Front Door Installation in Historic Gratz Park Home

We recently completed a front door installation for a historic home in the Gratz Park neighborhood of Lexington, KY. This beautiful early 1900s property had many original details still intact, but the existing front door had become a problem. It was sticking during weather changes, letting in drafts, and had visible wear that made it a poor match for the home’s otherwise well-maintained exterior.

The homeowners wanted a new front door that would solve these practical issues while maintaining the historic character of their home. They also hoped to increase energy efficiency and security without sacrificing curb appeal. Our job was to find the right balance between performance and period-appropriate design in this door installation project.

Customer Challenge

The original wooden door was charming but no longer functional. Seasonal humidity caused it to swell and become difficult to open and close. It also lacked proper insulation, letting in cold air during the winter and heat in the summer. The hardware was outdated and had become unreliable.

In a historic district like Gratz Park, replacing any visible architectural element requires care. The new door had to match the scale, profile, and general style of the original while solving all the comfort and usability concerns. The homeowners also wanted to avoid extensive framing changes, which could risk damaging the surrounding trim or brickwork.

Our Solution

We worked closely with the homeowners to choose a fiberglass entry door with an insulated core. It offered durability and better performance while being customizable to look like traditional wood. The selected style featured a classic panel layout with a dark stained woodgrain finish and simple decorative glass inserts that added light to the entry without feeling too modern.

We first carefully removed the old door and frame without disturbing the surrounding trim. The rough opening was measured and shimmed precisely to support the new prehung door. Once the new door was set in place, we insulated the frame cavity with low-expansion foam to improve energy efficiency. The door was secured using long fasteners into the framing studs to ensure stability.

This door installation also included new bronze-finish hardware that matched the traditional aesthetic while providing enhanced security. We applied caulking and weatherstripping to all joints and seams to reduce air leaks. Final touch-ups included painting and cleaning the surrounding trim to give the entrance a finished, polished look.

Results

Historic front door upgrade in Gratz Park with an insulated fiberglass unit that blends energy efficiency and period-appropriate charm.

The new door completely changed the experience of entering the home. It now opens and closes smoothly, keeps out drafts, and provides a secure barrier against weather and noise. The classic wood-look finish pairs beautifully with the brick and trim on the front elevation and looks like it has always been part of the home.

The homeowners are pleased with the improved comfort, energy efficiency, and low maintenance of the fiberglass. Neighbors have commented on how well the new door suits the home’s character. This door installation not only solved functional issues but also added value and style in a way that respects the historic district.

This project is a great example of how a well-planned front door installation can bring practical upgrades to a home without sacrificing its historic charm.