Project Info

Architect: David Heide, Mark Nelson / David Heide Design Studio, Minneapolis
Contractor: David Heide Design Studio, Minneapolis

Priorities

• Renovate the home—restoring where possible and replicating and replacing where necessary • Redesign both condominiums with modern amenities according to the owners’ preferences
• Build three additions that fit with the exterior’s historical character

Solutions

This 1924 Mediterranean Revival house sits on Summit Avenue in St. Paul, Minn., which stretches through two National Historic Districts and two City of Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Districts. David Heide and Mark Nelson of David Heide Design Studio had big plans for the duplex, which was “crumbling from years of neglect and water infiltration before new owners purchased it in 2009 and converted it into two condominiums.”

The remodel accommodates the traditional design aesthetic of the parents who live on the first floor and the modern and informal desires of the daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter on the second floor.

On the first floor, three additions give them additional space for a mudroom, breakfast room, study, and rear porch. Two bedrooms and baths were transformed into a master suite and large dressing room. Heide and Nelson also replaced the existing tuck-under garages with two bedroom suites that open onto a lower-level terrace.

On the second floor, contemporary casework, finishes, and details merge with important period features. Here, the redesign features an open, modern kitchen with a large center island, butler’s pantry, and casual dining area, as well as a private, main-floor entry and mudroom, rear staircase, bridge to the dining area, and new terrace.

Thanks to a host of sustainable features such as foam insulation, low-VOC finishes, and a geothermal system, LEED Gold standard certification is pending.

Judges’ Comments

The judges called this a “beautifully done project [with] great architectural details [in which the] quality of workmanship was high.” They found the finishes, tile work, and ground floor interior especially appealing. A favorite element was the restored radius spiral staircase with leaded art-glass windows and the original railing.

Products

(Building)
Roofing: Ludowici
Exterior cast stone: Haddonstone
Terra-cotta medallions: Saint Paul Fabricating
Architectural ironwork: O’Brien Ornamental Iron
Windows: Marvin Ultimate
Garage doors: custom – Industrial Door Company
Hardware: Liftmaster Estate Series
Entry doors: custom doors; Von Morris, screen doors
Interior doors: custom – Welch Forsman
Paint: Benjamin Moore
Windows and doors’ art-glass panels: Monarch Studios

(First Floor)
Living room fireplace: Michelangelo; Real-Fyre gas log set by Robert H. Peterson Co.
Family room fireplace: Fireplace Xtrordinaire

(Kitchen)
Cabinetry: custom designed by architect, fabricated by Frost Cabinets
Oven: Wolf
Dishwasher: Asko
Sink and faucet: ROHL
Stenciling: Trimbelle River Studio & Design

(Master bathroom)
Cabinetry: custom designed by architect, fabricated by Frost Cabinets
Bathroom plumbing fixtures: Kohler, sink; Rubinet, faucet and shower controls; Toto, toilet

(Second floor)
Living room fireplace: Michelangelo; Real-Fyre gas log set by Robert H. Peterson, Co.
Music room fireplace: Marquis

(Kitchen)
Cabinetry: custom designed by architect, fabricated by Ingrained Wood Studios
Wall tile: Marin Designworks
Kitchen plumbing fixtures: Elkay, sinks; KWC, faucets