheblave House.
The vintage Pensacola map reprint from 1885 is from Etsy vendor 8RedFishCreator. This version is in inverted blue and it was framed by Aiken Picture Frames in Pensacola.
Pensacola Vendors
• Eastburn Woodworks –kitchen and bathroom custom cabinets
• Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting – kitchen appliances and installation and bathroom fixtures
• Superior Granite – countertops for kitchen and bath
• Southeastern Door and Sash – custum interior and exterior doors and hardware, crown molding, mop boards and window trim
• Stone Age Custom Flooring – bathroom and kitchen tiles (the tile on the bathroom floors is Stream Black Hex and the kitchen backsplash sChex from the MSI Dermo Collection)
• Gene’s Floor (Aragonne Forest Oak)
• Urban objects – gas lights (CopperSmith, Austin Collection – 2 large lanterns in the front are gas and the matching lights on the side are electric)
• Duh – various furniture
• House of Hue - gold pedestal bowl on dining table
Online Vendors
• Koehler – kitchen sink and faucet
• Pacific Register – black powder coated, laser cut steel vent floor registers (Napoli pattern)
• Alabama Sawyer – custom pedestal dining table with a reclaimed pecan wood top and cast iron Amicalola base
• Loll Designs – front porch table and chairs made from highdensity polyethylene using partially recycled materials (Lollygagger lounge chair and side table)
• Forge Hardware Studio –cabinet hardware (Knurled texture in satin brass finish)
• Linge Roset – bar stools
• Various outlets: Wayfair, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Tuesday Morning, World Market, Amazon, Etsy and Ebay
March Home Games and Theme Nights at the Pensacola Bay Center. Games start at varying times. For tickets and information, visit iceflyers.com.
March 11: Knoxville Ice Bears vs Ice Flyers; Rebrand Night
March 12: Knoxville Ice Bears vs Ice Flyers; Friends & Family Day
March 24: Evansville Thunderbolts vs Ice Flyers; Dino Race Night
March 25: Evansville Thunderbolts vs Ice Flyers; Military Appreciation Night
March 26: Evansville Thunderbolts vs Ice Flyers; Friends & Family Day
March 4
Night on the Tracks is a multi-venue arts and music event that is newer to the Pensacola event scene. The second installation of the event will take place on March 4 beginning at 5 pm. There will be three live music performances and two art exhibits as part of the event across seven different venues in Old East Hill. These venues include Doc’s Hop Shop, Waterboyz, End Of The Line Cafe, 309 Punk Project, The Handlebar, Pensacola MESS Hall, and From the Ground Up. In addition to the live performances and art, there will also be shopping and food. Join Pensacola’s art community in a fun Night on the Tracks! For more information, visit facebook.com/ events/615254090428180.
March 7 & 8
ON YOUR FEET!, the exhilarating original musical based on the extraordinary life of 26-time Grammy Award-winning husbandand-wife team Gloria and Emilio Estefan, features a book by Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Alexander Dinelaris and a score made up of some of the most loved and iconic songs of the past quartercentury including “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga” and “Get On Your Feet.” Having begun in Chicago in the summer of 2015, ON YOUR FEET! made its Broadway bow that November, played for two years,
and received seven Outer Critics Circle Award nominations, three Drama League Award nominations, and a Tony Award® nomination for Best Choreography. Now the show will be held at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre for two nights, March 7 and 8 at 7:30 pm each night. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolasaenger.com
March 11
The 46th Annual McGuire's St. Patrick's Day Run is the Largest 5k Prediction Run in America! Crossing the finish line is just the beginning, come for the run, stay for the party. Your registration fee includes a McGuire's Run shirt and the best post-race party around. Your registration also includes the best Post-Race party around, with live entertainment, Irish Fare, Irish Wakes, Bud Light, McGuire's Red Ale and Soft Drinks. The race starts at 9 am. The race will be hosted at McGuire's Irish Pub, located at 600 E. Gregory Street. To register, visit runsignup.com.
