From the Suburbs to Over-the-Rhine

“Mark and I embarked on this adventure about four years ago,” says Annette Wicks. “We were just starting to poke around in the city and we were intrigued by what was happening in the Gateway Quarter. We had kids that were starting to go off to college and graduating college so we knew we were going to be empty nesters soon.”

As the couple planned for their next stage of life, they began toying with the idea of moving from their suburban home to Over-the-Rhine. After meeting with members of 3CDC, the couple moved forward with their idea and began exploring their residential options. They eventually signed a contract to move into a three-story home built in the 1870s. 

“(Moving to OTR) has been amazing. When we signed our contract we had a lot of friends tell us we were crazy and rolling their eyes but we stuck to our plan,” says Annette. “We had a lot of faith in the city’s leadership and 3CDC’s leadership – it’s been nothing short of transformative.” 

As the couple prepared for their big move Annette met with Jeff Geoberti of Dwellings to begin the interior design process. “I got to know them first which is important since it is their space. They were moving from the suburbs to OTR so they wanted an urban feel,” says Geoberti. 

The couple had a combination of antiques, family heirlooms, and furniture they had collected over the years that they wanted to be a part of their new home, yet they wanted the new space to feel modern. Geoberti embraced the challenge by adding modern elements such as a glitzy chandelier in the foyer and bold splashes of color to play off of the original dark wood floors and white molding and trim.

“Jeff has been so easy to work with,” says Annette. “We didn’t want anything ostentatious. We were blending a lot of various types of furniture into the home. Jeff put together a couple of amazing picture boards early on and we went through them and said, ‘We like this, we like that color’ and so forth. Grace (Jones) has been wonderful to work with as well. We met her a little later in the process, but it was fun to have her come down and give her stamp of approval on Jeff and my selections, so we really had the benefit of Jeff’s passion and creativity and Grace’s experience. Jeff created this amazing parlor that we totally love.” 

As the revitalization of OTR continues Mark and Annette are sure to enjoy their new home for years to come.