Today, I am excited to share a renovation project that I have had the pleasure of working on over the past few months in Fayetteville. I briefly introduced the project via Instagram in November, when dad was helping with some of the outside details. However, I did not get involved until January.
I was originally introduced to the project in July of 2012, while visiting WV, before I moved back. I have been following the project since the beginning and it has been so much fun to get involved. I have truly enjoyed watching this old house come back to life.
Exterior, taken November 2012
The house is a grand Victorian, built in 1870. It sits majestically on top of the hill in Fayetteville, WV. For as long as I can remember, the house has been vacant and in disrepair. Last summer, plans began to renovate it into a commercial space. After much planning, work began in the fall and after a long winter of work, signs of the end are in sight.
The first floor commercial space is being converted into a European style Coffee Shop, Musical Grounds. The second floor will house a digital marketing company, Digital Relativity. The long term plan for this property is unbelievable. It will house more commercial spaces, parking, and gathering spaces. It is truly unique for Fayetteville. The renovation of the Victorian is just the beginning…
Below is a sneak peak of some of the progress being made…I will try to get some before photos and will continue to take updated progress photos as it comes together.
The front door was a mess, after many years and coats of stain, it was stripped and brought back to life. It is gorgeous!
The original gingerbread balusters were in disrepair and were not to code for a commercial space. The new ones are based off the originals, but were heightened to meet code.
The architectural details in this house are amazing. One of the most desirable features is the gorgeous staircase as you enter into the house. Another positive feature is the grand moldings throughout.
The original floors were brought back to life last week, the final coat of poly was applied Sunday. They are breathtaking. The floors remain true to the time period of the house, the character has remained in tack, but have now been brought back to life. Painting begins this week!
Last week, the new front porch light was installed. It was ordered in January, but the owner wanted to wait until the exterior door was stained and the balusters were replaced before hanging it.
In one day, the door was up, the balusters installed and the light hung. The front of the house is really coming together. The dark door and lantern really draw your eye in against the white background of the house.
I will try to take some new photos of the exterior to share soon. I can’t wait to see what is accomplished this week. We are finally in the stages where each day you see progress by leaps and bounds. The owner of the coffee shop started moving equipment in yesterday. The marketing firm plans to be in by the end of the month. I will try to keep you updated…
