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This
project appeared in the October 2002 issue of Southern Living
magazine. PSG Construction was also awarded an Aurora Award for
this circa 1925 historically correct restoration/addition project
in conjunction with the Southeast Building Conference at the
21st annual Aurora Award ceremony held Saturday, July 28, 2001.
PSG Construction was selected from fifteen entries in the category
for Remodeling, Rehabilitation or Historic Restoration. In addition,
the project also received a 2001Parade of Homes Remodelor's Showcase
award.
The
first time Lisa Poole walked through the Lake Eola Heights bungalow,
she "fell in love with the house." That was in 1996,
when she purchased the circa 1925 home located in the downtown
Orlando historic district. Single at the time, Lisa, who works
for Disney Feature Animation, recognized the house as a gem in
spite of its obvious need to be restored. Original three-over-one
and four-over-one windows were in need of repair, and some were
inoperable. Time had taken its toll on the kitchen in spite of
a marvelous oak buffet and hutch that were original to the house.
An attic, accessible by a steep set of stairs, was crudely finished.
Lisa knew the home's original state could be renewed.
"I grew up in older style homes." Lisa explains. "They
have so much character and charm. They feel homey to me."
Lisa lived in the home for four years before deciding it was
time to return the existing 1796 sq. ft. space to its original
condition. She also wanted to add a family room and master bedroom
suite, but only if they would look as if the addition were part
of the original space.
"I loved the house the way it was," Lisa points out.
"It was important to me to respect the architectural integrity
of the house. I chose PSG Construction to complete the work because
they have a fabulous reputation," Lisa recalls. "As
soon as I met [PSG Partner] Stephen Gidus, I realized that he
was a person who would show up when he said he would be there;
they would call me when they said they would call. Stephen and
[his brother and partner] Paul are as picky as I am. I didn't
have time to mess around with people who were going to be inconsistent."
Numerous Architectural Details Returned to Their Original
Splendor
Working with Ross Design Group, PSG Construction was able to
meet Lisa's goals. "We wanted to preserve the architectural
integrity of the original home and add new space that seemed
as if it had always been there," Stephen Gidus says.
Restoration to the original living room, dining room, sun room,
kitchen, two bedrooms and bathroom involved attention to many
details. Before any interior work could be completed, however,
it was necessary to structurally reinforce one side of the foundation.
The original windows were re-glazed and made operable. Oak and
heart pine flooring was refinished throughout, and the interior
was completely repainted. The bathroom's original tub and sink
were restored. Button light switches were replaced, and new HVAC
was installed with concealed duct work to maintain the original
integrity of the home.
The existing kitchen space was fitted with amenities that offer
contemporary conveniences without jeopardizing the home's original
character including a farmhouse sink, marble countertops and
commercial-style stainless steel oven and exhaust hood. A hand-scored
plaster wall mimics the original. The built-in buffet and hutch
were covered and protected during renovation and now offers authentic
charm to the kitchen as well as much-appreciated storage space.
During the course of the project, Lisa was married to David Poole,
who is a professional pianist. The sun room in the original portion
of the house showcases David's ebony grand piano. On weekends,
Lisa and David enjoy browsing through antique shops in Mount
Dora. Several of the light fixtures in their home were found
there.
Over 30 Original Details Matched in Addition
To complete the 940 sq. ft. addition which includes a family
room, dining area and master bedroom/bathroom suite, PSG Construction
paid attention to subtle details.
"When we first met with Lisa, it was evident that she had
a real appreciation for the architectural details of older homes,"
Stephen recalls. "We wanted to carry out her vision for
this home to the fullest extent possible." To do so, PSG
Construction began researching the details of the 1920's home
in order to match them for the addition.
"We researched and either matched or custom made over 30
details in the addition," Paul Gidus says. "One of
the most subtle details is that the addition is built on a crawl
space because that's how the original house was built,"
Paul explains. "If we had built the addition using the typical
slab-on-grade method, Lisa and David would have been able to
feel the difference when walking from the original part of the
house to the addition. Slab-on-grade would have been less expensive
than the crawl space, but it would not have done the project
justice."
Windows for the addition were custom milled to match the original
windows. The three-over-one and four-over-one windows have true
divided putty glazed sashes and rope with pulleys and weights
concealed behind jambs. Parts were salvaged from vintage windows
and used on many of new windows. Glass door knobs and brass hinges
were located on eBay™ to match those in the existing home.
Even the 8" baseboard in the addition was custom milled
with a beveled edge cap, to match the existing baseboard, using
a custom-made tool. Other matched details include room scale
and 9'4" ceiling height; window and door casings; two-panel
doors; picture moulding; electrical switches; and 3/4" oak
flooring.
Most prominent in the new family room is the floor-to-ceiling
built-in entertainment center that spans the length of one wall.
Bead board lines the back of the entertainment center, matching
the original front porch ceiling, new back porch ceiling, and
master bathroom walls. French doors matching the existing original
front door lead to the new back porch.
The master bedroom is in keeping with the size and nature of
the original bedrooms. French doors open to the back porch. The
tile pattern and installation design in the master bathroom mimic
that of the original bathroom floor. New fixtures complement
the home's original heritage. A walk-in closet is inconspicuously
tucked into a corner of the bathroom to provide plenty of storage
space without compromising the true architectural style of the
period.
Exterior is Given Equal Attention
Equal attention was given to details of the addition's exterior.
The stucco texture of the original home is seamlessly matched
in the addition, as well as the skirt detail at the stem wall.
Crawl space vent grates were custom manufactured to match those
on the original portion of the home. Gable end support bracket
details and bead board soffits were copied. The new side entry
mimics the front entry with door style, sidelights, decorative
wood detail above the door and configuration of the concrete
steps. The original driveway was reconstructed with twin strips
of concrete and a grass middle section.
During the nine months that the project was in progress, Lisa
rented a home located just around the corner, allowing her to
easily and frequently check on the progress of the project.
PSG Construction gained the Poole's permission to enter the home
in the 2001 Parade of Homes Remodelors' Showcase, and was awarded
First Place in the category of Historic Restoration with Addition.
"We are really ecstatic," Lisa says of her home. "We
are so happy being in it."
Paul and Stephen are just as pleased to have recreated a portion
of the past that allows the Poole's to personally enjoy the architectural
splendor of a past era and take pleasure in the original charm
of their bungalow. Now Lisa and David can feel as if they have
stepped back to the 1920's upon arriving home each night. PSG
SOURCES
Cabinetry - S & W Kitchens
Windows - CCS Restoration Millwork
Roofing Contractor - Steppi Roofing Inc.
Interior Trim & Doors - Residential Building Supply
Closets - Get Organized, Inc.
Wood Flooring - Specialty Floor Designs
Interior Furnishings - Aaron's Country Store
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