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We are working for Pella to install new windows in four openings. The areas we are installing new windows in an office and rectory bedrooms. Each is a triple fixed window unit and we are removing only the center fixed window, 3′ x 8′ and replacing with a window that will open.

Here you can see the before windows at the Old Cathedral.

Installing new Pella windows.

Historic renovations can be tricky, and need to be handled with care. We are grateful that Pella brought thought of RIGGS Company and brought us on board to help with the renovations of this beautiful, historic cathedral.

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An important factor in the home buying processes, especially when you have a family, is the school district where you would be living. The Daily Beast recently shared an article of the 25 Best High Schools in the Midwest, and Kirkwood High School was named number 13 on the list! They have a 100% graduation rate with 93% of students’ college bound. In lieu of moving, now is the perfect time to renovate your Kirkwood home!

We’ve been a proud part of Kirkwood since 1959 and this is a great honor for our community! We are excited to see our city receive this well deserved recognition.

Kirkwood is known for their historic buildings and houses, giving the community a beautiful, old school charm. As stunning as they historic homes may be, many of them are ready for some upgrades. Love your neighborhood and not looking to move? Renovating your home is a great option!

Kirkwood is a great location to raise a family with the close knit feel, great schooling and local community events. This year is the 54^th annual Greentree Festival, located at Kirkwood Park. The mission of the Greentree Festival is to provide an event for the Kirkwood residents that will enhance community spirits and showcase the volunteer involvement of the residents and non-profit organizations. Who wouldn’t want to live in such an entertaining and community involved city?

Looking to start a remodel project of your own? RIGGS is here to help! We offer superior design, planning and remodeling solutions that are truly second to none. Drop us a line or visit us 24/7 at www.riggscompanystl.com.

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In St. Louis we don’t have homes quite as old, but the same reasoning exists – no home is too old for a renovation. Yes, additions and other renovations might cost a little extra to upgrade outdated water and electric, as well as removing lead and asbestos, but the final product is nearly always worth it.

One aspect important to homeowners of older homes is capturing the historical accuracy while having modern amenities. Depending on the scope of the project, changes can be made to your home’s layout for drastic results. For example, older homes often have small rooms, which homeowners find isolating. By removing walls and changing the layout, your old home can feel just like new!

Old homes are also potential candidates for a green remodel. Because they were not built with efficiency in mind, you could potentially be paying more than you need to on your monthly energy bills. RIGGS has a certified green remodeler on staff who can incorporate energy efficient materials and techniques into your renovation.

The possibilities of with older homes are nearly endless. At RIGGS, we can help get your older home feeling like new, but still with that historic feel.

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The importance is in what type of historical registry your home is in.  If it’s a local historic registry, your community most likely has an appointed commission that is a group of citizens with some expertise in these types of homes.  Their job is to review any alterations to the outside of the home that can be seen from the streetscape.  The goal is simply to make sure those changes conform in scope, size and scale to the integrity of the home.  They are there more as an advisory committee to help guide the homeowner in keeping with the architectural significance of their property.

Having been a Landmarks Commissioner in Kirkwood for the past four years I would say that 90% of the time, those who come before us for review are glad they did.  With two architects, a remodelor, a realtor, two homeowners who live in registered homes and professional in historical registration, the advice we can generate has been very helpful.  The 10% who weren’t so pleased either were unhappy with the additional time it took to get a permit to build something or wanted to do something to their home that would have detracted or erased its historical value.  If an individual is truly unhappy, they can always bring up their argument with the City Council, so there is an appeals process that works.

A National Historic Registry is a completely different set of circumstances.  The same basic qualifiers apply although there is a much more intense review of the structure and the application process is long and arduous.  Once approved, you can invest money in restoring your home and receive some very significant tax credits based on your investment.  The trick is that all the work you have done must meet the federal guidelines for historical restoration and that takes some research and application effort.  You have to maintain both the exterior and interior architecture and although updating is encouraged it has to fit within those guidelines.  It’s not easy, but well worth the effort both in the pride you’ll have in you home and the money you can save through those tax credits.

To learn more go to: http://dnr.mo.gov/shpoTaxCrdts.htm

That’s the official site of the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office which is authorized to carry out the responsibilities of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

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