Total House Over $900,000 John Kraemer & Sons, Inc.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: One of St. Paul s most historically significant homes underwent a full restoration, bringing the 1903 structure into the current century. Originally designed by famed architect William Channing Whitney and added onto over the years, smaller rooms were combined to create an interior that is both conducive to today s family living standards and respectful to the original design. The home was originally built for renowned lumber baron, Frederick Weyerhaeuser and his family. The team consisted of John Kraemer & Sons, Charlie & Co. Design, and Twist Interiors One unique challenge on this project was the fact that the Historic Preservation Commission would not allow the home owners to replace the 110 year old windows on the home due to their historic nature. Therefore, we were bound by the original window sizes and locations. We worked closely with the HPC and a company called Historic Window Works, to remove and refurbish and repair all of the original windows. Another challenge we came across (although we expected might be the case) was when opening the walls, we found the house was totally insulated with hay. We took out all of the old material, and re-insulated with closed-cell foam, which brought the home up to today s insulation standards, and made it more efficient. Another interesting challenge was the fact that the client wanted the 110 year old call box to remain and become functional with today s technology. Incredibly, we worked with local technology and low voltage experts, and got the old call box and intercom system to work by retrofitting it with an ipad, and connecting it to the home s new low voltage system. It was a serious technological feat, and one that no one in the state had seen before. Every single electrical and mechanical system in the home was also replaced, to make the home more efficient and operate up to today s standards. The clients are exceptionally happy, and satisfied with their new home. It is now a historic home with all of today s efficiencies and amenities. It s a home that Frederick Weyerhaeuser would be proud of.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: con$nued The clients offered this testimonial upon completion of their project: John Kraemer & Sons has been helping to restore our historic home that is over 100 years old! Construction started over a year ago and it has been no easy task, yet we have enjoyed every step of the process thanks to John Kraemer & Sons. Everyone on the team is great to work with and very personal. Their level of expertise, attention to detail, and professionalism has exceeded our every expectation. When compared to other contractors, the quality of their craftsmanship is far superior. I would highly, highly recommend this company to anyone and everyone and we will continue to work with them again and again! To everyone at John Kraemer & Sons, thank you for all of your hard work and dedicated efforts in restoring our historic house, bringing it back to life, and making it our home! Words cannot express our gratitude.
FLOOR PLAN: before #1
FLOOR PLAN: a/er #1
FLOOR PLAN: before #2
FLOOR PLAN: a/er #2
BEFORE PHOTO: #1 Photo of the existing kitchen before demolition.
AFTER PHOTO: #1 "After" photo of the kitchen. The new kitchen features high-end amenities, including marble countertops, a scagliola stone hood, ornate custom marble backsplash, intricate beam work, and stone floors.
BEFORE PHOTO: #2 Photo of the existing great room before renovation. Notice the lack of ceiling detail, millwork, etc.
AFTER PHOTO: #2 "After #2" shows the renovated great room. The new ceiling detail was replicated by our craftsmen from the existing 110 year old ceiling detail in the dining room.
BEFORE PHOTO: #3 Master bedroom before renovation.
AFTER PHOTO: #3 "After 3" shows the master bedroom after being completely renovated. Window placement stayed the same due to HPC regulations. Like the rest of the home, this room was completely gutted.
BEFORE PHOTO: #4 Photo of the kitchen before demolition, from an alternate angle.
AFTER PHOTO: #4 "After" #3 shows the kitchen from another angle. It shows the new banquette with Walnut table, wood walls, and stone floors. The entrance to the "Apothecary" can also be seen.
BEFORE PHOTO: #5 Before photo of a bedroom before it became the master closet.
AFTER PHOTO: #5 "After" #5 shows the new master closet. It features black enameled millwork & cabinetry, walnut floors, a seating area, ample clothes & shoe storage, as well as a leather ceiling.
AFTER PHOTO: #6 "After #6" shows the solarium off the back of the home. The entire room was remodeled and refurbished with new ceramic tile, millwork, furnishings, etc.
AFTER PHOTO: #7 "After" #7 shows the original dining room, which was totally refurbished. Historic detailing such as the doors, millwork, and ceiling detail, and fireplace remain intact.
AFTER PHOTO: #8 "After" #8 shows the original grand foyer, with all of the historic detailing still in place. This space was totally refurbished.
AFTER PHOTO: #9 "After" #9 shows the "apothecary" off the kitchen's informal dining area. The owner is into natural healing and herbal remedies. Which is why an apothecary was incorporated into the plans.
AFTER PHOTO: #10 "After" #10 is a photo of the original call box, retrofitted to work with an ipad via the new low voltage system. This was a serious technological feat.