Historic Home Remodeling in Gratz Park Blends 1800s Charm with Modern Comfort

Gratz Park, Lexington, KY

Our team completed a one-of-a-kind home remodeling project in the Gratz Park neighborhood of Lexington, KY. This area is known for its beautifully preserved 19th-century homes, and the house we worked on was no exception. Built in the 1800s, the home had tall ceilings, ornate trim, and original hardwood floors that gave it plenty of character.

Because Gratz Park is part of a designated historic district, preserving the home’s architectural heritage was essential. Our goal was to improve the home’s comfort, layout, and systems while honoring its historic identity through thoughtful home remodeling techniques.

The Challenge

Older homes in Gratz Park often come with outdated infrastructure and floor plans that do not suit modern lifestyles. This home was no different. The kitchen and bathrooms had not been remodeled in decades. The electrical and plumbing systems were outdated, and original windows let in cold drafts.

The homeowners wanted to bring the home into the modern age by upgrading the HVAC system, appliances, and insulation, and by creating a more open layout. However, they also wanted to keep original features like the hardwood flooring, clawfoot tub, and decorative trim. The challenge was to enhance comfort and livability while keeping the historic charm fully intact and in compliance with local preservation rules.

Our Approach

We started by reviewing historic preservation guidelines to make sure the design would be appropriate. To enlarge the kitchen, we removed a wall that separated it from an underused pantry, creating more usable space without altering the home’s structure. Custom cabinets were built with inset doors and vintage-style hardware to reflect the home’s original period, while modern appliances were either hidden behind panels or selected in retro styles to blend in naturally.

The bathrooms were updated by keeping antique fixtures like the clawfoot tub and refinishing them. New plumbing fixtures were chosen for their timeless look, and all additions respected the home’s vintage feel.

The original hardwood floors were carefully sanded and refinished, and in areas where new flooring was needed, we sourced reclaimed wood that matched. Rather than replace the historic windows, we restored and weather-stripped them, then added low-profile interior storm windows for energy savings.

We replaced the old knob-and-tube electrical system with safe, modern wiring and installed a full HVAC system. Air ducts and units were placed in ways that minimized visual disruption. Finally, the home was repainted inside and out using colors authentic to the period.

The Results

Kitchen remodel in a historic Gratz Park home, blending 19th-century character with modern efficiency through custom cabinetry, original hardwood floors, and period-appropriate finishes.

The finished home remodeling project strikes a perfect balance between classic and contemporary. The homeowners now enjoy a fully functional kitchen and modern bathrooms, all while preserving the charm of their historic home. The space is more energy efficient, comfortable year-round, and easier to live in, yet it still looks as if it has always been this way.

Visitors often cannot tell a remodel was done, which speaks to how seamlessly the upgrades were integrated. The kitchen is now bright and practical, the bathrooms are luxurious yet traditional, and the entire house feels warm and inviting.

Most importantly, the home continues to contribute to the charm of Gratz Park. By preserving the character of the original structure while modernizing the essentials, this home remodeling project not only improved daily living for the family but also added value to the home and the neighborhood.