In the heart of Ann Arbor’s scenic Geddes neighborhood, where winding roads and mature oaks define the landscape, many homes carry a classic 1940s charm. However, while the architecture of the past is beautiful, its layout often fails to meet the needs of modern families.
When the owners of one such Dutch Colonial sought to transform their cramped, segmented living space into a breathtaking "Great Room," they collaborated with the award-winning team at Rochman Design Build. The result? A masterclass in Ann Arbor home remodeling that balances historic integrity with contemporary flow.
Opening the Heart of the Home
The primary goal was to solve a common "older home" problem: a kitchen that felt like an island. Isolated by heavy walls—including a massive, load-bearing stone partition—the kitchen was physically and visually cut off from the family room.
The Rochman team executed a structural feat by removing the stone wall and installing a strategic steel beam. This simple yet profound change created an open-concept kitchen and living area, allowing natural light to flood the interior and creating a line of sight that spans the entire first floor.
Design Details: Textures and Tones
To maintain the home’s warmth while leaning into a modern aesthetic, the design palette focuses on high-contrast textures:
The Focal Point: A new linear fireplace serves as the family room's anchor. Clad in stacked stone that pays homage to the home's original masonry, it brings a cozy yet sophisticated "up North" feel to the city.
The Culinary Hub: The kitchen features classic white subway tiles with a twist—a decorative glass herringbone inlay behind the range adds a subtle "wow" factor.
Seamless Transitions: To unify the expanded space, pre-finished hardwood flooring was installed throughout, creating a polished, cohesive look that makes the footprint feel significantly larger.
Extending the Living Space Outdoors
In Ann Arbor, the "City Lifestyle" often includes a deep appreciation for our four seasons. The renovation extended beyond the walls, replacing an aging wood deck with a sprawling, multi-level outdoor living space. By utilizing glass-like transitions and fewer railings, the deck offers an unobstructed view of the Geddes Lake greenery, making the backyard feel like a natural extension of the family room.
Why Design-Build Matters
This project highlights the efficiency of the Design-Build model. By housing architects and builders under one roof, Rochman Design Build ensured that the complex structural changes—like moving laundry facilities and adding a new powder room—were handled with precision.
For Ann Arbor homeowners looking to breathe new life into an older property, this Geddes renovation serves as the ultimate inspiration. It’s proof that you don’t have to choose between history and high-end modern living.
To see more of the "Before & After" transformation of this Geddes home and other local projects, visit Rochman Design Build.