The Historic Savannah Foundation has sold the P.J. O’Connor House, 222 E. 32nd St. in the heart of Savannah’s Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District, to Jim Abraham, a historic preservation instructor at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
The foundation had acquired the home through its revolving fund, which acquires historic properties through donation, options or purchase.
The O’Connor property is seen as a key piece of the historic foundation’s Lincoln Street Initiative, which began a decade ago and facilitated the renovation of some of the most derelict properties in the Thomas Square neighborhood.
“We’re delighted we found a local preservation-minded buyer who appreciates the unique opportunity the P.J. O’Connor House presents,” said foundation president and CEO Daniel Carey. “Jim Abraham has the knowledge, experience and commitment to restore this Victorian house to its former glory and re-anchor that corner.
“After a long period of benign neglect, the P.J. O’Connor House now has a bright future.”
Abraham has served as the project manager on the Lucas Theater’s restoration and oversaw the renovation of the Kennedy Pharmacy on Broughton Street. He said he plans to restore the two-story O’Connor house, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and live there once renovations are complete.
“When I visited the P.J. O’Connor House, I immediately realized the property has great bones and incredible potential,” he said. “Many of the interior details are intact. I’m looking forward to completing a period-sensitive restoration.”
Abraham is conducting a paint analysis to determine the house’s original exterior color and said he plans to re-coat the metal roof, repair damaged overhangs and replace the home’s missing front porch in the next several months.
His goal is to complete additional exterior and interior renovations next year.
ABOUT THE P. J. O’CONNOR HOUSE
Built in 1885, the P. J. O’Connor House is an architecturally significant Victorian house featuring 2,310 square feet of living space. Located at the corner of 32nd Street and Lincoln Street, the property includes period details like original fireplaces, hardwood floors, molding and gingerbread detailing.
The house was originally built by Savannah attorney, alderman and philanthropist P.J. O’Connor, who served as the National President and National Director of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and was a cousin of legendary Savannah author Flannery O’Connor.