NEWFOUND PASSION
Tin ceilings spark a shiny renovation
Adecade ago, David McAnallen had no interest in restoring houses. Now he’s finishing his fourth project on the North Side, right across the street from his own renovated home.
Each one has one unique feature that drives him to save it. This time it was seven original tin ceilings on the 1897 Second Empire townhouse.
“The house has one of the most impressive uses of pressed tin that I've ever seen,” said Martin Fuess, an archaeologist.
Mr. Fuess is also chairman of the Manchester House & Garden Tour from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 6. This house on Sheffield Street is one of 10 stops on the tour.
The renovation began in November 2016 with a dilemma: where to put the first-floor powder room? Two massive entrances to the kitchen and a dividing wall left little room for a bathroom. Finally, Mr.McAnallen and his contractors decided to remove the wall, close off one of the entrances and make it thedoor to the new bathroom.
With its colorful stained-glass panels on the door and vibrant yellow walls, you can’t miss it.
“The bathroom should be celebrated,” he said.
The kitchen’s tin ceiling was in the worst condition, with layers of paint and damage from the constant heat. Mr. McAnallen restored the affected areas and painted the ceiling a glossy finish that accentuates the geometric
pattern.
The stove was originally set against a brick wall, but contractors created an arched niche and installed a new gas range. On the floor in front of it is a mural of a whimsical chef done by Holly Putz.
A door from the kitchen leads to the new garden, a wasteland that the owner transformed with 20 tons of dirt, a few young apple and pear trees and other landscaping. A hedge of arborvitae creates a barrier between the garden and the noise and bustle of the North Side.
“It’s rare to have a garden in the city,” Mr. McAnallen said. “But I think it’s important for the house to feel whole.”
While most of the house’s floors and woodwork are made of pine or oak, the banister leading to the third floor is a dark, rich walnut that contrasts with the offwhite walls. It was in such poor condition that the contractors almost discarded it, but Mr. McAnallen decided such a precious wood needed to be saved.
The second floor has a more modern feel than the first floor. A bedroom was used to create a master bathroom. A large alpha and omega stained-glass panel marks the position of the old bedroom door.
The unusual rounded shower is covered with Venetian plaster and has rope lighting above. Press a button and colored light floods the bathroom. A second full bathroom features exposed brick and glass block that lets in more natural light.
Mr. McAnallen has put the house on the market for $469,000. He can be contacted at 412- 952- 7173 or abd1426@ He enjoys sharing his newfound passion.
“I had no experience with renovating houses,” he said. “I’m lucky that people like my work, and I can keep doing this.”