Historic Preservation Plus

The residents of this Summit Avenue landmark (categorized as “Pivotally Important” by the Saint Paul Historic Preservation Commission) wanted to re-envision their home’s function and look, while honoring its tradition. The home offered “great bones” in that the exterior of the home was well-preserved, but the interior had long since been stripped of most of its original trim and appointments. The design solution includes a small addition, revitalized landscape and whole-house remodel in which most of the spaces were modified and all of the electrical and mechanical systems were replaced.

The owners challenged the design team to create details that were period-appropriate but also unique and varied. The result is a thematic range of highly-detailed millwork, cabinetry and other specifications all bound by common historical themes and a surfeit of Benjamin Moore “White Dove” paint. The relocated kitchen features a Putnam rolling ladder, remodeled fireplace and stunning countertops of soapstone and Calacatta Gold marble. Each of the bathrooms – 3 new, 3 remodeled – has its own character but remains a part of the whole.

The addition creates a sunroom, basement media room and upper-level garden terrace and screened porch. The design is evocative of Georgian architecture where flat-roofed spaces such as porches were common additions to the ends of the home. Every detail of the addition was scrutinized and approved by the Historic Preservation Commission.