By Louis Weiher, Partner, Alair Homes Milwaukee
A Home Worth Saving
Some homes just have a presence. This one sat on a historic Milwaukee 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 faded or been covered up.
For a 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
In a lot of ways, we consider ourselves an urban builder. Restoring and transforming Milwaukee’s older homes is a big part of our philosophy. These neighborhoods are special, and the homes deserve to be treated that way.
Honestly, it makes me sad when someone tears out the original character or replaces a historic home with something that doesn’t belong. These streets have stories. 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
- A rebuilt porch to replace the rotting slab
- Custom Douglas fir brackets crafted to match the original design
- A new addition and 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 two cooks
- 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
- A full bathroom for the kids
- 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.
Why We Loved This Project
We are passionate about rebuilding the right way. The kind of remodeling that honors the past and feels right in the neighborhood. This home is a perfect example of why that matters.
It did not need to be torn down.
It did not need a style that fought against the block.
It simply needed thoughtful design, skilled craftsmanship, and a family who believed in its potential.
Our clients were thrilled.
This house now feels whole again, ready for the next generation of memories.