Join us for the 10th annual Homes by Architects tour, showcasing examples of architect-designed houses throughout the Twin Cities. Come get inspired and gather information for your next residential project! You’ll be able to speak directly with our design team, who will be present for the duration of the tour. Our architects and designers can answer questions, tell the story of the project, and share information about what it’s like to work with an architect. Find out how we can personalize your space by responding to your unique needs.
115 Valleyview Place, Minneapolis
Saturday, September 16 & Sunday, September 17
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
Purchase tickets on the Homes by Architects Tour website
“We loved that our 1928 Tangletown home was historically intact with original woodwork, arches, iron, and tile. To me, the home was my companion in raising my children and an important part of our family. When it unexpectedly burned in September 2015, the loss to our family life was painful and disorienting. We knew our priority in rebuilding was to remain true to the home’s original design period but we worried there wasn’t a firm who had the capacity or knew the products and artisans necessary to complete the project. We also needed someone who understood where we were at with the loss. After researching available firms, we turned to David Heide. His homes speak of his creativity, eye for beauty, and historical knowledge. What they don’t necessarily convey is the person. His compassion, professionalism, and enthusiasm pulled us through. David gave us confidence that we could return our home to its original beauty while updating for a modern lifestyle. On May 1, 2017, we moved home. Each morning, I wake up and think we made it through. I have David to thank for shepherding us home to the place my family and friends will enjoy for years to come.” —Kathy
Consuming the roof and much of the second floor, the fire damage to our client’s Mediterranean Villa–style house was terrible. Water damage throughout the rest of the 4,000 square-foot house necessitated extensive reconstruction.
Negotiations with the insurance company spanned more than half a year. Not able to accurately assess historic construction techniques and materials using their standard estimating tools, the insurer significantly undervalued the loss to the property. Thorough documentation of the building and knowledge of historic construction techniques and resources allowed us to establish the actual replacement value of the building, resulting in a final settlement of more than twice the insurance company’s original offer.
Our clients wanted to rebuild the house to original specifications while making thoughtful and discrete changes to areas that were outdated or ill-conceived. Occupying an original attached garage, the family room sat at grade and was cold, poorly finished, and removed from the rest of the house. The original kitchen was small and cramped. As is the case in many homes of this vintage, you came in the back door and fell down the basement stairs. In the design process, we discussed with our clients how they had lived in their home and ways the rebuilt house could support their lifestyle more effectively. The reworked areas of the house now align more closely with their needs for modern living. Circulation and the relationship between rooms was greatly enhanced. Floor plan changes include a combined kitchen and family room, and a second-floor laundry.
Accurately re-creating tile bathrooms and defining interiors in the original style was a big part of the commission. Our knowledge of historic sensibilities allowed us to design the desired period-appropriate details, cabinetry, and casework. Ranging from restoration in some areas, to complete reconstruction in others, no portion of the house was untouched.
This project was an interesting and rewarding journey with clients who hadn’t planned to be doing a project in the first place. A project that began about loss has ended up about collaboration and exploration, teaching and learning, and relationships and lasting friendships.
See more of this charming home in our Mediterranean Villa Reconstruction project.