516 McLain Street
Dayton, OH 45403

In 1892, Frank Joyce had this 4,000 sq.ft. elegant home built for his family. Although the house still stands proud atop St. Anne's Hill, the years have taken a toll. There are 10 large rooms with high ceilings and elaborate plaster work, but water from previous roof leaks has done some damage to the plaster (no current leaks). Fortunately, much of the elaborate ceiling and crown molding details have been spared any damage. Despite the neglect and ill-advised painting that have marred its beauty, the millwork (including four sets of 8' tall pocket doors) remains as evidence of the wealth of the original owner. The 35 windows and 6 exterior doors are all the original units, but they also suffer from deferred maintenance. A walk through the full (2,000 sq.ft.+/-), deep basement shows how sturdy this home is, but also shows how old the mechanical systems are. The 3rd floor ballroom (1,000 sq.ft. in addition to the 4,000 on the 1st and 2nd floors) has been partitioned into rooms as it was once a separate apartment. Restoring this home to its past grandeur will take time and money, but the current asking price is half or less of its potential value once the work is done. The well known "Steamboat House", which is next door, is in the final stages of just such a total restoration. It is of a similar size, age and quality. A few final notes: 1. 70% of the roof was reshingled 6 years ago (rear and east side); 2. the 3,000 sq.ft.+/- brick carriage house includes an apartment on the 2nd floor as well as space for 5 cars.