Ensuring buildings that are almost 140 years old is not an easy or inexpensive process, but with some negotiating we brought it up to satisfy current codes. Then the “love” went into the project. Bonnie, Leah and the client spent hours looking at drawings, revising colour and fixture selections, floor patterns etc. until it was perfect. Now you may ask why were they so particular about the apartments? Because the client saw these as an extension of the main home and she wanted these apartments to be as warm and welcoming as the main home, and respectful of its heritage. The trim had been so drastically altered through the many renovations over the years that we ended up duplicating the baseboards and casings using multiple pieces of trim that we bought and/or made in our millwork shop to match the original so that it looked like it had always been there. We left exposed brick where possible as it was in excellent condition and allowed some of the original craftsmanship to show as well.

Phase 2: Did not include any structural changes, however, the back area of the house on the main floor had been cut up for the boarding house, but we had to open up a few door openings that had been closed off for decades, remove a powder room that was literally stuck in the stunning front foyer and an extra kitchen that had been installed in the 80’s.

The front foyer is being restored to its original glory. It is fortunate that the original Italianate plaster moldings, the main staircase, and railings remain in place and in excellent condition. Of course, there is a but, and it is that the wood flooring is beyond repair and the wall moldings and baseboards had been removed and replaced with multiple different pieces of trim over the years. The moldings will be reproduced by Mederios Trim to match the original perfectly. The old servants’ stairs that were sealed off when the upper floors became apartments are to be opened for additional storage. The new kitchen is stunning, the result of a collaborative effort by homeowner and Bonnie for the design, and the attention to detail by Leah who worked out the production drawings, then to the shop for many custom build and finish items by Rob, Larry, and team. But no kitchen is perfect until that attention to detail is matched on site in the install, and Mike and Matt diligently took all the time necessary for a perfect install. With granite on the island and quartz the surround by Classic granite, it is a work of art. 

The back entrance was brought back to its original glory. The old closets and powder room (yes, another one) were removed. We made the powder room wider to accommodate a small but proper sink and toilet.  We added judges panel, crown molding and the client installed a stunning wallpaper that distracts you from how small it really is with its beauty. The closet was replaced with custom bench and cubbies from our millwork shop, and suddenly this dark crowded area is stunning and functional. Oh, and we removed the old (scary) electrical panel that was focal point in the original plan and put it in the basement with all the other electrical. The gorgeous family room with a beautiful wood ceiling is being lovingly restored by the client. Until this phase is complete, we are going to hold the reveal until we have professional photographs taken.  

With Phase 2 nearing completion we turn our eyes to the Master suite including Ensuite, dressing room and master bedroom. Stay tuned! Can you imagine, a large bedroom turned into a Victorian dressing room?  I can, and we are drawing it up now.