eco+historical Downey
This 1904 Queen Anne Cottage in San Francisco's Cole Valley neighborhood underwent a Greenpoint Rated gut rehab remodel from 2008-2009. Neglected for decades, this 2BR/1BA house was lifted to add the garage shown here plus a complete lower level. Expanded to 5BR/4BA, this home retained many of its original interior and exterior details while getting all sustainable and non-toxic materials utilized throughout.
The home's original stairs were retained, but the balusters had been just 2' high and had to be removed. To respect the history of the home, new balusters were created to match the originals, but meeting the new code-compliant height of 36" (at the time). The original hand rail was retained and re-stained and sealed and placed atop the new balusters while new newel posts were built on-site. To add a little classic detail to the stair, a new batten wainscot was installed on the wall sides of the stair.
Photo by KEE Sites