The Story of 544 S Clay

Preserving the Character

Central to our plans for 544 S Clay was preserving as many of the original features that we could. Where that wasn’t possible, we rebuilt with materials that hold up over time but mimicked the style of the original design in order to honor its past. We loved the idea of breathing new life into the home without sacrificing the little details that made it so special in the first place.

We were ecstatic to be able to keep the original staircase- a feature that had truly withstood the test of time. Being able to keep the formal dining and sitting rooms was another dream come true as we envisioned the next generation utilizing those spaces and making them their own. Preserving the three fireplaces (one functional, two decorative) allowed us to think of all the past residents who would have huddled together, sharing stories by the fire. We stayed true to the architectural style of the home, replicating original trims and crown moldings, in order to maintain rather than change the uniqueness of the Victorian-style Farmhouse. The exterior’s scallop trim, front porch, third floor triangle window, and salvaging an original stained glass window were all crucial elements that played a key role in our mission.  

In addition to preserving the character and charm of the home, we also made some necessary updates to meet the needs of today. To improve energy efficiency in the 142 year old property, we replaced the windows and utilized blown-in blanket insulation throughout the home as well as spray foam insulation for the attic’s ceiling. A new garage was built and we constructed the driveway with permeable pavers, designed to filter rain and treat stormwater on site. All plumbing and electric systems were updated to ensure compliance with current codes. We also installed both air conditioning and central heating- neither of which the home had- to ensure comfort during any season.