It’s old news now, but in 2007-08 the firestorm over infill housing was at its peak and had the city of Kirkwood divided on how to handle its citizens’ concerns.  Those who didn’t want any new development in Kirkwood were in favor of ordinances so strict, no one could build anything.  Those against it wanted to “leave well enough alone”.  The City Council appointed Council Member Tim Griffin as the liaison between the most ardent supporters of a new ordinance and the builders and developers.

I am a lifetime citizen of Kirkwood and a remodeling contractor - so Riggs Construction & Design understood both sides clearly.  I’ve been (and remain today) a member of the Landmarks Commission, and always show my love of the historic homes in Kirkwood through my business and personal deeds.  So I gained the trust of  supporters.  Riggs’ Construction’s 50 year history of remodeling here gained me the trust and understanding of the construction community working in the city.  So, put that whole picture together, and I became the chosen candidate to assist Mr. Griffin in mediating the debates between the two sides.

Three meetings were held in Riggs Construction’s conference room where those for and those against, had the opportunity to voice their opinion and work toward a compromise.  During those meetings, Mr. Griffin and I were able to find some common ground between both sides and an outline of the new ordinance was created and presented to the City Council.  The recommendations made by Tim Griffin to the City Council were accepted as read and the new ordinances were made law.

Since then, the economy has tanked and new home construction has reached all time lows in production and sales.  Yet, if you drive around Kirkwood, you can still see new homes popping up and remodeling projects are present all over town.  Filling out floor area ratio and total lot coverage forms took a little head scratching and it was a little tough at first figuring out just how big a house or how much addition you could build.  Some citizens have been confused and disappointed that they couldn’t build what they wanted because of the new ordinances.  But surprisingly, there has been very little outcry from them or the developers that fought so hard to keep the status quo.  The infill housing currently being built does fit better into the neighborhoods and the “McMansions” that were overwhelming the lot and the houses around them are no longer an issue.  Is everyone happy?  Probably not; but it seems the citizens and developers are both accepting of the new regulations and by in large, they have not created any undue hardship for either side.

Tom Historic Renovation, Life In General, remodeling Historic Renovation, kirkwood remodeling

Having a remodeling company that has been based in Kirkwood for 50 years, we have participated in many historic renovations.  We have also done dozens of projects in other communities such as Webster Groves, University City, Soulard and downtown St. Louis.  In fact, Riggs Construction & Design won a Chrysalis Award for the best historic renovation in the nation on a home on South 9th Street in the City of St. Louis.

There is a secret to historic renovation that I learned by serving on the Landmarks Commission in Kirkwood.  First, you are restoring the home, not remaking it.  And second, any additions to the home must be built in such a way that the original structure is still recognizable.

During an historic renovation, demolition of existing moldings, architectural details and other parts and pieces must be carefully monitored and documented.  Digital photography has helped tremendously in this endeavor. From a green perspective, it is best to reuse those pieces if possible.  If they are water or termite damaged - or just plain worn out - a little footwork to the local antique shops or recycled building material shops is the next best solution.  If you can’t find what you are looking for at these places or the internet, there are many millwork shops that specialize in wood moldings and the better ones will already have the special knives it takes to make them.  There are specialty shops that can make anything you may need and in certain instances, you will find that some of the more common items will be in stock or readily available.

Restoring a home to its original architectural glory is a labor intensive project and is not suited for many remodeling companies.  It is not just the materials that need to be duplicated but the care and respect that was originally put into the home by the old world craftsmen as well.  Pride in workmanship and genuine respect for the work of years past really do show up in the final product.

It is true that we build a much better home than 100 years ago because of the structural and mechanical engineering that has improved dramatically.  The products are better, more energy efficient and do more for the homeowner than ever before.  We have improved indoor air quality and are finally beginning to lower our carbon footprint.  But in same respect, the care and quality of the building trades has lessened due to the pressure of labor costs and speed of production.  Patience is a lost virtue in the construction industry and it’s driven by the consumer wanting it sooner rather than later.

In restoring an historic home, we as Remodelers have to produce a product and be competitive in doing so.  But we must also find it within ourselves to be the patient, confident, old world craftsman that did things the right way, knowing that it may take a little longer, but it will last a lot longer.

Tom Historic Renovation, remodeling Historic Renovation, kirkwood, remodeling, st. louis, university city, webster groves