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Adam and Ashley Schmitz

Featured Article

Building the Next Chapter.

Terra Nova Builds transforms homes and communities by donating a portion of each project to a local non-profit.

"Every home has a story, and we help build the next chapter," said Adam Schmitz. He and his wife Ashley own Terra Nova Builds, a design-build construction company in Kirkwood. In the spirit of building a solid foundation, Adam and Ashley are committed to creating a strong future for their family, employees, and community. The historic home they have wholly remodeled on 544 South Clay Avenue in Kirkwood is a testament to the joy that comes from doing what you love and giving back to the community.

Q. Describe the home on South Clay.

A. The home belonged to our neighbors, Miss Ruth and her husband, Wilson. They lived in it since the 1950s and were only the fifth owners of this house, which was built in 1883. We loved Miss Ruth and her home, and we didn't want to see it torn down. As designers and builders with a passion for old homes, we had the experience and knowledge to bring it back to life.

Q. Describe the renovation process.

A. We wanted to salvage the original historic shell and celebrate the architectural style while modernizing the house for a new generation. The house's bones were in great shape. We kept the original charm and character of the home while staying true to our brand and the quality our customers have always expected; we chose recognizable finishes like Thermador appliances, Anderson windows, and James Hardie siding. We want to ensure the home meets the buyer's expectations while also being sensitive to its history. We added more square footage, including a finished rec room in the basement and a 3rd-floor bonus room, which is unique. Our goal was to make each space in this house feel like luxury living in a timeless space. The home is designed and built to be ready for a family who loves the look of a historic home without the headache that can come with century homes.

The home is over 100 years old, so we uncovered some surprises! We found old photo albums that were left behind, which we gave to Miss Ruth's children. We peeled back the closets and found two trap doors likely used to store valuables. Inside the walls, we found newspaper clippings, a handful of which we were able to save. In the backyard, we dug up a metal pool that Ruth and Wilson had used as a duck pond.

We also found unique bricks with Saint Louis stamped on them. As one way of giving back to the community, those bricks will be used as a fundraiser for the Kirkwood Historical Society.

Q. Describe Terra Nova's philanthropy.

A. Doing the most good with what we've been given is a huge part of who we are. We like to say we are built on generosity. As one of our living values, philanthropy brings meaning and purpose to our work. Employees receive a budget each year to give to their non-profit of choice. We celebrate each other's contributions. With this home on Clay, we've been given an opportunity to revive this home and to consider what more we can do. With Terra Nova Revives, we've made it our mission to seek out non-profits in the communities where we build to help tell their story and provide financial support with each home sold. With that in mind, we have decided to make Redemption Community Church in Kirkwood the first benefitting organization. We hope that the story of Terra Nova isn't about us but rather the many lives that can be touched by inspiring generosity in our communities.

terranovarevives.com

"Every home has a story, and we help create the next chapter. And every community has a non-profit and we help as many people as possible." 

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