It all started with an idea.
The building originally showcased a charming Spanish Mission style with its unique shotgun layout. The front featured four doors—two on the ground floor and two leading to the upper levels. While the units were long with narrow hallways, we saw the potential for transformation. The building was subdivided into 8 units in the late 70’s, complemented with a convenient stairway added to the back porch. Each unit was approximately 600 to 700 square feet, and the spacious, dry basement boasted 2,000 square feet of potential, flooded with natural light from the windows. Our construction journey was a heartfelt collaboration, emphasizing the importance of preserving history and humanity. With a commitment to sustainability, we repurposed much of the original building materials, transforming extracted wood into stunning countertops, interior timbers for framing, and stylish bathroom vanities. We proudly preserved three of the original 114-year-old hutches and 22 of the initial 32 interior doors, creatively repurposing them into charming barn-style sliding doors. The original entry doors were restored to their magnificent Golden Oak finish. Enabling us to enjoy contemporary enhancements while retaining the timeless charm and character!
The Design Concept
Throughout the renovation, our developer Josh Thiel’s children played an invaluable part in the project. They enthusiastically carried bricks, tidied the construction site, and earned treats from the nearby Marathon station after school. Their spirited input contributed significantly to the building's interior decor. In fact, each unit is delightfully named and designed after Josh’s kids.
"The front upstairs unit, featuring a spiral staircase, is inspired by George, whom I affectionately call "George of the Jungle" or "Gentle George," who adores the lofty ceilings and vintage aesthetics reflected un the steampunk wood . The vibrant front downstairs unit is named after my daughter Kate, affectionately called "Curious Cate," reflecting her love for bright colors with turquoise vintage appliances and lovely golden wood floors. The rear upstairs unit, with sweeping views of beautiful North Street and Saint Boniface Church, embodies the essence of my eldest son, 12-year-old Andrew, or "the Professor," showcasing classic wood grain with chic black and gold accents. The cozy basement unit is dedicated to my youngest daughter, "Big-Time Betty," who has a pure outlook on the world. She thoughtfully selected her dream features, including a giant wooden door and a delightful kitchen. Each child has a unique connection to their unit. We built it, selected it, and saw it through as a family. A heartfelt creation that revitalized our community."- Josh Thiel
Our Misson
We embarked on this project because we deeply cherish the vibrant lifestyle of living and working in our community and downtown area. Our mission is to ensure Lafayette's historic charm and character remain locally cherished and well-maintained. We hope you enjoy residing in a piece of Lafayette’s rich history as much as we enjoyed bringing this project to life!