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Four Remodeling Projects Featured in the 2009 Spring Parade of Homes Remodelers ShowcaseSM
3/25/2009
We’ve selected four of the 80 projects on display during the Spring 2009 Parade of Homes Remodelers ShowcaseSM to demonstrate the variety and scope of the remodeling projects on the tour. They include:
#37, Castle Building & Remodeling, Inc.
1119 W. Minnehaha Parkway
Minneapolis
Addition, Whole House
Today’s take on Vintage
The serene setting overlooking Minnehaha Creek plus the excellent location of this 1927-built Dutch Colonial home is what originally attracted Mark and Janel’s growing family. Now the inside keeps pace with the quintessential feel of the surroundings.
The original architecture of this home has been preserved and matched throughout. Walking up the stamped concrete walkway past the babbling sounds of a water feature, you are welcomed through the front vestibule into the comfortable living room.
This reconfigured living room leads to a sun porch, dining room, and new pantry area. And what a pantry area it is with a built-in organization center dubbed “command central” for all it’s unique storage spaces and tidy hiding places. Also tucked nearby is a new powder room that displays classic fixtures and soft green walls.
The beautiful new kitchen is authentic feeling with shaker-style maple cabinets provided by Castle Custom Cabinets and Zodiaq® natural quartz countertops. Taking center stage is a large island with an elevated bar-height top.
Solid oak hardwood floors and unique wide white three-piece casing seamlessly connects the original dining room to their new spacious kitchen. Janel says, “This warm and inviting room will be the hub of activity for our growing family and has abundant storage for many years to come.” French doors to the rear brighten up the kitchen and lead to an open mud room showcasing a built-in boot bench with cubbies for organizing all that kid gear.
Around the corner a custom maple railing with white spindles leads downstairs to the new family room. With an eight-foot ceiling and egress window to ensure natural light, this new space is roomy enough for the whole family. A built-in computer desk fits well in the alcove under the stairs and a built-in wet bar nestled in around the corner.
“Our new addition has completely changed our residence from a small home on a nice lot to a home that is perfect for raising our family” says Mark.
The second floor has also been enlarged and reconfigured, now fitting three bedrooms and a luxurious owner’s suite. Even the laundry which used to be in the basement, finds adequate room on this level. Solid maple hardwood floors are complimented by a mix of original and new wide white casing and six-panel doors. The spacious and bright master suite presents ample closet space and a private bath boasting a luxurious soaking tub and walk-in tiled shower with custom shelves.
This old fashioned yet truly modern home is sure to win your heart and make you wish it were yours.
#51, College City Remodeling, Inc.
5928 Ashcroft Avenue
Edina
Lower Level
“Staying In” is the new “Out”
When Kevin and Pam bought their home back in 2002, they made it their own with an extensive remodel, but left the lower level for another time. When that time knocked on their door, thanks to their children’s teenage years, they came back to Bjorn Freudenthal CAPS, of College City Remodeling. Bjorn had worked with the couple on a previous basement remodel almost a decade earlier.
As they were no strangers to the remodeling process, the homeowners knew exactly what they wanted. The goal was to transform a small unfinished space into an elegant, useful area for the family to enjoy with just enough privacy to keep everyone happy. The entire lower level now includes an Irish pub with game room, a family/theater room as well as a locker room styled retreat for Kevin.
College City was able to add appeal to the spaces by using texture and warm colors which results in a richly intimate lower level. Combining floor to ceiling faux brick with a mix of warm woods (hickory flooring and knotty alder cabinetry), you’ll discover the “old world” vibe in this space.
Visual Depth is achieved by gazing through the built-in library wall’s entrance into the sunken family room. This cozy space doubles as the family’s home theater. This is the perfect room for everyone to gather and unwind together.
Walking into the locker room-styled bathroom you’ll notice a fully tiled walk-in shower featuring Kohler’s fully automated shower system. Here Kevin can enjoy an invigorating experience a Niagara-like experience or a gentle summer rain, depending on his mood.
Pam felt that communication was excellent throughout the process, “College City would email us every Friday to give us a status update so we always knew what was going on and what to expect the following week.” The family really enjoys their refinished basement. “We like to entertain, and its nice to have an area for the children and the adults.”
This truly stunning basement renovation not only added additional living space to the home but also helped to create an intimate entertaining sanctuary that make the homeowner’s happy to stay IN!
#18, McDonald Remodeling, Inc.
2865 - 74th Court E.
