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Kucia
Built: 1908 Purchased: 1994
The home at 529 Elgin was built approximately in 1908 as a singlefamily home and during the home’s history was converted into a two-flat. Due to the hardships of the depression or World War II, many homes in the Forest Park area were converted to accommodate a whole family or renters. Kathy Kucia purchased the home in 1994 and at that time it had dark brown asphalt siding. Under the ownership of Kathy, the homes was re-sided, a two-car garage built and a backyard fish pond added.
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“I have always enjoyed gardening and the large yard was a major reason for my purchasing the home. One thing I have learned over the years is that a garden is ever changing and you have to roll with the changes and challenges. Areas that were once shaded become full sun and areas that were sunny become shady requiring changing the garden plantings to suit the new conditions. When I first purchased the home there was a beautiful 40-foot willow tree in the back of the yard. The yard was a shaded paradise…. until one day the willow fell over! After getting over the initial shock and cleanup, it gave me a whole new challenge to do some redesigning.”
Kathy goes on further to describe her outdoor space as follows: “I love being outside in the garden and I have tried to create my own personal “park” that would be relaxing and inviting to others. My gardening style can best be described as eclectic. I have tried to create various areas or “rooms”, around the yard for entertaining and to accommodate different functions. The garden is a place to enjoy nature alone or preferably with friends. Some of the features include a patio area with a table and grill for outdoor dining, a firepit area for hanging out, open lawn space for yard games, a small, secluded patio at the front of the yard, and a patio space off of the double doors of the garage (makeshift party room) and a fishpond that also attracts birds and other neighborhood animals looking for a quick bath or drink of water. The garden is definitely my favorite part of the house!”
