Front Porch: Classic Wright design on market

By JANET ZINK
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 19, 2002

THE WRIGHT STUFF: Architect Frank Lloyd Wright left a major mark in Florida, particularly at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, which is home to the world's largest, single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.

His influence can also be seen in Tampa.

The Leiman-Wilson home, located at 716 S Newport Ave. in Hyde Park, was designed in 1914 by the architectural firm of Bonfoey-Elliott. It bears some signature Frank Lloyd Wright touches, including angular roof lines, raised terraces and window panes with classic Wright shapes.

The home has been in the Wilson family since it was built and is on the market now for the first time. The price tag: $1.55-million.

The two-story, 4,897-square-foot home is on a corner lot and boasts marble front steps, five fireplaces, hardwood floors with mahogany trim, mahogany paneling in the dining room, hand-crafted tile throughout and an elevator.

WHERE THE SALES ARE: Home sales are hopping in Brandon. According to the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors, more than 450 homes were sold in Brandon during the first two months of 2002. By comparison, in the same period, 170 homes were sold in South Tampa, 160 were sold in New Tampa, 180 were sold in Carrollwood, and 120 were sold in Town 'n Country. Figures do not include private sales or new construction.

A CLOSER LOOK: Just because you're buying a newly constructed home doesn't mean you can do without a home inspector before closing. A lot goes into building a house and a lot can go wrong, says Laurie Clauser of Barbara Realty. In new developments, the city and county inspectors who are charged with making sure that everything's done to code are often overwhelmed. Go ahead and spend $200 to $300 on your own inspector, Clauser recommends. It could save you thousands.

-- Write to Janet Zink in care of the St. Petersburg Times at 1000 N. Ashley Drive, Suite 700, Tampa, 33602; or by e-mail, j.zink@gte.net.

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