By Sydney Ashby

Just like the character Two-Face in Batman, Josh Somes’ fate was decided by the toss of a coin. When he returned to Memphis after living in Kansas City, he and his wife, Deidre, had to decide which one of them was going to work on their rental properties and which one was going to get a “9-to-5” job. Josh lost – or many would say won – the toss, and as a result he began improving their rentals and scouting out new properties to purchase. That next purchase was 2053 Oliver, and along with it, they decided to not just restore the property but to pursue third party verification through Energy Star to ensure that the house would be as energy-efficient as possible.

Surprisingly, what led Josh to the CY neighborhood was an article about the Smallest User competition. “I’d read the online version of the Lamplighter while in Kansas City and was impressed by Cooper-Young’s desire to lower their energy consumption,” Josh said. “I knew this was the neighborhood to attempt this project.” So, he and Deidre began sustainSTUDIO and have labeled their first attempt “Project Ginkgo” after the ginkgo tree in the front yard. Josh hopes to have Project Ginkgo completed by 2012, the centennial of 2053 Oliver.

Challenges
Josh and Deidre have faced many challenges in the process to restore 2053 Oliver. But in order to stay focused and make decisions easier, they are always asking themselves, “How sustainable can we make it?” Specifically, they want to ensure that the house is as energy efficient as possible, and as a result, are seeking third party verification to make the house Energy Star qualified.

But Josh and Deidre are also intent on making sure the house retains as much of its original character as possible. For example, deciding whether or not to replace the windows or simply add on storm windows was extensively discussed. While replacement windows would be energy efficient, the trade off of getting rid of the originals was not worth it. Storm windows will still ensure proper insulation and energy conservation without compromising the uniqueness of the house. And although none of the four fireplaces will be functional as that would not allow the house to be Energy Star certified, Josh still decided to keep them for the sake of their aesthetic.

Converting the house from a duplex to a single-family design was another challenge. The question of energy efficiency had to be coupled with a design that reflected a 21^st century lifestyle. They decided on the 2-bedroom plan that mirrored the original plan of the house but made a big change with the design of the kitchen. Josh and Deidre decided to open it up quite a bit to reflect the tendency now for the kitchen to be more of a gathering place than it was when the house was originally built.

Perhaps the biggest challenge and the starting point for most major energy-conservation home projects came with the ‘envelope.’ The envelope includes the walls, crawl space, roof, and attic – anything that separates the interior of the house from the exterior environment. Josh had the plaster removed off the walls and sprayed in a layer of foam, then insulation covered by new drywall. This is a technique known as ‘flash and batt.’ The roof was completely stripped and re-laid, with roof vents and reflective sheathing added (you can learn more about this at their website: sustainstudio.com). According to Josh, “Once the envelope is determined, you have to look at all the different components that you will put back into the house, and you have to make sure you right size according to the improvements to the envelope including the addition of central heating and air.”

Reclaimed/Recycled
In an effort to use as much reclaimed and/or recycled material as possible, Josh has traveled as far as Holly Springs, MS an as close as across the street. Almost 40% of the hardwood floors are reclaimed from wood used in a home in Holly Springs. The guest bathroom sink was reclaimed from another homeowner in Cooper-Young who didn’t want scrappers to get it. The back eave tongue and groove on the newly re-build back wall of the house is repurposed paneling from inside the home. They have also taken several metal cabinets and doors from the home and dispersed them to neighbors in the Midtown area. In addition, all the woodwork, stains, and paint are chemical-free.

Josh has no idea if he’ll recoup the investment he has put into the house, especially considering the state of the current housing market. However, that hasn’t been his main concern. He says, “How can we really improve the house to a point where it is an asset to the neighborhood as opposed to just leaving it as is?” Josh considers this a litmus test to determine if he will continue restoring houses in this manner. He continues, “At what point do you say, I’m not going to tear down the exterior wall or I’m not going to use an Energy Star hot water heater that might come at a premium? So it comes down to what you are going to do to separate yourself to make your house appealing beyond just the aesthetic.”

Utility Mortgage
Utility mortgage is a phrase Josh coined to describe the state of many non-energy-efficient homes. He explains that someone could be paying a $500 utility bill, which could be almost as much as the mortgage. The Energy Star certification should have a positive impact in lowering the utility bill and is typically part of Josh and Deidre’s decision-making process in determining what features to install in the house. This is how they decide which components to install and which ones, while they might be appealing, will truly have an impact. Josh and Deidre have tried to help out future tenants making a conscience effort to bundle the hard decisions into the whole project, so that they’re not just selling one component, but instead an entire system.