March 13-15
Are the kiddos home for spring break and not sure what to do? For three days, the talented staff at Bodacious will engage your future chef to learn basic kitchen fundamentals, in a fun environment. Over the three days of camp, campers will learn the skills needed to be successful, safe, and creative in the kitchen with a fun inspired twist! Skills taught will include basic prep skills and knife skills (when applicable).
The Bodacious Kids Culinary Camp (Ages 8 to 12) is from 9 am to 12 pm from Monday to Wednesday. The camp will be hosted at Bodacious Shops located at 407 South Palafox Street. For registration and more information, visit eventbrite.com.
March 17 - April 2
Join the Pensacola Little Theatre for a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family– a man her parents have never met. And if
that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on a fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. The Pensacola Little Theatre is located at 400 S Jefferson Street. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.
March 21
For Pepper, two decades have gone by in a blur, filled with soundchecks, encores, album releases and sold-out shows stretching from the California coastline to the UK mainland. Along the way, Pepper has sharpened its own "Kona dub-rock" sound— a blend of reggae, alternative rock, island rhythms, and punky spirit— while also building a community of fans and likeminded bands. Now Pepper will be bringing their sound to the walls of Pensacola’s own Vinyl Music Hall. Pepper will be stopping by Pensacola on March 21 as a part of their “20 Years of Kona Town” tour. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. Tickets start at $25. For tickets and more information, visit vinylmusichall.com.
March 25
On March 25, O’Riley’s Irish Pub will be hosting a “March Madnezz” fundraiser in Downtown Pensacola to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast. This special event will feature tons of fun including a live and silent auction, free food and drinks (while supplies last), bar games, and streams of the NCAA March Madness Elite Eight games. The event will last from 4 pm to 7 pm. O'Riley's Irish Pub is located at 321 S. Palafox Street. Tickets are $25. For tickets and more information, visit orileyspub.com/orileys-downtown.
March 30
The annual UWF Women in Leadership Conference educates the next generation of business leaders destined to positively impact the state of Florida. This conference resonates with well-established career women and those just beginning their
careers. Remarkably successful women, including CEOs from across the state, share their stories through inspiring speeches and panels dedicated to both personal inspiration and practical application. The conference will be held at the University of West Florida from 8 am to 5 pm in building 76A, room 224. For more information, visit uwf.edu/cob.
March 25
The Centre For Excellence of Pensacola is hosting its first fundraiser of 2023, "Lost in the 50's : Sock Hop." The Sock Hop is a fundraising event for The Centre 4 Excellence of Pensacola to fund for Jamie's Mom's House, which is an organization who helps those who have lost someone they loved through the opioid crisis, and the A.W.A.R.E Initiative which is taking part in the fight against human trafficking. This family friendly event features a classic car show, DJ, limbo contest, 50's trivia, raffles, silent auction, classic 50's diner food, and
more. The event runs from 5 p to 9 pm and is being hosted at 8851 Lewis Street. For tickets and more information, visit centre4excellence.org.
March 26
Chelcie Lynn is a comedian, actress, and internet personality extraordinaire. She started building a fan base in 2014 when her sketches featuring her alter ego, Trailer Trash Tammy, went viral. Her videos have since gained hundreds of millions of views across the internet and have launched her career on-screen and in comedy touring. She was named one of Variety’s Top 10 comics to watch in 2021. Her inaugural stand-up comedy tour, The Tammy Tour: One Trailer Park At A Time, sold out in 2021. Now Lynn will be stopping in Pensacola at the Saenger Theatre for an unforgettable night of comedy. The show begins at 8 pm. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolasaenger.com.
