In the heart of Columbia, just moments from the town square and framed by tree-lined streets, stands a home that quietly carries more than a century of stories. Located at 902 School Street, this beautifully restored residence is not only a striking example of early 20th-century architecture but also a living link to the people and moments that helped shape Maury County.

Constructed in 1912 for J.M. Hodge, the home reflects a period of growth, optimism, and civic pride in Columbia. As a former mayor, Hodge commissioned a residence that reflected both his prominence and the era’s enduring craftsmanship. Designed in the classic American Four-Square style, the home was built with balance, proportion, and longevity in mind. These qualities remain evident more than a century later.

The Four-Square was prized for its generous room sizes, natural light, and thoughtful layout, and those characteristics remain beautifully intact at 902 School Street. Tall ceilings, expansive windows, original pocket doors, and carved fireplace mantels speak to a time when homes were designed for connection, spaces meant to host conversation, family life, and meaningful gatherings.

In 1914, just two years after its construction, the home entered what would become its most enduring chapter when it was purchased by Aileen Figuers, shortly after her marriage to Thomas Norfleet Figuers Jr. Aileen would remain here until her death in 1972, making her the home’s longest-serving steward and firmly anchoring it in Columbia’s personal and social history.

Through marriage, Aileen became connected to one of Maury County’s most historically significant families. Her father-in-law, Thomas Norfleet Figuers, was a decorated Civil War veteran of the 32nd Tennessee Infantry and a recipient of the CSA Cross of Honor. Her mother-in-law, Harriet Pointer Cheairs Figuers, was the niece of Nathaniel Cheairs IV, builder of Rippavilla Plantation, tying the home’s story to a broader regional legacy.

It is easy to imagine evenings spent within these walls, each story passed from one generation to the next, with reflections on family and history shared in rooms designed to gather people together. For nearly sixty years, 902 School Street was not simply a residence, but a place of continuity, memory, and shared life.

That legacy of care continues today. Thoughtful restoration has preserved the home’s original character while elevating it for modern living. Original hardwood floors, restored woodwork, and timeless architectural details remain beautifully intact, complemented by curated upgrades that introduce a quiet sense of luxury throughout. Designer lighting adds warmth and intention, while the fully renovated kitchen serves as both a focal point and gathering place, featuring leathered marble surfaces, professional-grade Viking appliances, and custom selections that feel intentional, elevated, and entirely in keeping with the home’s historic scale. Updated bathrooms provide comfort and understated elegance, enhancing the home without overshadowing its original design.

It’s so rare to find a house this age with so many of the original details intact,” the seller shared. “When thinking about updates, I wanted to be a good steward of the home while creating a cozy and inviting feel. Wherever possible, the original woodwork was restored, and where updates were needed, they were chosen to match the grandness of the home. Keeping the walls simple allowed the beauty of the house itself to shine.”

The residence offers approximately 5,694 square feet, including five bedrooms, three and a half baths, and a third-floor space that provides flexibility for today’s needs, whether as a home office, creative studio, or additional living area. Situated on a .29-acre lot, it balances the presence of a historic estate with the ease of manageable outdoor living.

As Columbia continues to grow and evolve, homes like 902 School Street serve as anchors and reminders of where the community has been and examples of how historic preservation can coexist beautifully with modern life. Defined by craftsmanship, care, and generations of stories, this is a home that has been thoughtfully carried forward.

The house at 902 School Street had a secured contract at the time of publication, and for the new owners, it’s a rare opportunity to be the next steward of one of Columbia’s most enduring and thoughtfully restored historic homes. For information on available homes in Maury and Williamson Counties, call the Baker Group at (931) 548-2010 or visit bakergrouprealty.com.

MELISSA PACCO is a Principal Broker at Baker Group Realty with more than five years of experience in real estate. Known for her commitment and ability to foster lasting relationships, Pacco has an approachable style, strong communication skills, and deep care for people. She is also very dedicated to mentoring agents, driving innovation, and continuing the boutique-level service that sets the Baker Group apart.