South End Brownstone Transformation

Project Overview:

The project began over ten years ago when Benjamin Construction was initially hired to renovate the garden-level floor of this South End brownstone. The scope evolved over time, with three distinct phases of work, each building on the last, culminating in a comprehensive transformation of the property.

• Rebuilt the garden-level floor with structural beams to eliminate narrow hallways and create an open-concept living space.
• Reinforced and leveled the floors through a process known as “sistering” the floor joists, eliminating uneven elevations between rooms.
• Added a full bathroom featuring modern Corian elements, glass tile, and a creative window design that ensured both privacy and protection against weather conditions.
• A new bedroom was added on the garden level, maximizing the livable space in the home and adding significant value to the property.

This phase also required meticulous work to maintain the historical integrity of the home, particularly in preserving certain features like original windows, while updating the layout and finishes to reflect modern tastes.

• Moved the bathroom doorway to provide direct access from the master bedroom, turning it into a true ensuite.
• Installed a heated floor for added luxury and comfort.
• The shower featured a sleek, wall drain design that eliminated the need for a traditional floor drain, allowing for an uninterrupted tile pattern.
• The bathroom used large, terrazzo-style tiles with minimal seams for a clean, modern look.

Phase 3: Outdoor Living Space Expansion

The final phase focused on the rear deck and driveway renovations. The original wooden deck was in poor condition, with visible rot and even mushrooms growing from the structure. To remedy this, Benjamin Construction replaced the entire deck with a more durable and aesthetically pleasing steel-framed deck for a Boston brownstone.

Key Upgrades:

• Replaced the rotting wood deck with a custom-built steel deck, topped with ipe wood decking and a matching ipe wood railing cap.
• Installed a new paver driveway, replacing the old asphalt and further enhancing the property’s curb appeal.
• The deck was structurally reinforced with concrete footings, ensuring it could safely support the new structure while maintaining the aesthetic harmony of the space.

Historical Preservation Meets Modern Convenience

A unique aspect of this renovation was the balance between historical preservation and modern convenience. From keeping the 150-year-old plaster crown molding in the living room to updating the staircases with custom walnut handrails, every detail was considered. Benjamin Construction successfully integrated modern amenities such as recessed lighting while preserving the architectural heritage of the home.

Challenges & Solutions:

Structural Modifications:

The first phase required significant structural changes to open up the narrow hallways and create wider doorways. This involved installing large structural beams and ensuring that the home was reinforced appropriately while maintaining its historical integrity.

Preserving Historic Elements:

The homeowners wanted to keep the intricate plaster moldings, which required careful attention during the installation of modern features like recessed lighting. The team used innovative techniques, such as disc grinders with diamond blades and vacuums, to cut through the 19th-century horsehair plaster without damaging it.

Maximizing Outdoor Living Space:

Creating a new roof deck presented another challenge. The team had to carefully design the structure to comply with local historical regulations, which dictate that roof decks must not be visible from the street. By scribing engineered lumber to the existing roof, they were able to maximize the deck’s surface area while minimizing its height, limiting its visibility from the street.