The restoration and preservation of history is something we — and many others — are very passionate about. Historic homes are an important part of our neighborhoods, as they remain standing to tell the stories of their former inhabitants and the colorful lives they lived decades ago.
Just last year, Mountain Standard Homes renovated a modest bungalow in Old Town Fort Collins originally built in the late 1920s, transforming it into a spacious and luxurious home. This artful transformation included the addition of square footage, a completely updated interior and even an added ADU structure, all while maintaining the home’s original character and style.
Once a small two-bedroom, one-bathroom family home, the home now boasts over 2,800 finished square feet, including a luxurious master suite, three additional large bedrooms, and an office that serves as an optional bedroom. The stunning gourmet kitchen features Viking professional appliances, elegant Pental Quartz countertops and a spacious pantry. The interior is adorned with custom knotty alder woodwork and cabinetry throughout, plus premium hardwood floors and large custom tiles.
Before and After Photos
Retains Original Character
Meeting the highest energy standards, the home is equipped with instant hot water, high efficiency heating and air conditioning, Anderson 100 series windows, spray foam insulation, and smart home technology.
However, with all the modern additions and technology added, the home remains true to its nearly 100-year-old roots. This 1920s craftsman-style home was intentionally designed to replicate its original glory.
“Unlike some projects that bring in new designs into old neighborhoods, this builder molds a modern feel with the character of the existing homes,” listing agent Beth Bishop said. “In the case of 637 Smith Street, the front of the house is a close replica to what it looked like in 1920.”
ADU With Endless Possibilities
One of the most alluring features of this home is the two-car garage, equipped with a 600-square foot accessory dwelling unit with a full bathroom. This space poses endless possibilities as a studio, office, nanny or mother-in-law quarters. The added structure is accessible across the spacious fenced-in yard, which features all new low-maintenance landscaping, including sod, fencing, plantings, patios, decks and rock paths.
Best of Both Worlds
Oftentimes, you have to sacrifice location for an updated home, or vice versa. A number of homes near Old Town are older properties in need of renovation, much like the project Mountain Standard completed at 637 Smith Street.
In this instance, you get the best of both worlds: an ideal location within walking distance of Old Town’s best attractions and a completely renovated home offering worry-free living. Not to mention, you also get the best of modern updates alongside charming historic character.
“Old Town Fort Collins offers a trendy lifestyle option, but the one drawback can be it often means that the lifestyle comes with an old home,” Bishop said. “Whether young, middle age or older, not many desire the maintenance that comes with owning an old home, but many make the sacrifice of upkeep for location. The Mountain Standard Homes team is helping to change that by delivering new homes in Old Town locations so buyers can now have the best of both worlds: location and worry-free living.”
Plus, the home is equipped with other rare features for Old Town, including an ADU, a two-car garage, a kitchen pantry, plenty of storage and a large master closet.
Bringing the Community Together
Aside from the gorgeous finishes and abundance of square footage, there is one thing Beth Bishop loved most about this transformation — and it may surprise you!
She loved how this project brought the community together in a whole new way.
“In the rebuild process, the Mountain Standard Homes team often takes the ugliest and most run down house on the block and transforms it into something beautiful,” she said. “Through the process, the construction site becomes a place where neighbors gather to chat and laugh with our builder and check in on the latest progress.”
To her, this project was about more than just the finished product. It was about the community that was built throughout the process. Neighbors and friends enjoyed watching the progress as the Mountain Standard Homes team worked tirelessly on restoring this home that has been a treasured part of the neighborhood for nearly 100 years.
“The outcome is a gorgeous home, but everyone’s favorite part is the community that these projects create in the neighborhood. With the revelation of 637 Smith Street to the public, we hosted multiple open houses where neighbors, their families and friends came in droves and stayed for a long time taking in the final completion of this Old Town gem.”
Want more information?
See more details and photos of 637 Smith Street here. And contact listing agent Beth Bishop if you would like more information about the home.
To learn more about Mountain Standard Homes and see similar projects, check out their website.
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