Set within Milwaukee’s Historic Water Tower District, this renovation honors the home’s architectural legacy while introducing thoughtful updates that enhance both function and experience. Upon entry, the great room comes into view from the staircase, immediately revealing what the homeowners affectionately call the “Yellowstone Room.” Designed to evoke the warmth and scale of a grand hunting lodge, the space is anchored by a vaulted ceiling with exposed wood beams and a commanding masonry fireplace. Overhead, a rare 1700s-era chandelier (personally discovered and restored by the homeowner) adds a singular, storied focal point. Refinished floors and fresh paint throughout the room further elevate the space while allowing its original character to remain front and center.
In the primary bedroom, Story Hill Renovations introduced subtle yet intentional enhancements, including an exposed-beam ceiling designed to echo the home’s original craftsmanship and architectural rhythm. Refreshed surfaces and light-filled finishes create a calm, renewed retreat that feels distinctly of the present while remaining deeply rooted in the home’s historic fabric.
The sunroom and adjacent living room were thoughtfully repainted to highlight the home’s graceful arches, abundant windows, and original trim. These updates allow natural light to move effortlessly through the spaces, reinforcing their connection to one another and to the home’s original design intent.
One of the project’s most technically demanding moments unfolded in the dining room, where curved crown molding and ornate plasterwork required extraordinary care. To accommodate a newly expanded primary bathroom above, the team cantilevered over an existing load-bearing wall, an exacting process that demanded precision to ensure the delicate plaster detailing below remained fully intact and uninterrupted.
Just beyond the dining room, the butler’s pantry serves as a seamless transition between spaces. Tailored cabinetry, stone surfaces, and softly arched details provide modern functionality while quietly reinforcing continuity with the home’s historic character. Throughout the project, every decision was guided by a respect for craftsmanship, ensuring the home’s story was not only preserved, but thoughtfully extended.
