Casten-Austin

501 Elgin Ave

Built: 1989

Purchased: 2019

When Gillian Casten and Bradley Austin bought their home in 2019, they did not know the historical controversy about the home. Estimated to be built in 1898, this home and another in town have been debated as being the oldest standing home in Forest Park. In the early 1900’s the house was moved two blocks on railroad tracks from Circle and Madison to the current location. The home used to be stationed where the late Tap Room bar is located. The homeowners personal research discovered that a man named “Schwab” lived and died in the home. The owners, whenever they hear a creak or odd sound say, “Hey Schwabby!”

Since purchasing the home in 2019, Gillian and Bradley have installed a new roof and siding on the coach house, gutters, porch, lots of work to the garden and the newest addition the garage bar. “We want to thank the Historical Society of Forest Park for this opportunity to be on the Garden Walk, it has made for a very intense two weeks of completing garden projects we’ve “planned” to do forever, like the garage bar!”

The homeowners know their garden space is smaller, but they like to create a neat and classic look for the outdoor space. Gillian’s mom had her own floral & landscape design business, so gardening is in the genes. “We try to work with what we have – probably the smallest garden on the tour so we’ve had to get creative! My favorite thing about gardening is seeing new butterflies, entertaining guests and tulips in the spring. My favorite plant is our Baptesia, and the plant I spend the most money on is hydrangeas. We look for the mama robins and babies nested on the trellis above the bar and the carpenter bees that love our garage as well….”