Remodeling for a New Era

(Part One of a Two-Part series —go to Part Two here)

This most fascinating older home on Ann Arbor’s “Old West Side” embodied several eras of style:

A Greek Revival settlement-era original from the 1840s, combined with a mid 19th century (1860s or 1870s) practical-but-poorly-built addition, a showy 1890s Victorian era addition, and a 1970’s update on the cheap.

While possessing lots of charm in the details, and a lovely front elevation, the home was awkward and limiting to live in.

CREATIVE, THOUGHTFUL DESIGN SOLUTIONS BY THE ACHESON BUILDERS TEAM

Renovation ideas from two different designers hadn’t met the owner’s goals, before the Acheson design team was called in. Creative problem solving, attentive listening, and abundant experience enabled the Acheson team to meet both the homeowner’s goals and local Historic District requirements, as well as Acheson Builders’ high standards of functionality, refinement, and classical esthetics. Relocating and improving the main stairs (see below) turned out to be one of the keys in re-configuring this home to meet a growing family’s needs, and this stairway became an elegant focal point for the newly created foyer area by the front door. 

RENOVATIONS INCLUDED:

Graceful and sophisticated custom staircase

• Gorgeous walnut flooring throughout main floor, tying in to original
• Addition (partially two story) encompassing new Kitchen, Dining and Family Rooms
• New Azek Deck with wide stairway to yard
• Newly created bedroom space on second floor, with enlarged 2nd floor bath
• Loads of classy custom cabinetry and custom built-ins and unique storage in Kitchen, Family Room, and bedrooms
• Interesting ceiling lines and custom mouldings add great charm
• Circular stairway to lower level; wall displays some original 1840’s stonework
• Fully finished bright Basement with bedroom

MAIN STAIRWAY: DRAMATIC BEFORE AND AFTER!

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

The original stairs from the 1840s Greek Revival part of the home went up to a second floor which was formerly a large sleeping loft, with no original partitions and no bathroom (they used outhouses back then).

The stairs were incredibly steep and unsafe — with tall risers, narrow treads. and barely 24” of width so that a broad shouldered man would have to go up the stairs at an angle.

The home’s living room was located right inside the front door. It had no coat closet nor enclosed vestibule to block the winter cold. It was also a major pass‐through room to get to all other points in the home. As you can imagine, it was a very awkward location for a living room. By placing the new stairway in this area, these main stairs became part of a newly created foyer space, and the back three‐quarters of the home was then freed up on both levels to reconfigure for more functionally pleasing living spaces on both floors.

Continued . . . go to part two about this amazing project.

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