This Lexington, KY home is a rare and meaningful piece of history. When the owner approached me about a rehabilitation and addition, the initial impression was of an old and neglected property. With the help of local historians, I learned that the home was built just after the Civil War by a formerly enslaved person, giving the project a deeper layer of significance.

The design process began with respect for that legacy. One of the home’s most distinctive features was an outdoor well, which we incorporated into the new plan to maintain a tangible connection to the past. The existing structure, a small two-room building, had been left vacant for years and had fallen into serious disrepair. Preserving what could be saved while stabilizing and expanding the structure became central to the design approach.

The homeowner’s goals were clear: modernize the property with updated systems and conveniences, expand the square footage to create a more livable layout, and retain elements of the original charm. The design solution blends new construction with restored elements, balancing historic character with clean, modern spaces.

The design incorporates (2) large dormer windows that let in sunlight all day. A lot of consideration was taken for the placement of all the windows. I wanted to maximize the daylight while also allowing for privacy from the neighboring homes.

The images presented here illustrate the transformation through plans and 3D renderings. They highlight a design that honors the history of the home while preparing it for another century of life in Lexington.

This home was completed in 2023.

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