Considerations for Your Historic Home

Understanding What Makes a Home “Historic”

Not every older home is designated as “historic,” but many homes in Minneapolis, Edina, and St. Paul were built between the 1920s and 1950s. These properties often feature:

• Plaster walls
• Original millwork and crown molding
• Narrow hallways and compartmentalized layouts
• Smaller kitchens separated from dining areas
• Minimal closet space

In neighborhoods throughout Southwest Minneapolis, we frequently see homes with beautiful architectural bones but outdated functionality.

Historic home remodeling in the Twin Cities often centers on one big question:

How do we preserve character while improving livability?

That balance is where thoughtful design makes all the difference.

character preservation

 Historic homes often come with surprises. Remodeling them may involve removing walls, reconfiguring traffic flow, upgrading systems, and rethinking how your family gathers. But the goal is never to erase what makes the home special. 

What This Looks Like in Practice

• Matching existing millwork profiles
• Repeating window grid patterns
• Carrying original hardwood species into new spaces
• Designing additions that align with original roof pitches
• Respecting symmetry and scale

Instead of ignoring, we study original millwork, window proportions, rooflines, and flooring so that new spaces feel cohesive. Openings may be widened rather than eliminated. Additions are designed to align with existing structure. Materials are selected to complement what’s already there. 

When done well, guests won’t know where the old house ends and the new work begins.

Navigating Local Regulations & Historic Districts

Certain neighborhoods in Minneapolis include designated historic districts. If your home falls within one, exterior changes may require additional approvals.

This can affect:

• Window replacements
• Siding changes
• Additions
• Rooflines
• Exterior paint colors

If you’re planning a home addition in Minneapolis on a historic property, zoning setbacks and district guidelines may influence footprint and height. Working with a team experienced in home remodeling Twin Cities projects helps streamline this process. Early coordination prevents delays and ensures your plans align with city requirements.

Fun Fact: If you own a historic property, the City of Edina’s Century Homes program is a meaningful way to honor your home’s legacy. Homes that are 100 years old or older can be recognized for their architectural and cultural significance, and homeowners receive a commemorative plaque to display with pride. It’s a thoughtful way to celebrate the craftsmanship and stories that have shaped our community while preserving character for the next generation. 

Energy Efficiency in Historic Homes

Many historic homes were not built with insulation standards we expect today. Drafty windows and uninsulated walls can impact comfort and energy bills.

During a home remodel Minneapolis project, opportunities often include:

• Adding insulation during wall renovations
• Upgrading to historically appropriate energy-efficient windows
• Improving attic insulation
• Installing high-efficiency HVAC systems
• Sealing air gaps

The goal is comfort without compromising aesthetics. For example, interior storm windows can improve performance while preserving original window trim. Modern mechanical systems can be tucked discreetly into older framing. Historic doesn’t have to mean inefficient.

Blending Old Materials with New

In historic home remodels throughout Minneapolis, timeless materials are paired with modern updates. Marble mosaics, handmade tile, polished nickel, warm wood tones, and cabinetry that echoes original proportions keep the home rooted in its era. At the same time, updated storage, integrated appliances, and improved lighting ensure the home functions beautifully for today.

The goal is not to create contrast for contrast’s sake, but to create continuity.

Additions That Respect the Original Structure

When adding square footage to a historic home, the new work must feel intentional. Rooflines, window heights, and exterior materials should align with the original structure, so the addition feels like it has always belonged.

At the same time, many homeowners are planning for the long term. First-floor suites, improved lighting, wider openings, and accessible bathrooms can be integrated subtly so the home remains elegant while becoming more adaptable.

Why Design-Build Matters for Historic Homes

Historic homes are layered. Design decisions influence structural, mechanical, and financial outcomes.

A design-build approach ensures:

• Architectural preservation is intentional
• Budget alignment happens early
• Structural discoveries are addressed proactively
• Communication remains centralized

When design and construction teams collaborate from day one, historic home remodeling Minneapolis projects stay aligned and cohesive.

Honoring the Past, Designing for Future

Your historic home is more than square footage. It’s craftsmanship, memory, and legacy. But it should also work for your life today. If your kitchen feels cramped, your layout feels fragmented, or your systems feel outdated, you don’t have to choose between charm and comfort. A thoughtful home remodeling Twin Cities project allows you to preserve character while improving flow, efficiency, and livability. You’ve worked hard for this home. Now it should support how you live—today and in the years ahead.

If you’re considering a historic home remodel in Minneapolis, a kitchen remodel in Edina, or a whole home remodel in the Twin Cities, the first step is a conversation. We’ll walk through what’s possible, what to expect, and how to create a plan that honors your home’s history while preparing it for the future.

Because your home shouldn’t hold you back. It should grow with you.