Recently I returned to our first project, a duplex to single family conversion in Tower Grove South on Grace Avenue, and got to take my camera! Hopefully you’ll enjoy the photos as much as I did taking them.
Curb Appeal Photo by Ryan Suess
If you don’t recall, Grace Avenue is a collaboration between Silver Lining Properties, Peek Interiors and REspace Design. We teased you in a previous post with construction photos what seems like a long time ago. Buildings are complex—even a single-family home. That’s because they are one of the last things still made by hand. A stacked duplex in its former life, the house is now a single-family residence with a contemporary feel on the interior. Our photos also benefit from the great job by Peek Interiors staging the property for listing.
From the Street
Most of the work done here is maintenance and it goes a long way toward improving curb appeal. The masonry was repointed, often referred to as tuckpointing, and fresh paint applied to the porch columns and the railing around the porch roof. All exterior windows and doors are new, including the single door entry and egress window to the basement behind a rail. All while maintaining the original character of the home and its place in the neighborhood. The new landscaping and sodded front yard round out the excellent face-lift.
Stepping Inside
You are greeted by the stair and full height masonry bearing wall in the entry. Next to the stair there is the wide opening into the front room with another into the dining room beyond. Finally, there is a glimpse of the kitchen and pantry down the hall. The front room has the original masonry fireplace and large pocket door to the dining room, maintaining the existing character and flexibility of the two rooms. A partial wall between the dining room and the open kitchen/family areas opens the plan further, yet defines the two spaces. It also serves a function and provides a connection for a wall-mounted TV with great visibility from anywhere in the kitchen and family areas. The plan is open enough to strike a balance between a completely open plan and the original layout, which results in distinct, comfortable, yet highly functional spaces.
Heading Upstairs
When you head upstairs, there is a small reading area just behind the stair with a door out onto the porch roof. This level has two bedrooms, a shared bathroom and a full master suite with a bonus room over the pantry. The second-floor deck is private with access only from the bonus room. The master bath has a separate tub and shower. The photos say more than I can. With the original masonry fireplace directly above the one below, the front room is rather special. Making it ideal for a home office, a second living room away from the street and the rest of the house, a particularly nice guest room, or just fodder for sibling rivalry as a bedroom.
The Backyard
Just outside the back door, you’ll find yourself on the spacious first level of the new deck. Ample shade is provided for the deck and the west-facing rear window by the second level of the deck above. The deck design maintains access to the existing stair for the walkout basement. The deck, new walk, carport, privacy fence, and fresh sod create a private low-maintenance oasis in the city.
Hopefully you enjoyed the photos and the walk-through. If you’re interested in the property, sadly, I’m happy to report that it closed a couple weeks ago. We consider it a success and look forward to future collaborations with both Silver Lining Properties and Peek Interiors!
