The Geneva Historical Society Tour of Homes

Leslie Kroeger and Joe Hennessy - House #5
54 North Main Street

I. Edgar Hill, a Geneva architect of the early twentieth century well known for historical applications in residential designs, was commissioned to build this unique home for Lewis Madia. The Madia family immigrated from Italy in the nineteenth century and founded several successful businesses. Leslie and Joe are the first owners outside the Madia family.
The home might be characterized as a Romanesque Revival Cottage, reminiscent of a twelfth century villa in the Italian countryside. Much of the Romanesque mood is driven by the historical period ceilings: an amazing vault in the central hall, a coffered ceiling in the living room, and a beamed and corbelled ceiling in the living room.

Doors are of quarter-sawn oak, Craftsman style touches are evident in the fireplace flanked by bookshelves and stained glass. The interiors make a dramatic background for contemporary art collected by Leslie, a photographer and artist. The simple and functional kitchen, illuminated by gallery lighting, continues the theme of the rustic Italian villa. The World War II-era refurbished range has become an American domestic icon.

The façade of the house underwent complete restoration during most of the summer of 2009. Badly cracked and damaged stucco was removed and then replaced with the same mixture and in the same manner as the original stucco. Coincidentally, masons used an old Italian brass tool with teeth that discharged the mixture. Wander into the backyard and find yourself immersed in the lovely Tuscan gardens.