Let there be light

Work is underway at the Martelli House, a.k.a. ‘The Haunted House, at 131 Fourth St. E. The structure stood empty and neglected for decades, boarded-up and overgrown. Now, a team led by architect Robert Baumann and owner Bill Jasper is restoring the house to its earlier glory, right down to the wrap-around porches, circular driveway and stone fountains. Baumann said the stately home started as a humble one-story structure, probably in 1907. Over the years, additions were made – and not well. “I’m very excited construction has begun, but it has turned out to be quite a challenge,” Baumann said. The old gal “was built like a house of cards.”