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November 21, 2012

New Albany’s Greystone Gables featured on cover of new book

Wiser to sign copies of ‘Distinctive Houses of Louisville’ on Saturday

By DANIEL SUDDEATH daniel.suddeath@newsandtribune.com

NEW ALBANY — The pages of the book are flush with visual treats, but ironically proceeds from the sales of “Distinctive Houses of Louisville” will be donated to those who struggle with their eyesight.

Local architect, historian and author Steve Wiser’s latest book focuses on 32 of the area’s most fascinating homes as judged by design, craftsmanship and historic nature.

“Some of them aren’t the most elaborate houses, but they’re all well designed homes,” he said.

Donning the cover of the book is New Albany’s historic Greystone Gables house, which was finished in 1929 and is located at 404 Highland Ave. in Silver Hills.

“Greystone Gables is so magnificent, and it’s kind of overshadowed,” Wiser said, as he added the charm and historical significance of the house has been somewhat overlooked.

Wiser will be signing copies of “Distinctive Houses of Louisville” beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday at Destinations Booksellers, which is located at 604 E. Spring St. in New Albany.

The work is being sold for $25, and can be purchased at Destinations Booksellers in Southern Indiana, as well as the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft and Carmichael’s Bookstore in Louisville.

Proceeds from the book are being donated to Visually Impaired Preschool Services in Louisville. Though an architect, Wiser said he’s experienced problems with his eyesight and wanted the book to benefit children who are experiencing similar if not greater struggles.

It’s ironic because the book is all color and features pictures of elegant homes. Wiser said it’s a happy medium that the visually-impaired can benefit from the book even if they can’t enjoy all of its beauty.

Wiser has written other books including “Louisville 2035” and “Modern Houses of Louisville,” the latter of which he said helped spawn his latest work.

The book seeks to highlight some of the expert design and historical relevance of area homes, Wiser said.

“They span everywhere from a condominium up to some of the largest mansions in the region,” he said.

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