April 1
Whether you run or walk, everyone is invited to participate in the 2023 Navy Federal 5k. Join us on April 1 as we celebrate the 13th annual Navy Federal Credit Union 5K in downtown Pensacola. Early registration is open now through March 18 at a discounted rate of $18 for adults and $15 for youth, ages 5-13. Children 6 and under can also participate in the Sammie Sprint, a free quarter-mile race around Plaza Ferdinand. Participation in this event benefits the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation, which funds projects and programs. This event will also benefit the Santa Rosa Education Foundation. The race starts at 8 am at Seville Quarter. For registration and more information, visit navyfederal.org.
with the Pensacola Children's Chorus
Pricing varies Multi-week discounts available
June 19-23 Grades 1- 5 July10-14 Grades 6-8
DANCE INTENSIVE
July 5-7
Grades 7-12
SUMMER FESTIVAL
July 24-29
Grades 1-8
For more information, scan the QR code
PensacolaSings.org
Downtown entrepreneurial hub is set to reopen following closure from COVID and Hurricane Sally.
CO:LAB, a local entrepreneurial development center established through a partnership between FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance (FloridaWest) and Pensacola State College, is roaring back to life after being put on pause by the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Sally.
First established in 2008 as the Gulf Coast Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) as part of an economic development initiative, CO:LAB offers eligible business startups acceptance into a three-to-five-year program that includes access to office space and equipment, business mentoring and the camaraderie of other entrepreneurs who share many of the same challenges.
CO:LAB is an enterprise of FloridaWest and assists early stage high-growth companies become more successful by providing affordable, private office space, mentors and access to a variety of business services to help develop companies that will employ more people from our area as well as companies that will benefit our community.
From only two flagship tenants in 2008, CO:LAB has grown to become a thriving entrepreneurial hub serving
more than 55 unique businesses, each in varying stages of growth and development.
Just before the onset of the pandemic in January 2020, CO:LAB was buzzing at 86 percent occupancy, representing a total of 19 companies with nearly 60 employees. As countywide restrictions began to impact CO:LAB businesses, a handful of tenants decided to pause operations and some made the decision to leave.
“As people and businesses were learning how to navigate the pandemic, they began to return to CO:LAB,” CO:LAB Office Manager Casey Campbell said. “We were very optimistic—then Hurricane Sally struck.”
In September 2020, Hurricane Sally caused significant damage across Northwest Florida, lashing the region with
category 2 winds. These extreme winds ripped off half the roof at CO:LAB’s Garden Street building in downtown Pensacola, which caused water intrusion that heavily damaged the inside of the building.
“The third and fourth floors had to be gutted down to the studs,” Campbell explained. “The entire building had to be dried out and renovated—but PSC stepped in without hesitation to begin helping with the rebuild. Needless to say, our tenants who just returned no longer had a home. Still technically a part of CO:LAB, several companies relocated permanently and others did not come back. It was like starting all over again.”
Today, the downtown CO:LAB is well on its way to returning to previous occupancy levels. Director of Entrepreneurial Development Patrick Rooney said that "It's rewarding rebuilding the business-boosting enterprise.”
“We are now at 62 percent occupancy with 19 current tenants that represent 49 employees,” Rooney said. “CO:LAB is back to being a hub of entrepreneurial activity—it’s exciting to watch this important business incubator regain its foothold in our community, and it’s very satisfying to see our graduates successfully move on and make room for new tenants.”
One of these new tenants, Video Brochures Direct, is owned and operated by Aaron Ball and Glenn McDuffy. McDuffy said they were looking for office space downtown when they discovered CO:LAB. As a startup with specific needs, they fit the model perfectly.
“We got a tour of the facility and I knew right away it was a perfect fit,” McDuffy said. “We needed a showroom and office space and we got that and so much more. It’s the perfect environment for networking and sharing best practices with other entrepreneurs. I feel like we’re just
thriving here—
Pensacola offers so much: quality of life, talent pool, the university and colleges—it’s the perfect place for our headquarters.”
Another new tenant, Kevin Wessa, founder of BREWWW web design studio that focuses on creative solutions for complex problems, joined CO:LAB in April 2022. He and his wife and co-founder, Christine, were looking for a place to grow their business.
