This is how you modernize a 100-year-old house
These San Francisco homeowners wanted to remodel their 100-year-old home, but the city said they had to keep the art-deco facade. Here's how designer Matt Waitkus gave them the space they need.
When a young San Francisco couple added a baby to the family, they approached designer Matt Waitkus with two goals: 1) to increase the usable space in their home, and 2) to make it possible to add an accessory dwelling unit in the future.
The project was perfect for Matt, who loves helping families get the most out of their homes.
The left side shows the proposed elevation. The right shows the existing elevation. What the drawings don’t show is that from the street, only the first two floors are part of the facade. The third floor is set back, preserving the historic street view.
The update gives the family more space while keeping the historic facade intact.
The homeowners needed to add a third bedroom, but their property was an official historic home, protected by city rules to preserve the art-deco feel of the Avenues. To preserve the facade, Matt designed a third level for the home that would not alter the street view. That level includes a master suite big enough for a California King bed, washer/dryer connections, a full master bathroom, and a room suitable to be an office and/or a home gym.
The floor plan for the new third level.
The remodel of the existing second floor opened up the kitchen, living area, and dining area for a more modern flow. This will allow the family to enjoy a more cohesive lifestyle and provide a better space for social events.
This floor plan shows the existing second level.
The new plan for the second level opens up the common areas and adds a deck.
The rec room can become a living space down the line.
A garage and storage areas comprised the ground level, and Matt turned much of that storage space into a game room large enough for a pool table, a ping-pong table, and a sitting area. Preserving the garage and some storage space, he also added a bathroom and a laundry room. Work on this level was more than just a matter of rearranging the space, however. To maintain a nine-foot ceiling throughout the level, the slab had to be dropped.
The existing first level consisted of a garage and storage.
The new first level retains the garage and adds recreation space, laundry facilities, and a bathroom. This can become an accessory dwelling unit in the future.
The new first level retains the garage and adds recreation space, laundry facilities, and a bathroom. This can become an accessory dwelling unit in the future.
In the future, the homeowners will be able to convert the ground level into a full accessory dwelling unit, which can bring in rental income or be a place for relatives to live. For now, it's perfect for leisure time and a place for guests to stay.
The future of housing is versatility.
Matt's plans bring the interior up to date, making it perfect for this growing family now and in the future. The versatile design can become anything the family needs it to be. At the same time, the historic art-deco appearance is preserved.
