Sunday Favorites: Fogarty House Restored

The  oldest home in Bradenton has been restored and is now for sale, 

Just two years ago, the oldest house in Bradenton faced the prospect of being demolished. The fate of a three-story home originally constructed in 1871 by Bartholomew “Tole” Fogarty, a pioneer boatbuilder, seemed bleak.

By 2021 it had fallen into potential ruin, characterized by neglect, outdated features, and a lack of modern necessities, most notably the absence of centralized air conditioning. For many, rescuing the iconic Fogartyville home appeared to be nothing more than a distant pipedream.

Situated on the 31st block of Riverview Boulevard in Bradenton, the property, which included a desirable half-acre of land, was listed for sale. The latest purchaser in a series of ownership changes had abandoned plans to renovate after the project proved too extensive and expensive to pursue.

Peggy Donoho, a local historian and author, passionately championed the preservation of the home, bringing awareness to the sale. Luckily, someone did take notice. Dr. Harold Ott, a retired veterinarian from Ruskin saw Donoho’s plea on Facebook and my Sunday Favorites article on the subject, and decided to step in.

“If someone didn’t buy it, I knew it would be demolished, and I just couldn’t sit back and watch that happen,” Ott said.  

Ott embarked on a two-year-long renovation, salvaging what he could from the original homestead. The wooden staircase in the entry, for example, was completely stripped, sanded, and refinished.

“This piece is completely solid,” he said. “The entire time we were doing construction, it never moved.”

Thanks to a considerate neighbor who took proactive measures during the period when the home sat vacant, all the interior doors were removed to prevent vandalism. This thoughtful action ensured that the property still retains its original doors, along with the original wood ceilings and much of the original flooring, according to Ott.

“I tried to save as much of the original home as I could,” he said. 

During the renovation process, working in collaboration with an interior designer, Ott implemented careful enhancements. Notably, in the great room, two columns were replaced with beams to create a more open and spacious atmosphere. Upstairs, two bedrooms were extended, incorporating the addition of walk-in closets and washrooms. This adjustment reduced the original seven bedrooms to five, aligning the layout with modern lifestyle preferences.

The home, constructed in 1871, initially lacked an indoor kitchen and bathrooms. Over the last 150 years, plumbing was incrementally updated to accommodate more contemporary amenities, although many were not up to today's standards. To address this, Ott and his construction team at David  Windham Construction,  undertook the significant step of raising the entire home off its foundation. This elevation facilitated the installation of adequate plumbing, resulting in the incorporation of 4.5 bathrooms that now meet modern standards. It also helped with the installation of centralized air.

Each area of the home boasts distinctive elements. Ott's keen eye for detail led him to uncover two antique windows on the property, which he creatively incorporated into the dining room. Positioned as "windows to the past," these windows were installed in the drywall, allowing the original wooden plank-painted walls to be visible through them. Not only do they serve as intriguing conversation pieces, but they also act as a reminder of the home's remarkable journey and transformation.

The third floor exudes a charm reminiscent of a children's fairytale. It features two rooms ideally suited for children, complemented by a cozy small den and an upstairs bathroom all tucked under dormer ceilings. The whimsical ambiance conjures images of Peter Pan as if you could almost envision him tapping on the window, inviting the playfulness and enchantment that comes with never growing up.

The home also borders Lewis Park which was recently outfitted with all-new playground equipment. This means children living at the residence would have state-of-the-art play areas within a stone’s throw.

“I would love to see a young family with kids to continue the love and the energy this house experienced when Tole built it,” he said. "At a time when people were building palmetto huts to live in, he built this place for his family, a three-story structure that was strong enough to endure 150 years and, now, can last 150 more."

Tole and his wife, Mary Ellen Fogarty, raised five children in the home, originally situated 100 yards from its current location in present-day Lewis Park. The residence was part of a 135-acre homestead that Tole purchased with his three brothers, collectively known as Fogartyville. This village, at the time, lacked road access and could only be accessed by boat.

In 1877, the introduction of a trolley car marked a pivotal development, connecting Fogartyville to Main Street in Manatee Village (present-day East Bradenton). By 1880, the village had grown to include 30 families. In 1881 a bridge was constructed over Ware's Creek, enabling wagon passage for the first time.

Upon Tole and Mary's passing, the home became the inheritance of their two daughters, Katherine and Letitia Fogarty. After Letitia’s death in 1929, Katherine became the sole owner. Faced with challenges in maintaining the property and accumulating tax debts, Katherine negotiated a solution. She orchestrated the relocation of the house to its current position and, in return, donated a portion of her property to the city. This donated land eventually became Lewis Park, contributing to the community as a public space.

Without Ott, this history may have been lost along with the oldest home in Bradenton. Ott's two-year-long journey not only salvaged the original homestead but reminded the community of its history. His dedication along with thoughtful enhancements, unique touches, and meticulous attention to detail, not only preserved the historical integrity of the Fogartyville home but also elevated it to a new era of charm and functionality. The once-forgotten residence now stands as a testament to Ott's commitment to history and community, a beacon saved from oblivion, waiting for a new family to continue its legacy. Who will continue it?

As for Ott, he says his restoration days are over. He is content living in his 1910 Palmetto bungalow. He hopes to spend more time with his four children and eight grandchildren, preserving the love and legacy of his own family.