“I was exploring downtown for an office and discovered CO:LAB,” Wessa said. “The aspect of the entrepreneurial community is what makes it so special—our businesses are all different but we share a similar excitement for the work we do and can understand the challenges of running a business as well. Having other entrepreneurs around to bounce ideas off of has been a game changer.”
Dr. Ed Meadows, President of Pensacola State College, said that CO:LAB is an important economic driver and business incubator for entrepreneurs in the Pensacola community.
“We continue to be excited about making this space available to the entrepreneurial community,” Dr. Meadows said. “These entrepreneurs need not only space, but also the support and training offered by FloridaWest.”
Business owners who are interested in becoming a part of CO:LAB must meet specific criteria. For more information on eligibility requirements and CO:LAB services, visit colabpensacola.com.
January sales slid 27% from December’s totals.
49 DAYS ON MARKET
The median sale price dipped below $300k for the first time since last January. The average DOM for residential and condos combined was seven weeks, up an additional week over December.
For Sale
359
Both residential and condo inventory showed modest improvements in January.
MEDIAN SALE PRICE
There were 359 pending sales at the end of January.
896
300k PENDING SALES NEW RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS
Welcome to your dream home! Owner Joel Dittenber has completely remodeled this custom Craftsman home in the heart of East Hill, built in 1918, and now he is ready to share it with you. It is a perfect blend of classic architecture and modern upgrades. With 3 large bedrooms and 3 and a half bathrooms in the main house, this home is perfect for families and those who love to entertain.
As you arrive, you’ll be impressed by the new paver paths throughout the property, copper gutters and downspouts, impact-rated windows on the first floor, hurricane shutters for all windows and doors, and a new metal roof. The custom doors and interior masonry will take your breath away, while the 8" oak flooring adds a touch of warmth and charm to the home.
Ironwork by Richard Parker and woodwork by Dillweed Custom Wood bring a level of sophistication and elegance that is unmatched. Hand Blown glass light fixtures by Joe Hobbs provide a beautiful glow throughout the home.
The first floor primary suite is a true oasis, with a custom king-sized bed and maple wood closet with enough space for 100 pairs of shoes. The kitchen is a chef's dream, with Viking kitchen appliances, a 50 square foot leathered granite island, a tuckedaway office space, and a mudroom with its own prep sink. Upstairs, you’ll find two more bedrooms, a workout room with mirrored walls and rubber floor, and two bathrooms, one with a steam shower/sauna.
But that’s not all—the property also features a 600 square foot 1 bed 1 bath guest house with a covered pergola and its own parking, perfect for visiting friends and family or for a short term rental. A custom storage building with an attached patio completes the picture, providing plenty of space for all of your storage needs.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history in the heart of East Hill. Schedule your showing today!
1408 E Brainerd St
Springtime is a perfect opportunity for homeowners to begin planning renovations to enhance the interior and exterior of their living space. Because of its strong performance capabilities, low maintenance and design flexibility, brick is a popular building material choice when looking to improve or refresh your home in time for warmweather hosting season.
Often selected for its functional benefits, brick is available in a wide array of colors, textures and sizes that can match varying design styles, from modern to traditional and almost everything between. If you’re considering adding brick to your home’s aesthetic, consider these five projects to tackle this spring from the experts at Glen-Gery, one of the largest brick and stone manufacturers in North America.
Basement or patio bar –As homeowners spend more time at home, they often look to maximize livable space. One way to take advantage of unused living space is building a basement or patio bar, which provides an area for entertaining. Using an exposed
brick wall can help designate the bar area and separate it from the rest of the basement, or lining a bar counter with brick can create a rustic contrast against the bar’s seating.
Fireplace – To change the look and feel of a room almost instantly, you can use brick to give a fireplace a facelift or make it a focal point of your home. Available in a variety of colors and textures, GlenGery’s diverse, premium portfolio of more than 600 brick and stone products can elevate your living room’s style in a big way and create a more inviting area to share with family and friends. An outdoor fireplace is another option for extending livable space in a cozy way that can be used throughout the year.
