Investing in the future of Durham.

When two lawyer friends approached us about this project, their goal was simple: Preserve a historic property—the Annie E Watkins House—in the Cleveland Holloway area by turning it into a modern-day rental.

The task was to strip the house down to the studs, updating the overall living experience while preserving the traditional elements and charm. We were also asked to add an accessory dwelling and garage unit—all within a relatively limited budget.

Over the course of nine months, our team got to work. The house was literally jacked up while we built a new foundation. We then retrofitted modern amenities into the antiquated structure, while restoring handcrafted moldings to honor its history. As a focal point of several rooms in the house, the four fireplaces were preserved with original tile and summer covers. As an innovative counterpoint—and to trim costs—we used roofing material as siding on the new accessory unit, bringing an artistic flair to the overall vibe.

How can we innovate your space?