Bob and Norma fell so in love with their properties in the new Nittany Hills Development that they bought the whole south side of the 600 block of the proposed Nimitz Avenue. Standing on their deck, the reason is easy to see, as they have a commanding view of Mount Nittany and the surrounding area.
At the time, the developer required that all homes be single story to protect the views of neighbors. Phil thus proposed building partially on a slab. As a civil engineer, Bob could not stand losing the efficiency of having basement space, especially since part could be exposed on their sloping site. Phil then designed this raised ranch style for them. The developer agreed to their proposal.
Bob is now Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering and maintains an independent consulting practice. Norma was a homemaker, raising four children in the home, as well contributing to the care of seven grandchildren, all of whom live in the area. She is an avid plant lover. They found that they could maintain their view while selling the lower corner lot to a daughter, who now lives next door.
While Phil designed the house as a frame structure, Norma’s stone cutter and mason father offered to lay the stone for them. The result is one of the finest done stone houses in town. There was no University Drive at the time, and the mail had to be retrieved from a box on Garner Street.
The graceful curved walkway seems to beckon visitors into the entrance.
The cantilevered canopy over the door appears almost to float over the entrance. Hallock was fond of using cantilevers in his designs, a Wrightian inspiration.
The view of Mount Nittany from the deck to the East is outstanding. The roof of a daughter’s house peeks over a hedge at the bottom right. Nimitz Avenue is unseen to the lower left.
Norma’s father hauled the large stones for the patio wall over the mountains from Curwensville. He laid the stone for the patio, as well, and it’s condition is superlative after almost fifty years.
The space of the modest-sized living area is considerably enhanced by use of an exposed beam cathedral ceiling and open stairway from the entry.
Further enhancement of the space is achieved by an open floor plan and use of only a partial wall around the kitchen. The dining area is to the left.
The fireplace is easily the highlight of the living area. Norma’s father selected, cut, and installed the stone using the dimensions of the fireplace specified by Hallock. The marble mantle was once a bank counter.
While the exterior was changed slightly, the basement plan was modified by Bob to enlarge the recreation room and move the bath and laundry to the area which was designated as slab on grade (above).
Even on a cloudy winter day, the dining room offers stunning views of Mount Nittany.
Several of Bob’s photos of Mount Nittany hang behind the sofa of the basement family room.