Project History and Future
Josh loves to talk to anyone about what he’s doing. He is very open and has gotten to know his neighbors well as many will now come up to the house and ask him questions about what he is doing. While he and his wife are happy to speak informally to anyone with questions, they are planning on holding a showcase for people who are interested in learning more about updating their homes to be more energy efficient. Check their website in the coming weeks for the day and time (sustainstudio.com).

When asked how Josh got started doing this, he said, “I was in my mid-twenties and got tired of going through the motions, so I bought a fixer upper, along with a hammer and a Home Depot ‘How To’ book.” Josh and Deidre, who has a degree in interior design from UM, had just started dating, and Josh told her it would take him three months and $3,000 to restore the house and they could move in. “It didn’t quite work out that way,” he said, laughing. “It took quite a bit longer and quite a bit more money.” Adding to that, their neighbor was pressuring them to buy his house, which had failed inspection. Just to get him to quit asking, Josh offered a very low number. The neighbor cussed him and told him no. But then a week later, the neighbor called and said he’d take it. So, Josh and Deidre started work on a second house. Their third house was also a bit of an accident, but the trend led to Josh pursuing and obtaining a degree in architecture from the University of Kansas. After Josh’s father passed away, he and Deidre moved back to Memphis and as you already know, flipped a coin.

They feel good about what they’re doing now, as the houses they restore become true assets to neighborhoods they are in, and in the process, they are also able to employ people in an industry that has taken a sustained hard hit. They sincerely want to fix up houses to a point where they are truly desirable. They see it as a way to not only improve the neighborhood, but also to improve the city.

By Debbie Sowell

Well, leave it to Cooper-Young to show out for Halloween. As the judges were driving around to choose the Great Pumpkin Award winners, it was great to see the creativity of our neighborhood. There were moving body parts, noise makers, fog machines, and lights. There was everything from creepy, homemade tombstones to a store bought, 6-foot Casper the friendly ghost. We were impressed with homemade jack-o’-lanterns made out of milk jugs (way to recycle in CY!) as well as spooky ghouls and friendly goblins. Someone even decorated their car out front. Not sure if that car runs, but since it was decorated like the house for Halloween it can’t be a code awareness issue, right?

Ok, enough of the niceties! Although there were lots of houses to judge, a few definitely stood out of the pack. The third place award went to 1859 Oliver with its fog, moving ghosts, and homemade tombstones. Second place went to 2172 Nelson with its creative use of the house, yard, and porch. It was downright scary! And the first place winner was (drum roll, please!) 1956 Nelson. These people gave me the creeps. There were live bodies in the body bags! There was a bit of everything on this house – noises, fog, real people jumping up to scare you, and moving decapitated heads.

Along with bragging rights these three winners received yummy prizes donated by Suzanne Striker, a CY resident with a passion for baking. Great job everyone!

By Sydney Ashby
Do not let the fact that Sandy Furrh’s yard is composed mostly of perennials make you think that she doesn’t work hard each week to keep her yard beautiful. Although she is not planting flowers and shrubs each year, you can bank on the fact that she will be up early every Saturday morning weeding, trimming, mowing, edging, and watering. This consistent dedication has produced a colorful, tidy, and unique yard at 1993 Nelson.
With lantana near the walkway, Sandy also has verbena, lavender, iris, salvia, cone flowers, ruellia, and rosemary bordering her entire yard. Hostas and other groundcover are up against the house, while a huge and healthy fern sits in a stone planter on her front porch. A Chinese maple (under which one of her cats, Cali, likes to lounge) and a ginkgo tree add balance and girth to the yard.
Sandy has lived in Cooper-Young for over 20 years with her husband Walter, where they have raised a daughter and two sons. She says that anytime she is working in her garden, “I get a chance to see first hand what a vibrant and active neighborhood CY is. I always have multiple conversations with my neighbors when I’m out working.” So, stop by on a Saturday morning and let Sandy know how much you appreciate her making our neighborhood beautiful.

