As a contributing structure in the National Register of Historic Places, this 1924 Mediterranean Revival duplex inhabits a prime corner lot on Summit Avenue in Saint Paul, Minnesota—one of the country’s best-preserved historic residential boulevards. Though the site was overgrown and the structure crumbling after years of neglect, the building was otherwise perfectly suited to fulfill the owners’ longtime dreams of living as an extended family under one roof. We reconfigured two identical condominiums into divergent floor plans with programs specific to each family, and developed the site with their needs in mind.

On the first floor, a downsizing retired couple desired an urban residence that would be traditional yet relaxed. On the second floor, their daughter and her young family desired a modern design aesthetic suitable for a contemporary lifestyle. More than a year of planning with the owners went into developing programs for their individual spaces, common areas, and the site.

We developed a close partnership with the Heritage Preservation Commission to restore the original details of the house. The entire building was carefully documented and original details were uncovered through forensic demolition—all additions and alterations preserve historic authenticity.