This fine home is a good illustration of the transition from the Greek Revival to the Italianate style that became fashionable in the 1840s. This was accomplished by the addition of features such as overhanging eaves and buttresses or brackets. A recent survey dates the house to circa 1841, while the Middle Georgia Historical Society [MGHS] dates it to 1869. I believe this was when the Italianate features were added. The Neoclassical-inspired porch posts were likely added around the turn-of-the-century, reflecting the popularity of that style at the time. The MGHS states that it is, architecturally, one of the most important houses in the High Street area.
The first known owner was Virgil Powers, superintendent of the Southwestern Railroad, surveyor for the Macon-to-Savannah rail line in 1834, a city alderman, member of the Board of Education, and the board of the Orphanage of Bibb County. Considering Powers’s early presence in Macon, its not a stretch to imagine that he built the house as a Greek Revival, around the 1841 date, and altered it to the Italianate appearance in 1869.
Macon Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
This is truly an outstanding example of the two styles. They come together well here. The house is elegant and stately, not a bit overstated with the Italianate add m-ons in 1869. The porch is a masterpiece of simplicity and comfort. If only all houses had porches like that.
Is this house on College St?
High Street, near the Sidney Lanier Cottage.