As you step through the front door of Matthew Jacobi’s 119-year-old home, you are transported back in time. Jacobi has meticulously restored his Queen Anne Revival-era home in Winnipeg’s North Point Douglas neighbourhood to its former glory, complete with original stained glass windows, special order mother-of-pearl light switches, and period-appropriate lightbulbs. Jacobi’s dedication to detail extends to every aspect of the home, from the front parlour to the dining room and kitchen, which boasts an electric stove from 1920 and an ice box.
Jacobi’s passion for restoring historic homes began in his youth, when he visited his grandparent’s home built in 1894. He embarked on his first restoration project 15 years ago and has since dedicated himself to preserving Winnipeg’s architectural heritage.
Jacobi’s efforts have been recognized by Heritage Winnipeg, which named him one of three winners of the annual Preservation Award. The award highlights the importance of protecting and restoring Winnipeg’s historic homes, particularly in neighbourhoods like North Point Douglas and the North End, where much of the city’s history began.
While sourcing materials and furniture from the early 1900s has come at a cost, Jacobi believes the rewards are immeasurable. He hopes that his home will inspire others to help preserve Winnipeg’s history for generations to come. “Once these houses are lost, they cannot be replicated,” he said. “It’s important to preserve them.”
