ModVic - Modern Victorian Home Restoration
Dec 22

Written by: Bruce Rosenbaum
12/22/2008  RssIcon

What is Janusian Thinking? Some of the best inventors, creators and inventions have brought two opposites together to create something new, unique and useful.
 
In 1979, Dr. Albert Rothenberg, a noted researcher on the creative process, coined the term "Janusian Thinking" for the Roman god Janus, who had two faces that looked in opposite directions. Dr. Rothenberg saw elements of Janusian Thinking in the works of Einstein, Picasso and Mozart. Also -- if you look at everyday objects like the pencil, jacknife and hammer. These amazing inventions hold opposites within their own existence (pencil = writes and erases, jacknife = cuts and does not cut, hammer = bangs in nails and removes nails).
 
The way to use Janusian Thinking is to ask "What is the opposite of this?" and then try to imagine both opposites existing at the same time and in the same space.
 
I'm now trying to apply Janusian Thinking to selling (and not selling...:) our Victorian Italianate home in North Attleboro MA. Realistically, the market is so tough right now -- that finding a normal buyer who will pay $1,295,000 for the home to live in is an immense challenge. How can we sell and not sell our residential home at the same time?
 
The creative solution is finding an alternate use for the home and market the idea to a specific target audience that would be interested in purchasing the home to possibly live in and for business or a money making venture.
 
There are some limitations to what the home can become and have thought of and have put aside the following ideas: Bed & Breakfast (or a Victorian Inn), Corporate Meeting Center or Wedding Hall. The home is in a residential neighborhood and would have to be rezoned for these type of uses. Also -- there would have to be substantial modifications (bathrooms, room additions, fire code equipment, etc) to the home and land (addition of parking) to make it a legal business use for these purposes.
 
What else can the home become? That's where I need your help. Please think of some creative alternate use ideas for the home and email me your thoughts. I look forward to your Janusian Thinking! Thanks, Bruce

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2 comment(s) so far...


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Re: Week 29 -- Let's Get Janusian with our Creative Thinking!

Bruce, really interesting post on Janusian thinking! It seems your business itself is a Janusian concept: restoring and modernizing.

Another Janusian thought: What's the opposite of an unsold home? A sold home! Why not cultivate the "knowledge" that the house is sold? In other words, how would you feel if it were sold? Among other things, you might feel peace, relief, and contentment. On the inside, you and your wife can cultivate these feelings. Meanwhile, on the outside, continue to do what you would do to sell the home, such as the fabulous Open House.

Just a thought. Best wishes to you!

By A friend on   4/16/2009
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Re: Week 29 -- Let's Get Janusian with our Creative Thinking!

Everyday I say... it's going to be a great day! Hopefully soon my inside will match the outside. Thanks for your kind works and encouragement. Take care, Bruce

By Bruce Rosenbaum on   4/16/2009

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Neighbor Comments

2/27/08
I read about the Houdini thing at the jail in North Attleboro. I was born and raised there in North Attleboro and I remember my grandfather telling me about a magician that had a floating lady in one of the store fronts in downtown for a week. I not sure if that was Houdini, for some reason I think it was Blackwell. Not sure if he was around the same time or not. Just thought I would give you that info in case it helps you out. By the way, what a beautiful job you have done with the Freeman house. If I win the lottery, I would buy it in a second. Keep up the good work there and will come to open house in April.
John Amaral

1/27/08
Hi Bruce and Melanie,
My Great Grandparents were Annie and Herman Theile who lived at 390 Mt. Hope Street (Mt. Hope Manor) in the early 1900’s.  I would love to talk with you and your wife about the house and the history I know from my Great Aunt Mrs. Bell and my mother who was born there.  As a young girl I used to polish the mahogany banister on the circular staircase to the third floor.  I have a lot of fond memories regarding that house, and I would love to reminisce and share what I know about its history.  Sincerely, Donna Jurdak, N Attleboro MA

8/27/07
Just wanted to tell you we are watching your progress with great enthusiasm and excitement!  We are only one house away and my ten year old son is fascinated with your progress and checks on your work several times a day.  We can't wait to come in and see your progress. Thank you for bring this house back to life, I have been waiting for its rebirth patiently for years. Julia Wheatley (juliawh@comcast.net)

7/24/07
Hi Bruce :My cousin Dorothy Forbes just called me to tell me about the Victorian Home in North Attleboro . My great great grandparents owned and lived there many many years ago. Dorothy was thrilled to of had the opportunity to go thru the home. My name is Albert Berard ,my age is 83 and I don't remember too much about the house other than what was told to me by my parents and grandparents on the Berard side.I once had a photo of some relative by the name of LaPlant that was recently discarded because I have no other living sister or brother that could explain to me who the person was . In past years I've seen the house many times and remember the servant quarters and also a carriage house that I believe is no longer there. the years have taken a toll on my memory.I still have an old brownish grey photo of the home .It's been many years since the relatives lived there. I seem to remember something about a Priest by the name of LaPlant living there after his retirement. I'll have to talk to Dorothy about that when I see her in a couple weeks. Albert J. Berard.

7/23/07
I drove by the house on Mt. Hope Street earlier this evening. I read about your project in the Sun Chronicle, Sunday. I am an artist and one of the pieces I did a few years back was a pen and ink drawing of North Attleboro center around 1900. I was going to drop off one of the prints, if you'd like it. I can appreciate your undertaking. A friend of mine and I gutted his Queen Anne Vic close to eight years ago and remodeled it. Neither of us had ever done something that involved before. We have since parted ways. I work for a landscape company now and do some remodeling/ fix up jobs in the winter, if the opportunity comes along. I'd like to see the work you are doing, just curious and if you need a hand (weekends, rain days, evenings) let me know. Learning and gaining experience are always of interest to me. If you'd like the print, free, let me know. Best wishes to your success.
Sincerely, Peter Clarke.

  

 

For further information, or to schedule a personal visit of a property with Bruce and Melanie Rosenbaum please call 781-784-0250 or email bruce@modvic.com. Thanks for visiting!

  
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