Inver Grove Heights
Kitchen and Main Level
Sophistication moves in when kids move out
Start with a 25-year-old home, children who had moved out, and a couple (Jan and Doug) eager to create a more open, sophisticated environment for entertaining friends and family. Add in a great remodeler, and the result is pure happiness.
“This is so much more fun!” said Jan about their remodeled kitchen and main floor living areas. “And it’s definitely easier to maneuver and cook in.”
The makeover began with behind-the-scenes structural changes. Without adding extra square footage, the footprint of the kitchen was enlarged by removing a structural bearing wall. “We installed an engineered lam beam (technical for reinforced laminated wood beam) in the attic above the kitchen to carry the extra weight,” says Greg Alsterlund, president of McDonald Remodeling. “That allowed for the extension of the kitchen and the kitchen ceiling to create a more expansive space.”
Then the fun started. “You know that old approach of hanging kitchen cabinets over a counter between the kitchen and eating area,” said Jan, “where you’re constantly looking under the cabinets into the next room? I was ecstatic when those all came down!”
Now the kitchen is a spectacular central hub with open spaces that flow effortlessly into one another for entertaining. The kitchen boasts a large island, contemporary wood cabinets, granite and stainless steel accents. Interior designer Anne McDonald of McDonald Remodeling helped Doug and Jan achieve their vision. “We knew we wanted a mix of woods and
were interested in eucalyptus flooring,” said Jan. “Anne refined our ideas, added elegant details and made it all work.”
The cabinets are a mix of cherry and maple accented with glass insets. “We decided to stagger the depths,” said Anne. “It allows them to make a real statement.” Small stainless steel tiles in the porcelain-tiled backsplash create more interest, and the perimeter countertops and island top are granite, but in compliment to each other rather than matching. Eucalyptus flooring provides another unusual element and is carried throughout the first floor living and dining rooms as well as the adjacent eating area and family room. Those rooms were refreshed, too, with new cherry trim, while the family room fireplace got a much-needed contemporary update.
The makeover was done with an eye to the future. “We intend to stay here for another 20 years,” said Jan. “So accessibility was considered with the lower placement of the microwave, rollout drawers and generous spacing between the island and cabinets.” With their beautiful new design, it should be a wonderfully entertaining 20 years.
#71, Streeter & Associates, Inc.
1185 Wyndmere Road
Orono
Whole House
A Stunning Retreat
Nestled on a private wooded cul-de-sac in Orono, this home embraces a combination of intricate details and a stunning mix of materials that transform the revamped space into a timeless home.
“The Streeter team was essential in transforming our 1980's traditional home,” explains the homeowners. “Their skill and talents combined to create warm and open spaces that really fit our lifestyle.”
To that end, they retained the existing, traditional brick exterior while renovating the 7,000 square feet into an astonishing, clean-lined soft contemporary interior. As you walk in the custom walnut front door you’ll notice a dramatic walnut staircase with an incredible custom cherry and metal railing, definitely the focal point of the main level. Before you even step past the foyer you’re introduced to many remarkable features that continue at every turn in this fully remodeled home.
You’ll discover ash hardwood floors with a unique “rubbed-off” paint finish which makes the space bright and cozy. And, the natural slate floors bring a rustic elegance. Refinement and warmth in the gourmet kitchen are unveiled with a fusion of complementary materials. Hand-made brick tiles cover the backsplash and surrounding kitchen walls. Cherry and walnut cabinetry is accented by stone and walnut perimeter counter tops, while poured concrete tops the island and bar to enhance the sleek styling.
The versatility of these open spaces range from easy-going family comfort to functional allure for impressive entertaining; the distinctive atmosphere is palpable. As you gaze past the island into the family room, you see through to a freestanding
walnut and slate sculptural room divider dramatically showcasing the gas fireplace and TV. Expansive windows overlook the beautiful and spacious backyard of the tennis court, fountain-splashed pond, casual gardens, and welcoming pool and adjacent patio.
“Our vision was to place the focus on views outside while still ensuring the inside spaces were interesting and inviting,” the homeowners said. “We were thrilled to find that’s exactly what we got.”
Upstairs, three bedrooms, including a stylish owners’ suite, ensure comfortable private spaces. In the owners’ bathroom a free-standing tub and dual vessel sinks contrast brilliantly against the warm brown and gray tones that radiate throughout the room. A sizable walk-in shower with glass door invites you to admire the intricate tile work within.
There’s plenty more to see in this graceful home, from music room to lower level. And through it all, thoughtful design solutions, meticulous attention to detail and smart finishes assure you’ll find this memorable home a stand-out renovation and an entertaining home to tour.
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