By Sydney Ashby

You would not notice it by walking or driving by 2072 Oliver, but there is an oasis just up the front porch steps. Lisa Marr and Steve Lancaster, along with her daughters, Brittany and Mallory, have created a lovely, shaded area on their front porch that is easily ten degrees cooler than the outside temperature. As you pass their home you will, however, notice the bright flowers at the end of their walkway, which includes lantana, vinca, petunias, and moss rose. To the right you also cannot help but admire the vibrant sweet potato vine surrounding the birdbath.

Steve keeps up the lawn, colorful vines, and floral accents. Lisa does her part by keeping many potted plants and lush greenery on their front porch Shangri-la. Besides the plants, there are iron works of art and wind chimes that help create a relaxed and inviting mood, while shades help keep out the sun and fans create airflow.

Lisa has lived in Cooper-Young since 1987, and she and her household love it because of the “wonderful neighbors, lovely historic homes, and a community that honors unique expression.” Steve has lived in just about every area of Memphis and has decided that there is absolutely no better place to be than Cooper-Young. So, take time to enjoy the colorful yard and say hello to Steve and Lisa. They are probably sitting on their front porch, enjoying the neighborhood.

By Mandy Grisham

A little over 3 years ago a unique partnership developed between the Cooper-Young community and our little neighborhood school, Peabody Elementary. You may remember that spring day when everyone came together to completely makeover the playground behind the school. For those involved, it was an amazing 4 months of planning with Kaboom!, the non-profit organization that provided the grant, and one unforgettable day of building the beautiful, new playground. The school yard was swarmed with 100 neighborhood and school volunteers as well as 100 volunteers from Home Depot, the corporate donor.

During these 3 years, thousands of children from the school and neighborhood have enjoyed this play area. My oldest son, who was 2 when the makeover took place, has just completed his kindergarten year at Peabody and has had countless adventures on the playground.

On a hot June afternoon, the friendly folks from Neighborhood Church gave a few hours of their time to spruce up the 3-year-old paint jobs on the wooden benches, stage, and picnic tables as well as pull weeds and rake the mulch around the play structure. They also created a new sign over the baseball field stating the heart of the school, “Peabody Loves Cooper-Young.” The school has been so grateful for the community involvement and partnership over these last 3 years and is excited for what is to come.

Neighborhood Church has been an adopter of Peabody for one year and hopes to continue to offer support and resources as the school needs. If you are interested in becoming a Peabody adopter, contact Sharon Ammons at Sharon.Ammons@cbre.com.

By Sydney Ashby

Since moving to the United States from Vienna, Austria in 1956, Charlotte Dunn has spent all but three months in and around the Cooper-Young area. Those of you who have been in the neighborhood awhile may remember Charlotte’s Place on Cooper at Peabody (where Eclectic Eye is now), or as it was nicknamed in its heyday, “South Cooper Country Club.” Ms. Dunn started working there as a waitress and a few years later, bought it and then operated it for 42 years. Many claimed that she served the coldest beer in town.

Since retiring, Ms. Dunn moved into what she describes as her dream home at 2171 Elzey. And despite being 78-years-old and experiencing a horrible car accident and years later a stroke, she has not let that detract her from working in her yard. “It’s a stress reliever,” she said. Her front yard is an explosion of color, with an array of mums, geraniums, pansies, and marigolds. There are Siberian wallflowers, petunias, and zinnias in pots on her porch and even a small water feature by the walkway to her door. Swing by to admire her handiwork and appreciate one of the many unique people that make up the CY neighborhood.

By Kristan Huntley

Many may have thought Mike Earnest crazy when he decided to come out of semi-retirement and use his personal savings to begin Midtown Nursery. Three years later, Mike is still going strong, talking to customers and enjoying the outdoors, even in the Memphis heat.

Prior to beginning Midtown Nursery, Mike Earnest was in charge of the plant department at the East Gate Ike’s location. He helped grow the lawn and garden section to around $10,000. In the process, he gained a lot of knowledge about plant purchasing, how to work with vendors, and what works well in Memphis.

When the location at Central and Cooper came available, Mike thought that the space, though small, would be an ideal start for a plant business. With his own savings and building on relationships with local providers he met through Ike’s, he opened Midtown Nursery in March 2008. Since that time, business has steadily grown and Midtown Nursery is now the proud sponsor of both the Central Gardens and the Cooper-Young Yard of the Month programs. Mike loves being involved in the Midtown community and actively works to keep his sources as local as possible. If by chance there is something a customer asks for that he doesn’t carry, he tries to send the person to another local, small business so money stays in the area.

