Last night was an incredible yet nerve racking night. At 7:30pm we were to present ourselves (myself, the general contractor (Zelaya Properties), and our clients) to the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) of Old Town Alexandria at a public hearing with our proposed design for restoring the exterior of my clients new home. Without this approval, we could not proceed with construction. As they called our case, I approached the podium, knees shaking uncontrollably. I quickly pulled myself together, respectfully introduced myself, and began explaining our proposed alterations, essentially restoring the home to what it could have been in the late 1800′s when it was built.
After I concluded my project summary, one of the board members immediately spoke up ‘I just had to add that this is one of the most detailed, easy to follow submittal packages I have ever read, and I think we should use this as an example for future submissions…’ ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!? I was flattered, but still was a little jittery- that didn’t mean we had won our case yet.
The board loved our proposed design and immediately approved it (with only a few minor suggestions) and we were on our way. That’s it! It only took umpteen hours of long hard work pulling together the submittal package and within 10 minutes we were approved to begin work! Whew!
So, today I wanted to share with you the before (existing) images and proposed after exterior renderings. So, without further ado, here it is! Oh, and we are also doing a full gut renovation interior, so I am excited to share with you photos of the spaces progress and final completion (hopefully in mid-end March).
A few of our proposed design elements include:
- Remove the unbearable tree and planter bed
- Restore windows to their original state
- Install a beautiful gas lantern
- Add gold leaf embossed address in the transom above the door
- Install a 4-panel historic wood door (painted red)
- Open up a previously closed window in the basement (where the planter bed currently sits)
And, check out the back exterior…
A few of our proposed design elements include:
- Remove the awful shed (I’ don’t even want to know what kind of animals are living inside)
- Restore windows to their original state
- Install an electric lantern (the look will mirror the one in the front, on a slightly small scale)
- Replace the existing window with french doors (leading outside from the kitchen)
- Install a deck immediately off of the french doors
Well, what do you think? Huge curb appeal? She sure is a beauty! I hope that this renovation will inspire neighbors on the entire block! The next few months we will be in full swing so keep checking back as I keep you updated on our progress.
Photos and renderings are property of Olios Design and I ask that you not replicate or reuse them.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
How many people are involved in this project in addition to Katie Moore?
How much will this cost the home owners?
I am beaming, Katie!