The Upper Annex | 3Gen Development Group Inc.

Not just any Upper Annex redbrick this historic gem boasts the adage of being a "Birds of Tranby”, a noteworthy decoration of the cities rich history. Structurally sound & beautifully preserved it seemed only natural to allow the homes own rich history to inform its brilliant new future. 

Every original detail that could be saved was protected and restored including plaster moldings, the figural stair railing, a paneled living room double pocket door, Art Nouveau hinges and metal floor grilles, all the likes of which you simply can’t come by anymore. The original stained glass on the front of the house was intact, although badly in need of repair. As an example of the kismet that surrounded this project, the great-grandson of the original glass artist who created the Birds of Tranby windows took pride in restoring all the glass in the house.
 Each custom design element was directly informed by some original piece of architectural charm within the house paired with custom design touches throughout that are equally as unique & breathtaking. Where new pieces were added to the house, the design approach was to make them modern and distinct. Oak millwork lightly washed with a grey stain slips behind a molded corner into a space that previously served as a back-of-house walkway to the kitchen. The original kitchen was removed and replaced with a light filled space that opens completely to the original Dining Room and to the rear yard.  The original lofty ceiling heights were utilized to frame the stunning floor-to-ceiling retractable glass doors on the homes rear. A second floor sun room addition was removed and an exterior deck that conformed to the original plans was rebuilt with modern details.
 
Finding a balance between the traditional and the modern allows both aspects of this house to come through equally strong. In a city with a dwindling supply of historic properties, the idea was to develop a stunning historic gem-come-modern, urban dwelling in the heart of one of the cities most desirable areas.