Accent wall – Create a statement in or outside your home with a brick accent wall. Accent walls can help bring color, texture and beauty to homes by breaking up the monotony of monochromatic color or decor, creating visual interest and dimension. While brick in a running bond pattern is expected, you can spice up rooms with an unexpected bond pattern like a stacked bond for modern appeal or herringbone for a rustic look.
Kitchen backsplash – One of the most overlooked areas of kitchen design is the backsplash. While its job is to protect your kitchen walls from the never-ending assault of kitchen splatters, there’s no reason it can’t look good, too. Brick backsplashes can accommodate most home designs and styles thanks to the versatility of shapes, colors, finishes and sizes available.
Black or white glazed brick works well with more modern kitchens while irregular brick containing an abundance of texture and a messy mortar application can complete rustic farmhouse kitchens. An option like Glen-Gery’s virtual design tool, Picture Perfect, can help you visualize projects in your home to see what fits your style and needs.
Brick skirt – For added curb appeal, consider adding a brick skirt around the foundation of your home. Given its resilient, durable and energy-efficient qualities, brick can help provide better insulation and protection while also adding visual appeal to the exterior of your home through texture, color and contrast. The skirting can also continue through to the front porch floor and steps, helping balance out the elevation of your home.
For more inspiration for your next home renovation project, visit glengery.com.
Information-Pop Culture-Lifestyle-Personality! Not many people have the unique bragging rights of local roots, plus an amazing journey of career accomplishments. He says he’s a radical independent and a hostile witness to the baby boomer generation... and every weekday morning on WPNN he proves it. He’s the voice at the intersection of information, pop culture, lifestyle, politics, change, and tradition... and has lived to tell the magic and heartbreak of living in Pensacola and cities around the world. Those who listened to him as a kid on WBSR, G-100, WABB-FM, now tune in to the morning radio host as adults. “Experience is Everything,” working in prestigious markets across America; FOX Television Shows/Los Angeles, (Married with Children, Simpsons, 21 Jump Street, Tracy Ullman and Duet), New York, Denver, New Orleans, Dallas and Mobile. Three-time recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Journalism Award, FEMA Hurricane Certifications, CBS Network Radio, CNN Morning Business Anchor, NBC News, Screen Actors Guild (SAG Los Angeles), National Television of Arts and Sciences-Emmy Awards (NATAS Denver/Los Angeles) and New Orleans Saints Football Broadcast Producer.
Upgrading yoUr home design is an opportUnity to tap into new color schemes. Knowing what shades are trendy and how different hues can work together for a cohesive design is an important step in creating an attractive design aesthetic.
While you might turn to family or friends for inspiration for your next DIY project, another resource for collecting concepts and options to upgrade your space is the internet. Consider the Valspar Color-verse, which allows visitors to explore colors in a unique way and offers paint color inspiration and decor trends they can envision within their own homes.
After experiencing the Valspar 2023 Colors of the Year firsthand by painting walls and art from the collection to see the 3D virtual house come to life, you can find the perfect paint shade for your space.
“Through the Color-verse, visitors can experience the 12 Colors of the Year in a realistic virtual home,” said Gus Morales, vice president of brand marketing for CBG Sherwin-Williams. “Aside from exploring the Colors of the Year, the home is an engaging space for visitors to create art, play games and order paint chips to see how their top color picks look and feel in their homes.”
Many of this year’s popular nature-inspired designs are all about finding comfort, embracing a flexible lifestyle, rediscovering joy and leaning into the growing DIY movement. The most trend-worthy, forward-thinking and livable colors reflect specific facets or emotions of life so you can update your well-used spaces with thoughtful colors that evoke positive energy and lasting change.
