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Owning a historic home comes with a lot of responsibility and maintenance. While the charm of an older home is undeniable, sometimes the antiquated floorplans, small room sizes, and lack of modern amenities can be a challenge to live with. Three projects on this year’s tour illustrate how architects have used design to creatively address many of the challenges that come with older homes.
For the owners of Home #17, the charming Arts & Crafts bungalow was the perfect size for their needs, and they loved the craftsmanship and architectural detail. But spaces were closed off and difficult to live with, so David Heide Design Studio remodeled the home to allow for the open floor plan the couple needed, while restoring the historic character that made them fall in love with the home.
Home #14 on Lake Harriet is an architectural gem, designed by famed Minnesota architect James Stageberg. Known for his use of pastel colors and angular, whimsical designs, the house was built in 1981 and lived in by Stageberg before his death. The family who now lives in the home knew the interior spaces needed updating but wanted to respect Stageberg’s original design plan. They asked the team at Partners 4, Design to help bring the home into the 21st century without sacrificing the spirit of Stageberg’s design. The result is a sensitive interpretation of the original architectural character that allows the family to live efficiently and comfortably.
Just around the bend from Home #14, the stately Vienna Secessionist-style Home #13 is another example of a sensitive remodel of a historic property. In this case the homeowners needed more efficient living areas but wanted to ensure that the addition remain in the style of the original home. Kurt Baum & Associates actually worked with the original 1911 blueprints, historic photos of the home, and architectural details found in the basement of the home to carry the original aesthetic throughout the addition.
Don’t miss these three beautiful projects and the chance to ask the architects about the remodeling process during the tour.
Advance tickets are available online or at AIA Minnesota for $15 (until 2 p.m. on September 18). They will also be available at each home during tour weekend for $20 for a full ticket or $10 for an individual home.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit homesbyarchitects.org. Follow us on Facebook (HBA Tour) and Twitter (@aiamn #hbatour).
The 2015 Homes by Architects Tour is supported by Marvin Windows and Doors; Midwest Home; Streeter & Associates; CS Media; Kolbe Gallery Twin Cities; Kroiss Development; Landscape Renovations; Marvin Design Gallery by Shaw Stewart; Mattson MacDonald Young; RLH Studio; Synergy Products; Warners’ Stellian; All Seasons Fireplace; Braaten Creative Woods; Ferguson; Fiddlehead Design Group; Jodi Gillespie Interior Design; L. Cramer Builders & Remodelers; North States Window & Door Solutions; Otto Painting Design; Steven Cabinets; TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders; Uson Design Solutions; and American Mortgage & Equity Consultants.
Presented by AIA MN
Photo by Greg Page
