This 1903 four square in
North Tacoma was converted into a duplex in the early 70’s for student
housing. The homeowners saw the potential, with vision and patience the
duplex went through a “true restoration” back to a single-family
residence. Paramount was designs that included a new kitchen, that
stayed true too the style of the house, and create an open floor concept
that aloud the sunlight to pour into the home. A bedroom located in the
original dining room was demolished along with the wall that separated
the kitchen from dining. White Shaker floor to ceiling cabinets with
inset doors and exposed hinges were installed to keep with the era of
the house. Incorporating an island for food prep and seating, a gas
range, along with the large-capacity French door refrigerator was
mandatory for the two-chef kitchen. An under mount apron sink adds to
the “old-fashion” feel the client desired. The dishwasher has a cabinet
front for a seamless appearance. Quartz countertops finish the cabinet
off. Plug molding under the upper cabinets keeps the subway tile
backsplash free of electrical outlets. Vintage looking lights, under
cabinet, recessed lighting, gives the homeowner versatile lighting
options. The house originally was heated with four pot-belly stoves that
had long been replaced with electric baseboard heat. Most of the old
house trim was intact, although covered in 6 layers of paint! This is
where you separate homeowners who want to restore their home, from those
who want to remodel it. Hundreds of hours were spent removing paint from
the original woodwork to reveal the natural beauty of old growth fir.
Carpet and several layers of vinyl flooring were removed to allow
refinishing of the 110 year old floor. Although the floor was damaged
from years of neglect, it created a rustic floor that the homeowners
loved. A complete rebuild of the porch was necessary. Tongue and groove
fir decking was installed. A new three car garage was built. Hip roof,
cedar lap siding and trim was duplicated to match the house. Custom
paint colors top off this restoration project. Craftsmanship and
attention to detail will insure another hundred years of beauty for this
home.