Comfort and Contentment: If your goal is to create a space that envelopes you in a sense of comfort, consider a white with a yellow undertone that makes a space cozy like a soft blanket, like Cozy White from Valspar. Complement the softness with a muted clay that brings in brown undertones that suggest gentle contentment.
Calming Restoration: Tap into the calming tones of nature with a hazy green that has duality, which brings in both the calm and liveliness of the great outdoors. Another option is a deep midnight blue used as an elegant calming shade to restore mind, body and home.
Healthful, Mindful Living: Create an uplifting space where your wellness is a priority. Evoke a greater sense of health consciousness with a light blue that has a dose of softness used as a fresh neutral with uplifting qualities of a modern pastel, like Valspar’s Rising Tide. Reinforce the benefits of mindful living with a cool gray that is balanced by the warmth of the yellow undertone, a natural hue like a cotton muslin cloth.
Connections and Joy: Establish spaces where you can celebrate relationships with others, the world around you and happiness in your being. Consider hues like a white softened by a violet undertone, a harmonious shade promoted by digital connectivity. Evoke joy with a dependable classic tan that features a yellow undertone suggesting new life with uplifting qualities.
Natural Balance: Bringing hints of the outdoors into a well-loved living space creates a soothing ambiance. Consider a warm neutral brown tone inspired by the shades found in nature or a cooled down blue that strikes a beautiful balance between cool and warm shades in your design.
Inspirational Thought: A work-from-home or crafting space needs color to inspire great thinking. Try a faded natural terracotta that sparks individuality and warmth or a deep blackened olive, an on-trend neutral that embodies charm and sophistication.
Explore the tool and find more colorful ideas at Valspar.com.
After months spent largely indoors while harsh elements battered your home’s exterior, many homeowners are throwing open the windows and embracing spring’s arrival.
Every home requires ongoing maintenance to ensure it’s living up to its aesthetic and functional best. This checklist can help you create a comfortable home setting for enjoying the warmer months.
Check gutters. During the colder months, debris can accumulate in the gutters, which can be problematic when spring rains arrive. Clogged gutters prevent water from flowing efficiently away from the roof and house. When they’re backed up, they can cause water damage in a short amount of time. Faulty guttering can also cause slow leaks that lead to damage you may not discover until major repair work is needed. Properly functioning gutters are clear of debris, flow freely and are securely attached to the home.
Inspect the roof. Your roof takes a real beating in all kinds of weather conditions. Making it a common practice to carefully inspect the roof with the change of seasons can help you identify potential problems while they’re still in early stages, before a big storm hits and major damage occurs. Some roof issues can be addressed with simple repairs you can do yourself while others may require
a professional. A roofing expert can help you determine whether any trouble areas can be patched or if a more complete restoration is in order.
Replace the dryer vent. Upgrading your dryer vent is an opportunity to conserve energy and prevent flammable lint buildup in your dryers. One option for updating the exhaust system is a paintable version of InoVate’s Prime DryerWallVent. Engineered for both vent replacement and new construction, the vent includes features such as a gravity-assist damper, integrated magnets and a drip edge to provide extra protection from the elements as well as pests. A large, clean opening and lightweight angled damper promote exceptional airflow efficiency.
Service air conditioning units. Your heating and cooling system works hard to keep your indoor climate comfortable when
extreme temperatures make the outdoors unbearable. That’s why it’s important to have your systems serviced by a professional, and spring is a smart time to do so before they’re hard at work throughout the warmer months. Service can correct problems and ensure everything is operating efficiently, which can lead to money savings as well.
Repair window screens. Throughout the winter, your home’s window screens can accumulate a layer of dirt and grime that isn’t just unsightly; it blows indoors when you open the windows to welcome a fresh breeze. What’s more, if your screens have rips and tears, pesky bugs and other critters can make their way into your home more easily. Cleaning and repairing your screens can make your home more secure and help protect your indoor air quality.
Find more information to help get your home ready for spring at DryerWallVent.com,
