Osterlund-Wells House - 618 Sherman St SE

Built in the late 1800’s, the Osterlund -Wells home is a two-story, framed, Edwardian Style with an asphalt gabled roof and an L shaped porch with bracketed eves. Originally located in the Wolverine Tube area as a residence for its employees, the home was carefully relocated to its present location in the early part of the 20th century using logs pulled by mules down Sherman St. This home was identical to its next-door neighbor prior to the additions and renovations which invariably changed the layout and square footage.

In the early 1900’s the home had many owners, most notably E.E Graves, a banker at the Morgan County Bank, and William E. Sivley, part owner of the Sivley and Sandlin Hardware Company. At the hands of these home owners, the house changed shape and size. Additions were made after the move and the entryway stairs were relocated to accommodate a first-floor bedroom and bathroom. In the rear of the home a two-story addition provided room for a large kitchen and laundry room on the 1st floor and a master bedroom and bathroom on the 2nd. While the home’s original footprint features original hardwood floors, the kitchen cork was installed in the late 20th century during renovation. Three outbuildings were removed and a fenced in yard with a shed exists today.

Current owners, Wayne Wells and Chrissy Story fell in love with the home’s character and the neighborhood’s tree-lined streets. They’ve made several updates since purchasing the home in 2017 to include fresh paint and carpet removal. Not salvageable, the original treads were refaced with pine risers and treads. The kitchen and living room have seen the most change. In the living room the original fireplace brick was discovered behind old plaster in the living room. It’s now exposed flanked by new built-in shelves. Though the kitchen boasts updated fixtures and subway as the owners continue making discoveries as they work to restore this historical home to its former glory.