This 1937 Lakewood Georgian exemplifies why restorations and remodels of historic homes are replacing teardowns, preserving character and history.
Preventing a historic home from demolition not only saves on material and energy waste but also supports a sustainable, low-carbon future, benefiting future generations.
As the past president of the American Institute of Architects famously wrote, “The greenest building … is one that is already built.”
The before and after facade photos demonstrate how seamlessly the home was transformed without losing character.
Preserving our built heritage is also essential because it gives us a sense of place. Lakewood has such a distinctive character, and we have seen so many beautiful homes there destroyed. All you really need is a great architect and a clever designer to figure out how to help your historic house move into a new decade.
What truly caught my attention about this reinvented Lakewood Georgian was not only that it is a historic home but also that it has been beautifully updated without being precious. I mean that in the most positive way. It’s not one of those homes where you are afraid to put your feet up. It’s beautiful but comfortable and clearly a family home.
Jill wanted a place to sit down and read right by the front door. It’s also a perfect time-out spot if you have five kids!
Creating that look and feeling relies on hiring the right team, and this home went from dated to delightful courtesy of Mark Hoesterey of SHM Architects and Chad Dorsey of Chad Dorsey Design.
It was fate that Jill and Greg Gordon found this home in 2012. They had twins at the time, and so did the sellers. What are the odds? A year later, the Gordons welcomed their second set of twins, which profoundly influenced the home’s future design.
“We lived in the house for three years before remodeling it,” Greg said. “We wanted to see how we used it as a family.”
Greg is the president and CEO of the commercial construction firm Gordon Highlander, so he took on the remodel through his own firm, with Lamont Richter overseeing operations. Remember my mantra: if you can buy a builder’s home, you have hit a home run.
Greg’s team made sure the home had every possible bell and whistle, from closed-cell foam insulation and new windows to a full-house backup generator and a specially engineered drainage system.
Yes, there is even an elevator.
Jill worked with Dorsey to bring the spaces Hoesterey had designed to life.
“One of the significant drivers was usability,” Dorsey said. “The kitchen, back entry, and dining area were opened up to the point that the kids can actually scooter around in there!“
The pantry is definitely Instagram-worthy!
When Hoesterey initially consulted with the Gordons, he learned there were two things they wanted to achieve.
“They were starting a family and wanted an open kitchen living area, which the original architecture did not have, of course,” Hoesterey said. “They also wanted a primary suite and a garage, which we added to the back of the house to avoid competing with the strong symmetry of the facade. That gave us an L-shaped space that allowed for a great outdoor area.”
“I found the bird wallpaper,” Dorsey said. “I wanted it to feel like you are outdoors. I love tying nature to the walls and ceilings. I like whimsical things without being garish.”
“It’s a cliche, but the house had great bones, and we wanted to hold on to the Georgian look,” Hoesterey said. “Classical architecture has a timelessness. It’s about patterns and proportions. It hits more than just your sense of sight. It makes you feel. I love the way it turned out. The historic architecture captured elements that are making a comeback, like more formal living spaces. It’s a home that is comfortable in its own shoes and welcoming from the street. It’s quiet and does not shout at you like some of the new builds we see.”
Because Lakewood Boulevard is a front-yard street, Dorsey designed a large terrace with a whimsical landscape. He worked closely with the metalworker to achieve a green patina on the copper awning, giving it an aged look.
“Elements like this add to the character of the home. What we create will look as good today as it did on the day of installation. This home looks current, and that’s a testament to the architecture,“ Dorsey said.
“Truly, we have loved this home,” Gordon said. “There are 27 kids on this half block, and everyone is in the front yard. Our outdoor spaces have been my favorite spots, and there is such a wonderful open connection to the outdoors in this home, which is a huge bonus.”
This Lakewood Georgian now has 5,027 square feet, five bedrooms, five-and-a-half bathrooms, and a gorgeous wine cellar.
Compass Realtor Natalie Stevens has this completely reinvented Lakewood Georgian at 6630 Lakewood Blvd. available for $3.849 million.