1202 W. Wayne St.

B.P. Mossman House

1905, Richardsonian Romanesque

Architect: Wing & Mahurin

10,500 sq ft

(There is an audio reading of this text. Just click the "play audio" button above to listen.)

This 10,000 square foot home was built in 1905 as a wedding present for B. Paul Mossman. His father, William Mossman, was an owner of Mossman Yarnell Company, a hardware wholesaler. The home has the massive stone construction and round tower typical of the Romanesque style, but instead of the characteristic round arches, there are Tudor arches and a crenelated parapet at the entry, suggesting an English castle. The open front terrace was once covered by a tile roof that matched the roof of the house.

Paul helped organize the present-day Chamber of Commerce, served as general chairman of the Fort Wayne chapter of the American Red Cross, and served as director of the Fort Wayne Country Club for ten years.

After finding great success, Paul donated his house to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art in 1958. The Museum was housed here until 1984 when they built their current location downtown on Main Street. Between 1984 and 1995, four apartments occupied the home. In 1995, the Castle Gallery opened. The current owners have done a great deal of restoration on the house, which is now a single-family residence and art gallery. Inside, you'll find custom inlay hardwood floors, a grand staircase, and handcrafted coffered ceilings. There's a restored hidden staircase, lovely stained glass windows, pocket doors, and a Tiffany fireplace. A 3rd story loft offers unique exposed brick walls and structural beams, and a private rooftop deck overlooks lush landscaping and pergola.

If you see a flag out front that says "Open," we encourage you to take a moment to explore inside. Both the art and the character of the home are outstanding. There was an article in the Journal Gazette recently that announced the owners are planning to close the gallery soon and sell the house.

Your next stop is next door.