Historic Home Renovated into Modern Office Building
Location: Plymouth Meeting, PA
Project Type: Renovation of a Historical Home into an Office Building with Addition
Services: Historic home restoration, structural reinforcement, framing, stone wall repair, foundation underpinning, utilities installation, HVAC, roofing, custom millwork, new flooring, painting, and demolition.
Year: July 2024
Overview
When Tom Robbins, a private wealth advisor and financial planner, acquired a historic Pennsylvania home dating back to the 1800s, he envisioned a transformation into a modern office building while maintaining its historic charm. Seeking expertise in historic home renovation, he connected with Souder Brothers Construction in 2023. The renovation involved preserving key historical features while adapting the space for contemporary office use, including a 1,000 square-foot addition that complemented the original structure.
To the experienced team of general contractors, the goal was clear: achieve a seamless balance between historic preservation in construction and the functionality of an office fit out. The project also required approval from the local Historical Preservation Board, ensuring all work is compliant with preservation standards. With prior experience renovating historic buildings into modern workspaces through projects like the Blu Bear Media Studio Renovation, Souder Brothers was up for the challenge.
Project Scope
This historic home renovation began in October 2023, with completion forecasted for July 2024. The business moved into the space while it was 85-90% complete due to the expiration of the owner’s lease, but phased construction ensured safety and efficiency for both the client and Souder Brothers team, as work continued. The goal was to preserve the building’s historic character while modernizing it for business use.
Key aspects of the renovation included reinforcing the structure with balloon stick framing, which supported both the original and new additions. The stone walls were carefully restored, including repointing the interior rubble walls to maintain their historic charm. The stone foundation was underpinned for added stability, ensuring the building’s longevity. The exterior received a full update with restored stucco to closely match the color of the original stucco, a new roof, and replicated Yankee gutters, all carefully designed to preserve the building’s aesthetic.
Inside, modern utilities were installed, including updated water, gas, HVAC, and electrical systems. The interior was revamped with restored plaster walls, new flooring, custom millwork, and appliances, blending modern functionality with the building’s historic features. An unexpected addition to the renovation was the restoration of the existing basement to allow this to be accessible from the client’s office, which did not previously allow access to this space. The client wanted to create a hidden access door to give it the feel of a speakeasy lounge that was hidden beneath the floor with a custom fabricated trap door system, blending the trapdoor in with the carpeted floor in the office’s closet, adding an element of surprise and style.
The project unfolded in phases, beginning with foundation work and moving through structural updates, including the installation of structurally engineered lumber for the floors to be more structurally sound and framing for the new addition. Unexpected structural issues were discovered during demolition, but the team worked closely with the architect and engineer to resolve them while maintaining code compliance. By the time the framing and roof were completed, most of the major work was finished, and the business was able to move in while the final touches were completed.
Challenges
This is not a typical office fit out or renovation. Several challenges arose during the transition from historic home to office renovation, particularly in maintaining historical accuracy while incorporating modern office features and comfortability. For example, the removal of the original kitchen addition left an imprint on the stucco, requiring a faux gable end to match the existing structure. Salvaged materials from the demo of another project were used due to their weathered/aged look to preserve the home’s integrity, keeping the historical look intact while meeting modern needs. Another challenge involved the kitchen walk-through, which was no longer needed after the kitchen was demolished.
Restoring unique historical elements, such as the iconic Yankee gutters, was another challenge. These gutters had to be replicated and restored to ensure they functioned properly while maintaining their historical authenticity. Additionally, soil erosion issues and the inspection of an aging sanitary line presented setbacks, but these were resolved with careful planning and approval from local authorities.
Solutions
Throughout this renovation, the Souder Brothers Construction team implemented creative solutions to address the unique challenges of this historic home renovation:
- Creative Use of Salvaged Materials: The faux gable end was constructed using reclaimed materials from the demo of another project being worked on simultaneously to take advantage of the aged/weathered look of the materials to preserve the historical accuracy of the building’s exterior, blending seamlessly with the new addition.
- Repurposing the Kitchen Walk-Through: Salvaged timber from the roof demolition was used to reframe the kitchen walk-through into a new conference room closet, effectively adapting the space while preserving the building’s historical materials.
- Restoration of Yankee Gutters: The original Yankee gutters were meticulously replicated using salvaged materials, ensuring that they not only maintained the home’s aesthetic but also met modern functional needs.
- Crawl Space Conversion: A trap door system was installed in the client’s office closet leading to the crawl space to give it a “speakeasy-feel” that the client could show off to future customers and employees, allowing for secretive access while maintaining the space’s intimate ambiance.
- Sanitary Line Inspection and Repair: The sanitary line was thoroughly inspected and cleaned, and after township approval, was deemed safe for use, preventing delays in construction.
- Erosion Control and Site Stabilization: Soil erosion during excavation was managed by stabilizing the site, allowing the foundation work to continue on schedule.
- Safety Measures and Structural Stabilization: Temporary safety measures, including ladder systems and sistering beams were implemented to ensure a secure work environment during the renovation.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The project included an irrigation system using rain barrels, energy-efficient lighting throughout the property, and the installation of two electric vehicle chargers to support sustainable practices and modern transportation.
These solutions were critical in preserving the historical integrity of the building while ensuring the new office space met modern standards. By creatively utilizing salvaged materials, managing unforeseen challenges, and collaborating closely with the design team, Souder Brothers Construction successfully delivered a project that balanced the past and the present.
Results
The historic home to office renovation exceeded expectations, masterfully blending the historical charm of the home with the modern functionality required for an office. The owner was thrilled with how the team balanced preservation with innovation, transforming the property while retaining its 1800s character. The property, once deteriorating and underutilized, was reborn as a professional office that exudes elegance while preserving its historic roots in Plymouth Meeting.
The completed renovation not only elevated the building but also significantly increased its value, benefiting the owner’s investment while positively impacting the surrounding neighborhood. The culmination of the project was celebrated with a move-in event, where the owner shared glowing feedback, praising the team’s professionalism, unwavering commitment to quality, and the inventive solutions they applied throughout the process.
