Old Charm, New Life

By Louis Weiher, Partner, Alair Homes Milwaukee

A Home Worth Saving

Some homes just have a presence. This one sat on a historic Wauwatosa street full of character and charm, the kind of neighborhood where families walk to parks, say hello from their porches, and grow roots that last decades.

But over the years, the home had lost some of that magic. Both the interior and exterior had been changed with mismatched updates.

The layout no longer supported how a modern family lives, and the architectural details that once defined the home had either deteriorated or replaced with cheap knockoffs.

For this busy family of four who loved the neighborhood, the goal wasn’t to start over. They wanted a home that honored its past and worked beautifully inside and out. Morning routines, curb appeal, backyard access, historic accuracy. All of it needed to come together.

This is where we come in.

Why This Project Mattered

I like to tell people that we are “urban remodelers” at heart. Both of my parents grew up in the city – my dad in a classic Milwaukee Bungalow and my mom in a beautiful colonial on Wauwatosa Avenue. Some of my fondest childhood memories involve visiting my grandparents at those homes.  These homes, and the neighborhoods they occupy, are special. I feel a responsibility to restore and transform Milwaukee’s older homes whenever possible.

It’s really easy to tear down an older home. But it’s all but impossible to rebuild it once it’s gone. It makes me sad when someone replaces a historic home with something that doesn’t belong. These streets have stories and good design should respect them.

This home gave us the chance to do exactly what we love.
We brought back its charm while making it work beautifully for a modern family.

BEFORE AND AFTER: The Transformation

Exterior: Respecting the Neighborhood’s Character

Before:

The exterior showed its age. Rot, mismatched patches, and materials that no longer honored the home’s architecture.

After:

We restored the curb appeal with care.

• All-new LP SmartSide siding and trim, with added architectural details
• A rebuilt porch to replace the rotting slab
• Custom Douglas fir brackets crafted to match the original design
• A new addition and covered back porch that blend naturally with the existing structure

Everything feels intentional because it is. This is how you protect the architectural story of a neighborhood.

First Floor: From Disconnected to “Finally Makes Sense”

Before:
The old layout forced the family to navigate the home in pieces. The kitchen was boxed in, the living room felt isolated, the dining addition didn’t match the architecture, and backyard access was basically impossible.

After:

We created a connected, functional first floor that finally feels like one cohesive space.

• A larger, brighter kitchen designed for easy and enjoyable meal prep and clean up
• Twelve-foot patio doors for true indoor-outdoor living
• A mudroom positioned where it actually makes sense for daily routines
• A new home office created from the former kitchen
• Open flow between the living room, kitchen, dining room, and study

For a working family, this kind of layout changes everything. Morning routines, weeknight dinners, hosting, you name it.

Kitchen and Dining: The Heart of the Home

Before:

The old kitchen was small, dark, and not functional for a family that loves to cook.

After:

The new kitchen and dining addition balances modern function with timeless warmth.

• Custom cabinetry with walnut countertops
• Maple flooring for continuity
• Panel-ready appliances for a seamless look
• A wet bar with a glass rinser, a client favorite
• Anderson sliding doors opening directly to the covered porch

It is the kind of space that fills up fast. With people, light, and everyday life.

Home Office: A Smart Use of Space

The former kitchen became a bright, focused home office. The existing windows make the space feel intentional. Not leftover.

Mudroom: Built for Real Life

Moving the mudroom closer to the garage and driveway made daily entry easier. The exposed original brick adds a dose of historic character. One of those discovered details that deserves to be celebrated.

Second Floor: Space for a Growing Family

Before:

One child was sleeping on the main floor. There was no shared bathroom and the layout did not support a growing family.

After:

We added what the family needed most.

• A third bedroom upstairs: The first floor bedroom is now a great guest room for family and friends.
• A full bathroom for the kids on the second floor
• More hallway light and better flow
• Subtle updates to existing rooms

Now the family has a functional second floor with privacy intact for the parents.