When you walk through Ansley Park, certain homes seem to speak louder than others. With its commanding Italian Renaissance Revival exterior and timeless character, 178 15th Street NE is one of those homes — a landmark that holds both history and life within its walls.

Built on the first lot sold in Ansley Park on April 25, 1905, the property’s story begins with William Oliver Jones, the Superintendent of Police and owner of a downtown livery. Jones and his family lived here through both triumph and tragedy, including two fires — one in 1910 that left the house gutted from the inside out. They rebuilt and stayed until Jones’s death in 1912. Over the decades, the home passed through multiple families, eventually being converted into apartments in the 1950s as intown Atlanta declined. In 1961, Patricia Nolan — a young nurse — purchased the property, where she and her family lived for more than 50 years. When it came time to sell in 2017, the family waited patiently for buyers who would honor its history.

That responsibility fell to Erik LaValle and Tom Klein, who purchased the home in 2018 after months of searching for a contemporary build. 

“We were actually looking for a tear-down,” Erik recalls, “but the floor plan had everything we needed — space for entertaining, and room for a pool, and a garage. It just needed to be revived and refreshed.”

The couple embarked on a renovation that balanced bold design choices with deep respect for the home’s historic architecture. High ceilings, pocket doors, and ornate chimneys were all preserved, and a three-story stairwell atrium that frames a 200-year-old oak tree is a particularly special new architectural feature. 

“The house practically drew itself once we started working with our architect,” Erik explains.

Their restoration earned recognition from the neighborhood, including the Christopher Jones Historic Preservation Award.

Despite its grandeur, the home is far from a museum piece. Erik and Tom love to entertain, and their gatherings have become part of Ansley Park’s cultural fabric. They’ve hosted holiday parties, the Tour of Homes kickoff in 2024, and even welcomed 80 guests for a Chamber Players performance in their Lounge — with plans to host again in 2026.

“We love being part of the community; it’s not just about the house — it’s about the neighborhood, the friendships, and the history we get to help preserve.” Tom reflects

Though much has been restored, Erik and Tom say they still have projects planned. 

“It’s always good to have something to look forward to,” Erik notes. 

From hidden doors to bold wallpapers, their philosophy is to blend daring choices with timeless architecture.

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