A compromise couple banked on

Marc Lucas and Kim Tutin were looking to live somewhere between his residence in Peachtree City and hers in Stone Mountain. Their compromise turned out to be a bit unusual: A foreclosed former bank building with a 2,000-square-foot penthouse in downtown East Point.

The challenges they’ve faced since finding the building in 2005 have been ongoing. The four-story 1961 structure on a busy corner of East Point’s Main Street has commercial zoning, so the new plumbing, wiring and construction had to meet the city’s commercial codes.

The elevator, though, didn’t pass muster and has been closed up until the couple can afford to have it overhauled. Without the elevator, everything that went into finishing the penthouse and turning the other floors into offices had to be hauled up the stairs. That explains the antique upright piano in the first-floor foyer and the 60-inch TV in their living room.

“The TV was here when we bought the place because the former owners couldn’t get it out without the elevator,” Tutin said. “And we can’t get the piano up, either.”

The couple plans to lease the office areas on the first and third floors. The first floor still contains the bank vault and the drive-through window, outside of which is the couple’s parking area. The second floor is home to Tower Gallery, a showplace for Lucas’ woodworking skills and paintings by local artists.

The penthouse was partially finished by the previous owner into a four-bedroom, two-bath apartment. Tutin and Lucas ripped out the wall of one room to create a dining area; finished the kitchen with pale wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island; and brought in their own furnishings.

“It was built like a regular house,” Lucas said. “I think we would have done more curves or open spaces, but we left it pretty much the way it was.”

The living area has a parquet floor and three enormous windows that offer sweeping views of East Point, Atlanta, the airport and Stone Mountain. The same big windows are part of the guest room, home office and the master bedroom and bath.

“In the winter, we are a solar collector,” Tutin said. “It stays very warm in here.”

The master features a double tray ceiling, accented in shades of blue, and wood wall sconces made by Lucas on either side of the bed. The bath has a corner spa tub, gray tile and a walk-in shower.

Atop the unit is a rooftop terrace decorated as a beachside patio. A bleached wood walkway leads to the barbecue grill and a dining table ringed with potted plants. They installed a ladder to get them up to an observation deck that was part of the original structure.

Since they’ve taken up residence, Tutin and Lucas have scoured the Internet looking for memorabilia related to the bank. So far, their small collection includes a piggy bank, a commemorative coin and old photos showing lines of servicemen from nearby Fort McPherson waiting to cash their checks.

“It’s definitely different,” Tutin said. “It’s been a challenge. And we’re not through yet.”

Showoffs wanted! Share your remodeled, redecorated or renovated space by calling 404-514-6162 or e-mail hm_cauley@yahoo.com.