A Two-Year Recap: Restoring the Grandeur of the Stanley-Casey House
Shelbyville, Kentucky boasts a rich history, and the Stanley-Casey House is a prime example. Two years ago, I became the proud owner of this historic building, and what a journey it's been!
Anyone who owns a historic property knows that timelines and budgets are flexible at best. This grand old dame has revealed hidden issues along the way, each one a chance to learn and preserve its legacy.
A Passion for History and Modernity
My love for history fuels this project. Unveiling family stories, both grand and ordinary, within these walls is a privilege. The craftsmanship of the bygone era is awe-inspiring, a testament to a time when homes were built to last, often by hand. But there's a balance to be struck. Modern amenities add comfort and functionality, yet respecting the historical elements is paramount. This delicate dance often adds to the costs and timelines.
The Roof: A Necessary (and Expensive) Update
The roof was the first major hurdle. Not only was it a loan requirement, but leaks were a constant concern. This turned out to be the most significant and expensive project so far.
Finding a company comfortable and experienced with historic renovations took longer than expected. Once secured, months of meetings, inspections, estimates, and material selections followed.
The Shelbyville Historical District, thankfully, approved the project quickly since the materials matched the originals and no exterior alterations were planned. Mother Nature, however, threw a curveball with a windstorm that delayed our chosen contractor. However, once underway, the project moved swiftly. The old roof was removed in a day, revealing hidden areas of the building.
The new roof and gutters were completed shortly after, a vast improvement for the building's overall health.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
The Shelby County Historical Society meticulously renovated the Stanley-Casey House in the 1980s. While their work was phenomenal, thirty years had taken its toll. The entire entrance, grand door, stairwell, upstairs offices, trim, and conference room were due for a refresh.
Choosing a cohesive color scheme across the historically significant space was a thoughtful process. Each room serves a distinct purpose, yet I wanted a unified feel that was fresh, inspiring, and historically appropriate. After countless paint chips and samples, the perfect palette emerged.
The Entryway and Stairwell
The grand entrance is a guest's first impression. While the vision for art-filled stairwell is still in progress, the foundation is complete. A creamy white (Alabaster by Sherwin Williams) graces the walls, baseboards, and staircase (spindles, risers, stringers, and posts). The entry door complements the roof with a deep, rich brown-black.
The Conference Room
A professional atmosphere was key for the conference room, and blue was the natural choice. Similar to the entryway, a modern application bathes the space in color – walls, baseboards, cabinets, and the back of the door all share the same paint color and sheen.
The Lounge: A Showstopper
The lounge holds a special place in my heart. It's the first impression for tenants and their clients, and I envisioned it as a showstopper. This space, once dominated by uninspiring vertical yellow stripes, has undergone the most dramatic transformation.
Inspired by the fireplace's moody green marbling, I knew I wanted to incorporate those tones throughout the room. The hunt for the perfect wallpaper became an international quest. After countless hours scouring the internet and ordering samples from around the globe, I meticulously compared them for weeks. Finally, the one and only emerged – a black beauty adorned with creamy white magnolias and elegant gold accents. Of course (you might chuckle here), it had to be shipped from London! After a whirlwind of conversions (inches to metric, anyone?), the wait was over. The wallpaper arrived, and the installation was pure magic. It's the perfect statement piece, exceeding my wildest dreams and truly transforming the space.
Original Art by Local Artists
The Stanley-Casey House is a canvas for a curated blend of modern and period-appropriate elements. Art is no exception. We recently unveiled a custom piece by Shakia Harris. A gallery wall showcases local artist Ben Nay III alongside vintage finds. Scattered throughout the building are landscapes, photography, and fine art, creating a cohesive and elevated aesthetic.
From One Bath to Two
The second-floor bathroom was once a long, narrow, and dysfunctional space. A notorious plumbing issue demanded a complete overhaul for better functionality for our tenants.
You can read more about this project here.
Honoring and Expanding the Backyard Flower Garden
A wildly successful Galentine's Day event earlier this year sparked more than just merriment. Guests frequently inquired about future gatherings, hinting at the possibility of a cherished tradition. While I hadn't planned further events at the time, their enthusiasm planted a seed – the idea of hosting summer garden parties in a beautiful outdoor space.
This vision, in turn, inspired the commissioned artwork gracing the lounge. But before grand soirées could take root, the neglected side yard and existing flower garden demanded attention.
The garden, lovingly tended to long before my arrival, had fallen into disrepair. The stone wall bordering the yard and steps needed reinforcement, the railroad ties lining the street were crumbling, and the irises overflowed – desperately in need of dividing.
Determined to do more than just revive the existing space, I embarked on a project to triple its size, stretching the entire length of the side yard. We removed the old stones, replaced the failing railroad ties with a new creekstone wall, and swapped out the sod for fresh topsoil – a blank canvas for a vibrant future.
While unforeseen delays pushed planting back, a few blooms now grace the space, a promise of the floral abundance to come. The wait for a full display might be a touch longer, but the groundwork is laid, and the future is blooming bright.
As the Stanley-Casey House continues to blossom, we're excited to share its journey with you. We'll be highlighting upcoming events, design inspiration, and the stories behind the history within these walls. So, stay tuned for more glimpses into the past and the vibrant future of this Shelbyville landmark. In the meantime, if you're looking for beautiful and unique office space for rent in a historic setting, contact us today!