Last year Mike also opened up a Midtown Nursery in East Memphis on Poplar Ave. where Stringers Garden Center had been located. Though it has meant splitting time, the temporary expansion has allowed him to direct potential customers to the Midtown location and gain word of mouth exposure. The East Memphis location of Midtown Nursery closed June 27.

Midtown Nursery doesn’t just have plants. From containers to fertilizer to bird baths, there’s a bit of everything. Mike’s team also consists of Faye Garrner and Fran Terhorst who love to help with specialty items such as gifts and houseplants. They all adore Midtown and are passionate about the business. If you get a chance, stop by and say hi. And keep working on your yard, because if you get picked for Yard of the Month, you win a gift certificate at the Nursery!

By Sydney Ashby

If you drive down Nelson Avenue between Barksdale and McLean, chances are you will see Georgia Woods outside either working in her yard or sitting on her front porch. She moved into 1845 Nelson in 2005, and the only item in her yard was a small white oak tree that needed some tender loving care. With help from her son, she transformed her yard and created two new beds by adding a variety of plants, bushes, and trees that bloom in waves. There are two beds containing an assortment of colorful flowers and plants with a border that Georgia’s son installed. Unfortunately, he passed away two years ago, but Georgia keeps a cedar in a pot in the bed closest to her house that he gave to her when it was about a foot tall. Now it stands over five feet tall and is a reminder of his helpful spirit.
The next time you pass by, notice the purple shamrocks; the dark pink azaleas; the red, yellow, and orange lilies; the boxwoods; and the light pink climbing rose bush. There are also a variety of hostas, rhododendron, mums in pots, and the two most prominent features: the white oak (looking much healthier) and plum trees. And to make sure the beds have visitors, there is even a small birdbath.
Georgia enjoys living in Cooper-Young, with both she and her daughter remarking how much they appreciate the quiet of their street. Georgia enjoys being able to sit on her front porch listening to the sounds of nature and talking to her neighbors. So the next time you see her, give Georgia a wave and thank her for helping to make Cooper-Young a great place to live, worship, work, and play.
Midtown Nursery at Central and Cooper is now a CY Yard of the Month sponsor. In addition to providing a new sign to display in the winner’s lawn, Midtown Nursery will also give each award recipient a $25 gift certificate. Thanks Midtown Nursery for your participation and generosity!

By Kristan Huntley

When was the last time you used that kitchen gadget that was supposed to deseed your strawberries? How often do you use that hand-me-down chair to sit in and not as a coat rack? Do you really still use that pair of roller skates? Well, now it is time to weed out all those things that are just taking up space because the annual Cooper-Young Neighborhood Yard Sale will be here before you know it!
This year’s yard sale will be held on Saturday, May 21. The CYCA will be offering the use of our Cooper-Young online classifieds section for free again this year, so post photos and descriptions of all those special knickknacks and lure even the pickiest yard sale shopper to drop by your yard. The Cooper-Young Community Association will be helping get the word out about the neighborhood yard sale, but make sure to tell all your friends because word of mouth is always best!
More details will be coming soon, so check cooperyoung.org, make sure to “like” us on Facebook, and don’t miss the May LampLighter so you can stay in the loop on all the details.

By Kristan Huntley

On Saturday, January 8, several brave volunteers bundled up and came out to help clean up the area around the McLean trestle. There were many, many leaves packed on the sidewalk and the street, posing a pedestrian hazard and possible issue with storm water drainage. With an impending snow, the clean up was even more necessary and timely.

A big thank you goes out to our dedicated volunteers who were awesome! They were: David Early, Emily Bishop, James Mayo, Beverly Cooper, Brad Gilmer, and Chris Hardesty.

Many thanks to David Cleveland at Cortona for providing a warm place for us to gather as folks arrived at the Gazebo and a very special thanks to our friends at Stewart Brothers who donated two boxes of trash bags for the clean-up. They were much needed – after all the leaves and litter was gathered, we had 67 bags filled!

Keep an eye out for the next clean-up, and if you are interested in starting a block-level clean-up campaign or want to get involved with the Beautification Committee, please e-mail Kristan Huntley at k.huntle@yahoo.com.