Dancraft Construction was brought in to remodel one of Troy, Ohio's landmark homes: built in 1852, this large brick farmhouse is believed to have been a stop on the underground railroad. Members of the Galbreath family, of Galbreath Realtors, are the previous owners of the house. The Cullises wished for a large multi-purpose room addition for their active family which includes 2 teenagers. Also needed was a 2+ car garage and extra storage. And the addition should blend with the mid-19th century architecture.
  　
　  

Project Challenge:

"What options do we
have to improve our garage and family room situation?"

Dancraft Solution:

Begin discovery phases, including client interviews and site visit. Develop project analysis with architect to develop the best recommendation for the Cullis family.

   
Main house - front (existing view of street), showing elegant 1857
Federal Style architecture
Before demolition:
-Appearance of 1947 addition is inconsistent
with 19th century home
-Awkward, jumbled roof lines
-Deck had poor connection to backyard
  　
           
　
　

Project Challenge:

Convert one-car garage to two-car. (Original garage dark, outdated and lacking storage space.) Solve old family room problems:

• Ceilings too low
• Room cramped, small and without central heat
• Unsatisfactory connection from the kitchen to the rear yard and garden
• 1947 exterior incompatible with mid-nineteenth century main house

Dancraft Solution:

Remove old 1947 addition. (After an in-depth interview and site analysis, Dancraft determined that the old family room and garage could not be adequately retrofitted.)

Demolition of 1947 addition and one-car garage
Special care to the property was taken, such as protecting the flower garden

Precise demolition techniques were used to insure that the main structure would not be impacted
　
            

               
　  

Project Challenge:

Create a large multi-purpose room with more space, more light, and higher ceilings. Include a place to gather around the hearth, an open area for a pool table, and a small eating area with morning sun.

Dancraft Solution:

By moving the garage to the west side of the house, a sunny gallery was created, connecting the garage to the side entry and allowing southern light to fill the living area. This approach also opened up the side entry courtyard, creating a pleasing outdoor space for the new brick paver patio.

   
Completed addition - interior view of sun-filled living area

              Please Click Here to Read a Newspaper Article about this Historic Room Addition

Please Click Here to read a Thank You letter about this Historic Room Addition