Project Spotlight: A 1908 St. Paul Historic Bathroom Gets a Modern Update
Working on a classic 1908 home in St. Paul’s historic Portland Avenue district is always a privilege. These homes are true beauties, but updating them requires a special kind of expertise. This 3/4 hall bath project is a perfect example of how we navigate the unique challenges of historic properties to create stunning, modern spaces.
The Challenge: Modern Code vs. 1900s Layouts
As you can see from the “before” photo, the original bathroom was dated and cramped. The client wanted a full update, but we immediately identified a major challenge common in historic homes: the layout didn’t meet modern building codes.
Current code requires 30 inches of clearance around a toilet. This bathroom, designed over a century ago, only had 24 inches. The original toilet was too close to the wall, and the shower was too close to the toilet.
The Solution: Expertise, Negotiation, and Customization
This is where experience with the city and historic properties becomes critical. A “by-the-book” contractor might have told the client it was impossible without moving walls (a costly, high-impact change).
Instead, we:
- Worked with the Inspectors: We have strong, long-term relationships with the St. Paul inspectors. We successfully negotiated to have the existing toilet-to-wall clearance grandfathered in, saving the client significant cost and disruption.
- Adjusted the Footprint: To create a more functional space, we slightly adjusted the new shower’s footprint.
- Installed Custom Glass: This new layout required a custom-fit glass enclosure with a corner opening to maximize space and create the beautiful, open feel you see in the “after” photo.
The Prima Process: Protecting the Home & Solving Problems
A successful historic remodel is about more than just the finished product; it’s about the process.
- Protecting the Property: This home is a well-maintained classic. Our first priority was extensive site protection to ensure no damage came to the home’s priceless original trim or beautiful oak stairs.
- Handling the Unexpected: During the project, the St. Paul permitting office suffered a major cyber security incident. Their IT systems were down for a month, which would have halted most projects. Because we know the inspectors so well, we were able to continue working with them directly, keeping the project on schedule and avoiding a massive delay for our client.
The Result
The “after” photo speaks for itself. The result is a stunning, functional bathroom that seamlessly blends modern luxury with the home’s historic soul—all while navigating code, protecting the home’s character, and managing a city-wide crisis without delay.
Thinking about remodeling your own older home? Request a visit and let’s discuss your project.
