HISTORIC QUEEN ANNE  Winner of a Restoration Award from the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation, and  listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Timothy C. and Katherine McCarthy House was built in 1897 in the Queen Anne style. Early discussions with the clients centered around the concepts of stewardship and longevity as key tenets of the decision-making process. While large portions of the interior woodwork remained in excellent condition, a series of renovations in the 80s & 90s had dated the Kitchen and Bathrooms, and left a maze-like circulation path through the rear of the house.

A constrained and period-appropriate palette of materials was selected to unify the house. Using the original woodwork and mouldings of the grand entry staircase as inspiration, new quarter-sawn white oak cabinetry, archways and reproduction mouldings were installed throughout the house, and in compromised areas. Bathrooms received historic reproduction-quality white subway tile with moulded P-caps, pencil liner & cove base. Floors in the Entry Vestibule & Bathrooms received reproduction unglazed porcelain tile with detailed mosaic patterns. Unlacquered brass hardware, lighting & plumbing fixtures were used throughout, to age and patina over time. The Kitchen & Mudroom spaces received tumbled limestone flooring for a rustic touch in these historically “utilitarian” spaces.

The clients see this as their forever home and a multi-generational legacy. As such, improvements were made to accommodate their passions and add modern amenities. Formal built-in shelving was added to the Library to house the owner’s extensive book and vinyl collections. Mid-century unlacquered brass light fixtures were selected as an extension of the owner’s art collection. Existing fireplaces were made functional once again with modern gas inserts. A Keeping Room resides next to the Kitchen as a cozy gathering space, complete with new oak paneling & coffering and a fireplace. An unheated Sun Porch was rebuilt as sorely needed interior Mudroom space. A full Bathroom was added to the 1st floor to accommodate future single-level living. The gigantic Primary en Suite was reconfigured with more historically appropriate fixtures and finishes, with extra space going to a 2nd floor Laundry & Closet space for an adjacent bedroom. The previously unfinished basement now houses a second Laundry, Full Bath, Gym & Movie Theater!

Location:  Madison, WI
Contractor:  Architectural Building Arts
Cabinetry: Black Woodworks