Welcome to the Neighborhood

HISTORIC HOMES Welcome to the Neighborhood

With a neighborhood as well-established as the Old Southwest, new construction is a rarity. With a few exceptions, seldom are new homes erected amongst the historic homes that give the neighborhood its character. However, in April 2019 a new home appeared in the neighborhood—not new construction, but a historic home that traveled by truck to the corner of Arlington and Saint Lawrence.

The new addition is known as the Garat/Humphrey House, named for its former owners. Its previous location was 127 E. Eighth Street near the University of Nevada, Reno. It was rescued from the block of historic homes the University recently demolished to make way for a southern expansion of the campus.

Fortuitously, the home’s new owners, who took on the arduous task of moving it to the Old Southwest, are related to one of the home’s previous owners, Frances Humphrey. Frances lived in the home for 80 years until she passed away in 2001 at the age of 97. The estate sold the home to an investor who then sold it to the University in 2008. Then, in April 2019, Tim Gilbert and his wife Nancy Avanzino Gilbert, the new owners of the home, acquired it from the University and arranged to have it moved. Tim is the cousin of Frances Humphrey.

When asked about the motivation to acquire the home, Tim said, “We saved it from the wrecking ball. My wife and I feel we are saving old Reno one bungalow at a time.”

The home’s architectural style is described as Asian-inspired craftsman and includes a number of unique details that create its character. Although many modern conveniences have been added to the home at its new location, the period character has mostly been retained.

When you’re out walking (or driving) through the neighborhood, be sure to stop and study the details this house exudes. With so few new additions to the neighborhood possible, having an additional piece of Reno history is a welcome addition.

“We saved it from the wrecking ball.”

– Tim Gilbert