Ever driven by a place countless times, yet never truly seen it? That's what the first impression of the Young house calls to mind. Tucked behind an iron gate in Columbia's Old Southwest neighborhood, the historic home was easy to miss. But stepping onto the property reveals incredible antique lion door knockers – a hint of the stories kept within. Built in 1954 on a sprawling 8.6-acre lot, the house had fallen into disrepair. Its story, however, was about to get a few new chapters.
In 2019, Mizzou business school alum Brad Young, a carpenter and remodeler with 22 years of experience, launched his own business, TigerTown Home Improvement. He'd spent a significant amount of time working days, nights, and weekends juggling house flips and remodels while also working full time at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. but finally took the leap, leaving his job to focus on his company.
Not long after, that dilapidated but promising historic house hit the market and inspired what became the Young family’s second leap of faith. Despite the risks of investing his time and expertise in a fledgling business, Brad and his wife, Cat Phillips-Young, sold their home to buy the fixer-upper. They moved into a single 900-square-foot room while he oversaw the extensive historic renovation. While it's easy to focus on these major life changes, Brad has a different perspective.
"It's the little things that completely change your life. One day I barely even noticed squirrels, and then that's all I see!" Brad recounts how he wound up saving three days-old baby squirrels that fell from a tree. Today, his property is a haven for squirrels and other local wildlife.
Cat, the board president of Columbia Second Chance and a longtime animal lover dedicated to pet rescue, clearly inspired Brad. Perhaps influenced by the squirrels, he incorporated his passion for animals and nature into the remodel, converting the old back entrance into a laundry room with a luxurious pet washing station and replacing windows facing the lake with sprawling patio doors.
"There's not a day that goes by that I don't look out at my yard and see crows, ducks, squirrels, coyotes, deer and think, 'How did I get this lucky?'" Brad says.
Walking through their now-completed home, it's hard to believe it's the same one. A striking transformation is the living area. Brad removed a wall separating the kitchen and living room, dramatically opening the space.
Demolition, however, isn't just about chaos. "For any remodel work, we measure everything meticulously before starting," Brad says. "Otherwise, mistakes happen. If we remove too much drywall on a tile shower remodel, I have to fix it, which costs time and money. Precision saves on both. At TigerTown we want to be as efficient as possible to reduce cost as well as time to completion." His process is so reliable that once he quotes a price, it doesn't change. "My clients rely on my expertise, for me to do my best and 'see through the walls'" he says. "For the most part, if I miscalculate, that's on me. Everyone should expect that out of their remodeler."
The renovation wasn't just about repairs; it was about creating their home. A coffee station between the master bathroom and closet is a perfect example. They added a steam shower and a soaking tub/cold plunge in the master bathroom. The once-dark hallway is now filled with natural light from custom window panels etched with tree branches. Artistically applied wallpaper in the foyer and bathrooms reflects their design sense.
There are so many incredible details, large and small, one could spend all day touring their home and still not get to see everything they’ve accomplished. There are two things no one can question? In transforming this old house, they truly created a stunning yet intimate home. And that double leap of faith? Worth it.