Before and after: Century-old house restored

Sept. 30, 2019

It started with a plan to remodel the attic and second level. And then it grew.

But more than 15 months later, a total renovation and expansion of a historic Phillips Avenue home is done.

“We tore it all out and rebuilt it from the inside out,” said Jarrod Smart, owner of Jarrod Smart Construction Co.

His company has transformed the 1916 home at 1309 S. Phillips Ave. with design help from the owner who doubles as an engineer and inventor and who had a clear vision for what his home could become.

“I’ve had clients who think they can design things, but he’s the real deal. He was dedicated and willing (and wanted it) respectfully restored,” Smart said. “Front and center in his mind was respecting what’s there.”

Here’s a look, floor by floor, at how the Tudor Revival-style house was restored.

Lower level

The basement level received new boiler and HVAC systems, plus in-floor heat.

“There was a bathroom there, tight and cramped, so we expanded it to be more comfortable like it would be in a new house,” Smart said.

The family room also was modernized, and a wet bar was added.

Main level

A highlight on the main level was integrating the original leaded glass doors into the front-entry restoration.

The kitchen was expanded with custom-painted cabinetry, marbling flooring and new backsplash and countertops.

“The ceiling detail in the dining room follows the pattern of the stained glass doors,” Smart said.

“We redid all the fireplaces. There’s not much to the house that is original, but the wood flooring on the main level is original, and some of the second floor is original, so we were able to salvage that.”

Second level

On the second floor, Smart added a laundry room and enhanced the master suite with a walk-in closet and walk-in shower.

An office is attached to a sun porch on the side of the house and connects to the master suite.

Other bedrooms also were renovated on the second floor.

Attic level

On the top floor, a bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet were added.

And throughout the home, a beautiful one-of-a-kind staircase was created from the lower level to the attic, with open railings.

“We tore out all the stairways and rebuilt all of them,” Smart said. “Stairs are tricky. We really worked hard to bring that up to code with such a tight space, and we pulled it off.”

Outside

The exterior also received an extensive makeover, with details including a copper chimney cap, flower boxes and gutters, custom fence, custom white oak exterior doors and replacement of all fascia and window trims to match historical profiles.

“It’s got a unique stucco finish on it, which we repainted, but that’s the other part of the house that’s original,” Smart said.

“We plan to do the garage at some point and add a second story.”

While the project required considerable investment, it shows what is possible in renovating historic homes, Smart said.

“It’s a great example of how it can be done,” he said. “There are a lot of homes in the core that are beautiful, architect-designed homes … and they should be salvaged, and they should be well taken care of and well-remodeled to be respectful of the house.”

The home will be one of several featured on this weekend’s Showcase of Remodeled Homes, which runs from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For information, click on the article link below.

Photos courtesy of Cypher Imaging and Jarrod Smart Construction.

Home remodeling takes off amid tight real estate market

Want to stay in the know?

Get our free business news delivered to your inbox.



Before and after: Century-old house restored

It started with a plan to remodel the attic and second level. And then it grew. But more than 15 months later, a total renovation and expansion of a historic Phillips Avenue home is done.

News Tip

Have a business news item to share with us?

Scroll to top