Construction

The Clifford Street urban remodel required a phase by phase approach to design and construction. In order to comply with city building codes, I found that my work phases became a routine: design, get city/historical society approval, build, design, get approval, build. The existing conditions included poor circulation and layout of the main living area, lack of light in hallways and rooms, and fragmented spaces. A full re-model and re-structuring in most of the house was essential to transform the home into a more comfortable and modern living space.

Our first phase of construction was to rebuild the 3rd floor, add joists, reinforce the roof and insulate it, then the playroom was completed. Next I submit for a building permit to build the new grand staircase that I designed to extend the existing stairs from the second to the third floor. After approval a carpenter from Germany came and built these winding stairs. In the meantime I drew up construction drawings for the skylight. Once completed I submit them to the Portland Historical Committee. I then met with them and they approved my proposal for the roof addition of the 30' X 4' skylight.; I custom built this skylight onsite. Next the study was completed, custom cabinets installed etc. The next phase was a remodel on the 2nd floor and an addition of a bathroom. Finally the first floor received attention when a new bathroom and pantry were built. The remaining details to be completed are glass floor panels in the 2nd and 3rd floors.