223 Boulevard

Constructed between 1898 and 1900, 223 Boulevard is a charming turn-of-the-century Queen Anne-style house somewhat reminiscent of the “Charleston style” with its unique “single-loaded floorplan,” in which rooms are only situated on one side. Special exterior features of the corner lot structure include gable sunburst patterns and decorative rail and baluster front trim. An added feature to this house are the lovely gardens. 

The home has retained its historic character, while undergoing a number of updates. In 1979, unspecified updates were made to the house. More recently in 2017, the Stovalls added a first-floor bedroom and enclosed sun porch designed by architect L. Ben Dooley. The interior maintains its historical elements as seen in the original 10-foot ceilings, heart pine floors, and windows of six-over-six and four-over-four glass patterns. 

The first recorded residents of 223 Boulevard were the Powell family in 1909, with the patriarch of this family, T.W., working as a grocer. Spending the first few decades of its history primarily as a single-family home, it was later converted into a duplex. Until at least 1958, the residents of 223 Boulevard were primarily part of the working and middle classes, as were most of Boulevard’s residents during this period, working as railroad conductors, insurance salesmen, and waitresses.   

At one time, 223 Boulevard came into the ownership of the Epting family, reportedly housed the members of REM briefly, later sold by Sidney Smith to the Stovalls in 1985. It was later owned by Sidney Smith, who sold the house to the Stovalls in 1985. 223 Boulevard has been the family residence of the Stovalls for the last 40 years. It is a picturesque example of how historic spaces grow with time, bringing Athens' history to the present.