Most rehab projects incorporate the modern "conveniences" like indoor plumbing, air conditioning, and dimmer switches. But what about modern design? Join us at the next Des Moines Rehabbers Club meeting to find out what happens when a contemporary interior is creatively fit into a historic shell.

Where: 905 18th Street, Des Moines, IA 50314
When: 9:30-11:00 am, Saturday, December 6, 2008

Architect Emily Donovan and her family found such a project in a vacant and dilapidated Sherman Hill house. They were attracted by the home's location, brick exterior, and by the challenge of bringing the building back to life (while staying within an affordable budget). When they purchased the home, not a moment too soon, it had been on the City's "Demo List" for almost 10 years.

Their year-long complete renovation included not just new building systems, roof, and insulation, but also some major structural changes. The home's historic exterior surrounds a contemporary interior with an open floor plan. The design merges rustic and modern materials in creative ways with woodburning stoves and exposed brick, rough-hewn ceiling beams and stainless steel bolts.

The owner is a licensed architect who graduated from ISU in 1993. She is currently designing a new small modern home.

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DSMRC monthly meetings are free and open to the public! They are typically held on the first Saturday of each month from 9:30 to 11:00 in the morning. Each meeting is at a different location and covers a different topic. We welcome people of all skill levels whether you are a professional general contractor, exploring options for redoing a bathroom, or simply want to talk about renovation with other interesting people.

Please contact Steve Wilke-Shapiro at swilkeshapiro@gmail.com or 515-710-3484 for more information.