Once upon a time, it was a garage for what is perhaps the most famous car ever built, but following a “conversion,” the small structure behind 1018 Hanover Ave. in Norfolk is now part entertainment space and part greenhouse, fit for winterizing tropical bonsai plants.
“Originally, it was a small Model T type garage, which was replaced by a [modern] garage,” said Ken Nowitzky, who along with his wife, Kathleen, own the home.
Model T garages started popping up around a century ago, specifically to house the Ford automobile. Since the Model T was much smaller than the cars that came after it, the garages usually weren’t big enough to continue their intended use. Over time that garage was replaced.
“The original plan was to make it usable as a greenhouse, but it became multi-functional as a bonsai workshop, a pottery studio, a place to paint — I paint in an East Asian style called Sumei — and a bar and general entertainment area,” Ken said.
Tropical bonsai require a temperature of 55-75 degrees year-round. Some flower, and some even bear fruit.
“I’ve been a bonsai enthusiast for 25 years,” Ken added. “I took up pottery in order to make my own bonsai pots. While taking a pottery class in the nearby Titustown Recreation Center I was encouraged to try painting. So the garage transitioned as a direct result of my bonsai interest.”
He said his wife has been very supportive of his hobbies.
In order to convert the garage to a greenhouse, the retractable garage door was replaced with south facing glass doors. Also, Ken added workbenches to facilitate bonsai-related projects.
Electrical service was added to accommodate a pottery kiln so he could fire pots himself. The pegboard walls were designed to hang and to display bonsai pots.
Also added along the way were a bar, a stereo, and some carpet to make the space pleasant for hosting friends.
Inside the 1914 home is another unique, if not somewhat mysterious, feature: A fireplace mantel that the owners were told dates back to around 1875, although they weren’t told any other specifics.
For more information on the home visit Chandler Reality.
