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," Brad says. He goes on to share the tale of how they wound up rescuing three days-old baby squirrels that fell from a tree while he was working on the back yard landscaping. With expert guidance from Jennifer Cockrell Romesburg, owner of the local nonprofit Jenny's Wildlife Rescue, they were able to save the squirrel trio. Today, their 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 rescued squirrels, they incorporated their passion for animals and nature into the remodel, converting the old back entrance into a laundry room complete with a luxurious pet washing station.
He recounts rescuing days-old baby squirrels that fell from a tree. With expert guidance from Jennifer Cockrell Romesburge, owner of the non-profit Jenny’s Wildlife Rescue, they were able to save the squirrel trio. Today, their property is a haven for squirrels and other local wildlife. Cat, a dedicated animal lover and board president of Columbia Second Chance, inspired Brad. They wove their pet and animal passion into the remodel, even converting the old back entrance into a laundry room complete with a lux pet washing station.
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. "I measure everything meticulously before starting," Brad says. "Otherwise, mistakes happen. If I tear down a piece of wall two inches too short, I have to fix it, which costs time and money. Precision saves both." His process is so reliable that once he quotes a price, it doesn't change. "My clients rely on my expertise," he says. "If I miscalculate, that's on me."
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.