704 W 9th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 US Sioux Falls Home for Sale

Of any of the Victorian style homes, this one is likely the most elaborate and unique. There is something idealistic and, maybe even wistful, about these houses.  A little odd since they came about in the hard driving , turn-of-the-century  American machine age. It was the architectural fashion rage of the 1880’s and 1890’s; new technologies of all types were budding across the country and home building was no exception.  Mass produced in factories, precut detail pieces were sent everywhere builders were looking for unique means to make their particular offerings stand out. Tending to be innovative and asymmetrical, they’re easy to spot but not so easy to define.  There are four types of detailing that are often associated with the Queen Anne home (Virginia and Lee McAlester,  A Field Guide to American Homes).  1) Patterned- Tend to be city houses with brick, stone or terra cotta walls, decorative details in wood) 2) Half-timbered – The gables carry the half timber look, thick porch posts.  3) Spindled – the “gingerbread” look most often associated with Queen Anne’s. 4) Free Classic – Classic columns, inside or outside, brick or stone piers. Not unusual to see dentil moldings. 

The history of this  “Queen Anne” house…

The Emerson family sold this lot to Francis and Alice Scott in 1902.  Their daughter Lillian lived with them.  In 1911, Alice and Lillian Scott Langfeldt sold the house to Walter and Myrtle Steven.  Walter was the president of the State Bank & Trust Company.  They lived here until 1917, when the Stevens moved to Minneapolis where Walter was the president of the Steven’s  Overland Company.

As you take some time to walk through this home let your eye catch the abundance of detail that is here. Beautiful wood trim with various widths and styling, floors that carry a life within them that vinyl never will, curved window glass that leads you around the expansive porch and graces the dining room.  No boxed in feeling with these ceilings, they give you that free and open sensation that makes for comfortable conversation with family and friends. The kitchen has been redone with convenience and style in mind, tile floors, granite counters, and cherry cabinet faces. Everywhere you look, there is another story to heard or your history to make!

On the practical side, the roof has been redone in the last few years. There are dual heating systems available, both a hot water system and two forced air furnaces for those who prefer that type of heat (and cooling!). The yard is surrounded with wrought iron fencing  helping to maintain the feel of this historic neighborhood.

And, yes, you’re right, this house isn’t for everyone. Vintage homes will always come with a certain amount of maintenance.  Keeping a part of our community’s housing history alive will come with a price in effort and material