We own a second house . . . a rowhouse in Baltimore. (Yeah, we're weird. Some people have second homes at the beach, or in the mountains. We have one in a city.) While it was not in terrible shape, it was outdated -- especially the kitchen. So . . . it's renovation time.
This rowhouse was probably built around 1920. It has, of course, had several owners, but is somewhat unique in that it hasn't been over-renovated. Some of the original architectural features are still intact. We are keeping: the stained glass windows, plaster cornices, the gingerbreading between the living and dining rooms, the two columns between the dining room and kitchen. The upstairs will be totally gutted, but I will keep the original spirit of the house by installing stained glass fixed transoms over the bedroom doors.
Demolition of the house interior began Wednesday. Come along with us and experience a Baltimore rowhouse rebirth! This will be fun. (Painful to the wallet . . . but aah, in for a penny, in for a pound.)
Before the Big Boom!
This is the rowhouse exterior. It's in pretty good shape -- iron spot brick, marble basement and steps. Bay window with the original ornamentation.
Shot of living room, before demolition. That ceiling fixture is GONE. Ugh. The window stays, though. It's original, though slightly damaged. I may get it fixed at some point.
Picture from the entry foyer, up the stairs. (Stairs are soon to be history; they are not overly sound, and they slant to the right.)
Another shot of the stairs, from the dining room. Notice the column . . . it and its mate are staying. They may be original to the house.
Entry hall, looking back toward the front door. This glass panel is not original, but was made by a former neighbor of the former owner. Nice window; we're keeping it, but removing the door.
We're keeping this cool gingerbreading. It will be removed and stripped, so it can be repainted nicely. (And that stupid out-of-place ball can be moved back into position.)
This was the primary reason for the renovation. U.G.L.Y. Avocado green appliances, vinyl paper-covered particleboard cabinets. Rest assured the new kitchen will be MOST deluxe. Nope, no granite, but a midcentury modern feel, primary colors, and track lighting.
A close-up of one of the U.G.L.Y. cabinets.
And, of course, the kitchen sink.
These archway cornices will be kept (they are plaster), but the archway will be rebuilt.
This is the main bedroom, with the bay window. I love this room, and it won't be too much different when renovated. The mantel (see below) will be gone, and a real closet will be added, but otherwise, it will be just as light and airy.
View from the front bedroom, toward the rear of the house. The door to the left is to the hall; to the right is to a windowless interior room. Houses are no longer built like this, of course, and the room really isn't useable for a bedroom, these days. We used it for an office, and replacing it will be an open atrium area. Notice the skylight. There's also one in the bathroom. We are keeping these; they are watertight. Also note the transoms, for ventilation. This was very common in these types of houses.
This is a lovely oak mantel that, unfortunately, we are not keeping. I thought and thought about it, but it takes up useable wall space.
Rear bedroom. The transom to the left is to the bathroom, for ventilation. Doesn't do much to dampen bathroom noise. Those are going, of course.
This is the tiny bathroom.
Another shot, of the ugly yellow tub.
Sink and original built-in medicine cabinet.
Rear shot of the house. The siding will be removed, the entire rear will be stucco'd, and there will be a bi-level deck from the second floor up onto the roof, connected by a spiral stairway.
Next: The Big Boom!!!
