GOLD AWARD
The Design Studio, Inc. Sioux Falls, S.D.
Project location: Sioux Falls, S.D.
Sq. ft. before: 4,500
Sq. ft. after: 4,500

One hundred years can wreak havoc on a space. Infrastructure deteriorates; remodels get remodeled; and there is usually a period of neglect. Windows are boarded up or covered over; ceilings are lowered and lowered again; and architectural details are obscured.

Such were the conditions confronted by the remodeler who was challenged to renovate the third floor of an 1889 commercial building into an upscale apartment. An additional challenge included working around commercial tenants on the two lower floors.

The goal of the client was to blend their eclectic personality, their collection of modern art and the early Craftsman styling of the building. They wanted an open space with the ability to entertain from six to 65 people. They required a fully functioning kitchen for two gourmet cooks with quality appliances, plenty of work surfaces, and lots of storage for cookware, dishes and stemware. At the same time, they wanted a warm and welcoming family gathering place in an eat-in kitchen.

In addition, they wanted three to four bedrooms as well as a music room, office and a craft area. The entertaining areas should flow into each other, they said, while the private family areas should be closed off.

They got that and more. After being boarded up for seven years, the 16-ft. arch windows now create a great view from the fourth level loft occupied by a library and artist’s studio. The loft is accessed by a stainless steel and wood spiral staircase. Four layers of interior ceilings were removed to create the loft.

Just as important were the details. Past treasures were restored, including the original cornice from an old vault, which is now the mantel of the grand fireplace in the library. The Craftsman study/library features reproduction tiles on the fireplace, metal ceilings and authentic Frank Lloyd Wright fabrics.

The powder room features a Jasper quartzite flamed counter from the local quarry and custom quartzite tiles in the backsplash and wall nook. The vessel sink and handmade tiles were custom made by a potter.

The master suite has the flavor of a modern four-star hotel. Leather tiles bring warmth to the flat-screen TV framed by contemporary cherry wardrobes. The bed’s oversized leather headboard is framed by custom leather/horn mirrors over leather nightstands with horn pulls.

The master bath provides a spa experience with 4-in. square glass tile inlays set into larger floor and wall tiles. These run the length of the floor up into the shower wall, paralleled with multiple 4-in. square water tiles.

Products Specified:

Kitchen and bath cabinetry: StarMark
Bath fixtures: Kohler
Doors: Bayer-Built
Fireplaces: Spark Modern Fires
Ceilings: M-Boss Tin Ceilings
Insultation: CertainTeed
Kitchen countertops: Caesar Stone
Kitchen appliances: Dacor, Bosch
Kitchen plumbing fixtures: Kohler, Blanco

Silver:
Team Entry: Architectural Resource
Ann Arbor, Mich. and
Meadowlark Builders
Ann Arbor, Mich.

Bronze:
Craftsman Design & Renovation
Portland, Ore.