Charlestown: Monument View

Having lived here for 12 years, these clients - an active family of five - were READY to make some changes - from the dated kitchen to the impractical bathrooms to the bursting-at-the-seams storage areas, there was a lot to do. Once again, we employed our "micro addition" strategy - this time, our smallest one yet, a 3'x11' "bay window" that follows strict zoning rules but still allows for a major kitchen upgrade. Our goals were to preserve much of the interior elements, from 8' tall double doors to the fabulous curving staircase, while also editing away all of the DIY projects of the past 50 years. We're left with a bold, practical family house with room for everyone, beautiful built-in storage, and fun finishes!

Working in the notoriously tight conditions of historic Charlestown, MA, we used every square inch for clever storage and bright infusions of personality. In the basement, that meant wall-to-wall storage for Rubbermaid bins, records and comic books, homework and crafts, even an overflow remote office space. We snuck a small half bath on the basement level as well, to free up more precious space on the first floor.

The first floor has a lot of jobs to do: front and back entries, stairs up and down, mudroom, kitchen, living, and dining...all packed into a 600 square foot footprint! Using our "micro addition" in the kitchen to gain an extra 3', we also combined the island with a bench for the dining area, and slipped a coat closet/backpack/boot storage area by the rear entry. That allowed us to preserve the full size of the existing living room, which we jazzed up with a new fireplace surround and custom floor-to-ceiling built-ins.

We preserved the historic curving staircase up to the second floor, where we added a laundry room, and reconfigured a primary bath. Removing a massive, decrepit hot tub was the first step, while of course finding room for storage, creating a dramatic look, and working hard to hide mechanicals and plumbing were all high on the list of priorities.

Finally, the third floor - here, we removed the roof, reframing the whole thing to allow for new dormers on both sides of the roof. This gave full head space to both bedrooms, as well as stunning panoramic views of Boston and the Bunker Hill Monument. Each sister got to choose her paint color, and we installed double sliding pocket doors between the rooms - perfect for sharing the space, or creating individual private spaces!

This project required some serious engineering, as we slipped a few steel beams into the first floor framing to create the bay, and reframed the entire roof to create the new dormers. All of this was made more challenging by the tight streets, very little yard space, and close neighbors...but the team pulled it off! We also tackled complicated zoning and historic district requirements. A project like this is quite an undertaking for all involved, but feels "right" from day one...once the dust settles, what's left is a fabulously fun and extremely efficient home that suits this family perfectly!

Stay tuned for updated exterior photos of the landscape design...coming soon!

Photos: Kyle Caldwell
Furniture selections: Emily Randolph Silva