James Mitchell, a New Albany bricklayer, purchased the west half of this lot in 1837 and the remainder in 1846. It is believed that the house was constructed in 1847, with Mr. Mitchell himself doing the brickwork. There were several other owners before the Honorable Simeon K. Wolfe purchased the home in July 1870 for $9000. It was around this time that the house was enlarged – with rooms added on the front – and the structure took on its present Italianate detailing.
 
Judge Wolfe was born near Georgetown, Indiana in 1824, and began his professional life as a shoemaker. He moved to Corydon as a young adult and began studying law under Judge Porter, as well as attending law school at Indiana University. He was eventually elected a state senator, in 1851, and also served as editor of the Corydon Democrat newspaper from 1857 to 1865. Wolfe moved to New Albany in 1870, and ten years later was appointed judge of the Circuit Court of Floyd and Clark counties.
 
In the early 20^th century the home was purchased by Dr. Elihu Easley. Edward Meyer, the former Floyd County sheriff, purchased the house around World War II, and it was later home to the Schlosser family. The current owner acquired the house in 1998 and has been a diligent steward, including having a standing seam copper roof installed about 15 years ago.  


 
The Mitchell-Wolfe-Easley House offers 3911 finished square feet (over 5200 total), including five bedrooms and 3½ bathrooms as currently configured. The brick exterior offers an outstanding representation of the Italianate style, thanks to its circa 1870 remodeling. The façade is topped by a bracketed cornice, and ornate window hoods top the arched windows. The entry is a focal point, with a shallow, bracketed hood and arched double doors. The home retains its historic four-over-four wooden windows, and the first floor windows on the façade have ornamental iron balconettes. 


 
Inside, the house has most recently been divided into four spacious apartments – two on the first floor and two upstairs – but could be returned to single family use. The mahogany front doors with leaded glass open into an elegant stair hall illuminated by a stained glass window and a period chandelier.



The first-floor rooms feature tall ceilings, several with ornate plaster ceiling medallions, as well as stunning original woodwork, hardwood flooring, interior shutters and pocket doors. Two fireplace mantels also remain. A double tier-porch on the east side of the house overlooks the walled courtyard.


 
An ornate antique iron fence runs along the front sidewalk while the side courtyard is enclosed with a brick and stucco wall, creating a private and serene space. The property also includes a carriage house at the alley. The carriage house has a semi-finished upstairs and is currently zoned to allow a retail use.


 
The Mitchell-Wolfe House is located within the locally-designated East Spring Street Historic District; therefore, any exterior alterations must be reviewed and approved by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. For more information and a copy of the design guidelines for work in the historic district, visit www.newalbanypreservation.com. Because the property is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing part of the East Spring Street Historic District, the owner could qualify for tax credits to help recoup a portion of qualified rehabilitation costs. More information is available here: https://www.in.gov/dnr/historic-preservation/financial-assistance/.