Former City Hall is home in Young America

Annette and Mark Watz's home once was the site of basketball games, fish fries and wedding dances for Young America residents. That's because the 1909 two-story brick building originally was the town's city hall.

The century-old structure had been converted to a single-family home by the time the couple bought it in 2000. Still, it retains its civic character with the original bell tower, tin ceilings and even a ticket window. The Watzes live on the second floor, which boasts 18-foot-high ceilings, as well as a loft that was added by previous owners. "It doesn't feel like a government building," said Annette. "It feels like a cozy, comfortable home."

The couple's plan to turn the main floor into a youth center was never realized. They put the building on the market so they can move closer to Mark's new job.

"I will be very sad when the home sells," said Annette. "We will never have another place like this one."

Other features:

• The Norwood Young America brick home has more than 4,000 square feet including four bedrooms, all on one level, and four bathrooms.

• The second-story living quarters also has a kitchen, living room and formal dining room.

• The bell tower has become a small sitting room.

• A partial loft houses a library with a gas fireplace, a recreation room and recording studio.

• Some furnishings are included in the sale: pool table, china cabinet, dining room table and chairs.

• A three-season porch has wall panels that fold back to reveal screens for warm weather.

• The open main floor can be used as business space.

• There's an in-ground swimming pool in the backyard.

• The original hardwood floors in the basketball court remain intact.

LYNN UNDERWOOD

For more information, call Annette and Mark Watz, 952-467-2444.; e-mail to amwatz@gmail.com or go to www.b4faith.com/chhome.html.

To have a unique property considered for a Homegazing feature, please send digital photos and a description to lunderwood@startribune.com.