Grant Park Modern Redux

Reviving a Historic Gem: The Reinvention of the Grant Park House

Tucked away in the heart of Atlanta’s historic Grant Park neighborhood, a 1920s Craftsman bungalow has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once a beloved home that had fallen into disrepair, this residence—steeped in history and even once owned by Ty Pennington during the early days of Trading Spaces—has been meticulously restored and reimagined to suit modern living while honoring its storied past.

When the current owner acquired the property, the house was in dire need of repair. The floors were uneven, the foundation was damaged, and the structure bore the scars of previous fires, water infiltration, and long-term neglect. Years of abandonment had taken their toll, leaving the home overrun by bamboo from a long-gone koi pond, contributing to further water damage and rot. Despite these challenges, the house’s rational form and enduring charm inspired the owner and the team at ARCHITECTUREFIRM to breathe new life into the home.

The renovation process began with addressing the most pressing structural issues, including the complete replacement of the roof. The existing roof shape, protected by the home’s historical neighborhood status, was maintained but reimagined to create an open, sky-lit living space with a loft stacked over the bedrooms and bathrooms. This innovative design preserved the original floor plan for the private bedroom areas while transforming the living room, dining room, and kitchen into a continuous, light-filled space.

The addition of the loft provided a versatile area for additional living, sleeping, and working, making the most of the home’s compact footprint. With 10 large skylights cut into the roof, natural light now floods the interior, transforming what was once a series of dark, cramped rooms into an airy, expansive environment that feels much larger than its modest exterior suggests.

Throughout the renovation, the design team remained committed to preserving the historical integrity of the home. The original facade was retained, in compliance with historic preservation guidelines, ensuring that the bungalow’s exterior remained in harmony with the scale and character of the surrounding neighborhood. However, the interior was completely reinvented. The decision to remove half of the walls and the entire existing ceiling level allowed the living spaces to expand all the way to the roof joists, creating a dynamic and modern interior that contrasts with the home’s traditional exterior.

The dark exterior of the home conceals a bright white interior, where the simplicity of the material palette highlights the new wood framing against large expanses of soft white walls. The result is a space that tracks the shifting daylight throughout the day, offering the owner a serene retreat within a historic shell.

The interior renovations, including the open kitchen and master and guest bathrooms, were designed collaboratively by the owner, Carie Davis, and ARCHITECTUREFIRM. Davis, who took an active role in the renovation, emphasized a subtle color palette, durable and affordable materials, and a minimalist approach to the home’s formal composition. The landscape, a mix of existing features and new additions, was also designed and implemented by Davis, ensuring that every aspect of the home reflects her vision.

Renovating the Grant Park House was not only a creative challenge but also a sustainable choice. By reusing and repairing as much of the original structure as possible, the project minimized waste and preserved the home’s historical essence. Greenehead, Inc., experts in historic preservation construction, played a crucial role in this process, ensuring that the renovation adhered to preservation standards while delivering a modern living experience.

Completed in 2021, the Grant Park House stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and preservation. By balancing the home’s historic character with modern needs, the renovation has created a space that is both timeless and contemporary. From the street, the bungalow maintains its original charm, but step inside, and you’re greeted with a bright, expansive interior that celebrates the dynamic qualities of southern light. With its blend of old and new, the Grant Park House is a true reflection of its owner’s vision and the enduring appeal of Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods.