Blog

News and Happenings at Spruce Acres

Delaware Governor Jack Markell Visits Spruce Acres in 2010

Posted | 0 comments

In 2010, Governor Markell signed into law a 10-year extension of the Delaware Historic Preservation Tax Credits Program, which has supported an estimated 2,400 jobs rehabilitating historic buildings across the state since 2001. This the signing was held at Spruce Acres.   Several articles were written about the event.  Click on the links below to read the articles. View article and photos of the event on Jack Markell’s Facebook page: “Preserving Jobs and Delaware’s Heritage” View July 10, 2010 Dover Post article here: “Markell Signs Historic Preservation Tax Credits Law” View July 19, 2010 Dover Post article here: “Governor Signs Bill Extending Historic Preservation Credit”     Share...

Read More

Gloriously Reborn

Posted | 0 comments

This article was written in the Delaware Today Magazine about Spruce Acres in 2008 >>> Click Here to read the article Share...

Read More

Couple Turns Historic House Into Unique Office

Posted | 0 comments

This article was written in the Dover Post about Spruce Acres. It was written shortly after the property was purchased by Andy and Jen Nowak.   Couple Turns Historic House Into Unique Office by Ben Andersen, Staff Writer: Dover Post 8/1/2007   When Andy and Jen Nowak walked into the Buckson Mansion last year, they saw potential. Of course, like others before them, the Dover couple saw the water damage, the cracking paint and the antiquated electrical system. But they saw potential. “It was definitely a leap of faith, there’s no two ways about it,” Mr.Nowak said. “It was one of those things where we walked around going, ‘Wow, this is going to be a big project.’” “We didn’t know how big, because once you get into it you uncover more and more that needs to be done,” Mrs. Nowak added. “So, renovations we thought would take a couple months are still continuing.” The Nowaks, who have two young daughters, bought the building last year when Mrs. Nowak’s law firm, Gibson & Nowak Attorneys at Law, was looking to expand its space. Originally built in the 1840s, the mansion, called Spruce Acres, fell into deep disrepair after prominent judge David P. Buckson moved out. The Nowaks spent almost as much money on renovations as on the building itself, but the couple ensured the overhaul was as historically accurate as possible. An office building was a natural evolution for the site because the couple could keep most of the interior intact. “I felt like we’d be doing a disservice if we turned it into an apartment building,” Mr. Nowak said. While the work continues today, the office, located at 110 N. Main St. in Camden, is open for business. A grand staircase greets visitors at the three-story building. Gibson & Nowak is to the left, while the main conference room is to the right. The entrance especially impressed Camden Town Manager Robert Mooney. “Once you walk through the front door you think you’re going back into a building built in the 1850s,” he said. Mooney appreciates the effort the couple has put in to restore the house, and feels the improvements fit in well with the rest of the historic block. “Although it’s just one block, it has the appearance of old New Castle,” he said. Mrs. Nowak found her neighbors supported the work on the house, even when they worked late nights. “We didn’t change much,” she said. “We kind of brought it back. I think people appreciate that.” The Nowaks left in many quirks from years past, including a servant bell, an old fuse box and the 12-foot high ceilings on the second floor. In a modern twist, the building now has geothermal heating and cooling to save electricity. Mr. Nowak, an engineer, compared the restoration to television shows like A&E’s “Flip This House.” “The problem with the television show is that they make it look fun,” he joked. Download Article Here (PDF) ISSUE DATE 8/1/07 Copyright 2007© The Dover Post Co. All Rights Reserved. Share...

Read More

Repaired Mansion Camden Jewel

Posted | 0 comments

This article was written in the Delaware State News about Spruce Acres. It was written shortly after the property was purchased by Andy and Jen Nowak.   Repaired Mansion Camden Jewel by Nora Engel, Delaware State News 7/16/2007   CAMDEN — Andy Nowak, proud new owner of the Buckson Mansion on North Main Street in Camden, felt it had the potential to be spectacular the first time he saw it. The building is known as the Buckson Mansion because it was previously owned by Judge David Buckson. After he sold it in 1997, the home deteriorated over the past 10 years. Mr. Nowak said he and his wife Jen knew the mansion was in desperate need of repair, but they were up for the challenge. The house was built in 1840 and used in the Underground Railroad. The stenciling on the wall is original. There are also several original sinks, a 1850 Dutch oven and a gas lantern which was used to light the house in the 1800s. Mr. Nowak said all those items, among many other original features, will remain in the house. “It’s a part of history and really fascinating,” he said. “Every room in the house tells a story. That’s why it is so important to keep it as original as possible. “Modernizing it too much or destroying it would be like destroying history.” Mr. and Mrs. Nowak brought back the original name to the property — Spruce Acres. Mr. Nowak said before the Civil War, runaway slaves are said to have slept in secret rooms on the third floor of the home. He said Abolitionist Quakers kept a library in the mansion of antislavery books that are now on display at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. The Nowaks decided to turn the house into unique office spaces. “My wife is an attorney, so this was the perfect chance for her and her law partner to expand their firm,” Mr. Nowak said. “And we didn’t want to turn it into apartments because we wanted to keep it as original as possible, so it doesn’t lose its historical value.” Mr. and Mrs. Nowak worked hard over the past year to restore the mansion. Most people who walk through it today would agree it is breathtaking. It’s hard to believe less than a year ago it was a mess. There are several office spaces available for rent throughout the mansion. Mr. Nowak said the only parts of the house that have truly become modernized are the electric, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning. Each office is computer ready with 13-foot ceilings and a classic and elegant design. Anyone interested in renting a space at Spruce Acres can contact Eagle Wings Properties at 302-632-7091. Staff writer Nora Engel can be reached at 741-8272 or nengel@newszap.com. Download Article Here (PDF) Крымские новости Share...

Read More

Escape to Historic Spruce Acres Mansion

Posted | 0 comments

Look No Further! Spruce Acres’s elegance offers one of a kind, stately accommodations to serve your business engagement needs. This historic property, has been recently restored and converted to Class-A commercial space. It is owned and managed by Eagle’s Wings Properties. Find out why many already selected Spruce Acres as their flex office space or commercial conference base. Contact Andy Nowak for more information today! Phone – 302-698-4444 110 North Main St. Camden, DE 19934 clash of clans gem hack apk Share...

Read More