Built in 1883, this 1-1/2 story brick home was the residence of Herman and Johanna Rockenbach and their three children. Herman Rockenbach operated the Eagle Tannery in New Albany. The house sits on nearly an acre of land in the heart of the Uptown neighborhood and at one time had extensive gardens and even a greenhouse on the property. One of the Rockenbach’s three children-Etelka- was a well known and revered educator who taught German and Latin at New Albany High School (NAHS) and also served at one time as Assistant Principal. She and her sister Irene never married and remained at Ideal Crest until their deaths within months of each other in 1977. The house was subsequently purchased and renovated by the Arnold family and later occupied by the John Largent family. Mr. Largent served as an administrator at New Albany High School.

The present owners, Greg and Robyn Sekula, purchased Ideal Crest in 2002 and have continued sensitive updating of the house in keeping with the structure’s Victorian charm. One of the many notable projects included the reconstruction of the house’s original front porch in 2004 based on a historic photograph that was given to them by the late Bob Hornung who resided next door for nearly 50 years. A reworking of the house’s original steep staircase has created an inviting vestibule off the kitchen.

Interior features include: Oversized, single light front door; 12’ ceilings on the first floor; faux-grained woodwork in entry hall and family room; four-paneled doors with transom windows above and hardwood oak floors throughout; original panel and louvered window shutters; paneled pocket doors between the front parlor and dining rooms; cast iron fireplaces in the parlor, dining room, family room, and master bedroom – three of which retain original faux marbleizing and Eastlake detailing; vintage and reproduction Victorian lighting throughout; built-in cabinet in kitchen made from period appropriate salvage.

Style:Vernacular Italianate
Built:1883