About Prop 3
Making Contemporary Work in a Historic Neighborhood
Residential Remodel: Fourth Street, Geneva IL
About Prop 3
Making Contemporary Work in a Historic Neighborhood
Residential Remodel: Fourth Street, Geneva IL
“I’m aware of the neighborhood. I don’t want to do anything that’s unsympathetic. I’m really good at interpreting and re-interpreting historic details and making it work.”
Modernization lets
the light in
The owners of this ranch in Geneva’s historic district had a long list for us to address. They wanted to bring light into the terribly dark, east-facing living room. They required a great room, a new kitchen, a master suite, and a billiard room on a second level. The exterior needed curb appeal. And, folks needed a less circuitous route to the front of the house.
“To let the light in, we cut open the ceiling and created a pair of long, thin bays with south-facing windows that allow the light to play off the living room walls.”
To let the light in, we cut open the ceiling and created a pair of long, thin bays with south-facing windows to allow the light to play off the living room walls. A second level was added to house a billiard room, then extended to include a terrace over the porte-cochère.
The home’s exterior was re-imagined. We achieved symmetry between the two gables by placing the fireplace between the window bays, and adding paired columns to flank the living room windows. The south gable provides weather protection, with a scalloped opening to introduce light as the sun traverses across the sky.
We created an inviting entrance sequence with doors off the dining room and living room, both opening to a terraced dining area, and a front door entrance with a direct path to the sidewalk.
Click to enlarge
Though the remodel was extensive, our designs easily met with the approval of the Historic Preservation Commission, and greatly satisfied the homeowners.
“We utilized Steve Vasilion for the complete renovation of our home, which is located in the City of Geneva’s historic district. The service we received went well beyond simply providing architectural drawings of the house. Steve listened and truly cared. Our dreams and were transformed into a home that matches our lifestyle.”
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