Lefavour Howland House
Project Details
Year: 2022 - 2025
Location: Bristol, RI
Type: Historic Restoration
Size: 1,774 sf
Status: Complete
Delivery Method: Design Bid Build
Architect: Pacific-Visions Studio LLC
Engineer: Northeast Engineers
Contractor: D.E. Zeilstra
Photos: Pacific-Visions Studio LLC
Project Description
This project is a restoration of an 1802 historic home located on lower State Street. The main goal was to restore the front facade of the house back to the Federal Style which it was originally constructed as. When the project began, the house's ground floor front facade was split up into a porch on the righthand side and a storefront to the lefthand side. The front door was moved off center to accommodate for the storefront. Federal Style homes are known for their symmetry and central entrances on their front facades. Through historic document and map research, our team was able to understand the evolution of the home's facade and restore portions of it back to a more appropriate resemblance of the period that would contribute to the historic streetscape. Other portions of the project included interior renovation to the kitchen, living spaces and front bedroom.
The Existing Front Facade
Removal of the Storefront, Relocation of the Front Door and Construction of the Porch Foundation Walls
While the exterior porch was the primary focus, the interior also underwent thoughtful renovation. When the storefront was put in during the mid 1900s, the front bedroom floor level was lowered to accommodate an entry from the sidewalk level. While the storefront is considered historic in its own way, it was agreed that restoration back to an earlier era was the most appropriate treatment for the building.
A typical Federal Style home consists of a central foyer with an ornate stair, along with two rooms in the front corners. As part of the project, the interior floor levels were adjusted to align with original conditions, reinforcing the home’s historic character. The front corner room where the storefront was located were restored back into a bedroom. Missing original wood sash windows were added back in their places.
Interior Demolition of Storefront Area
Sidewalk View of Porch. Historic Streetscape
"The evolution of a building can be uncovered through historic research, on-site archeology, along with knowledge of architectural history. Together, these can lead to an accurate story of the buildings past."
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Bristol, Bristol County, Rhode Island. Sanborn Map Company, Jan 1920 - Dec 1947 (Building in the center of the frame is the Lefavour Howland House)
This historic project is located within a prominent historic district and centers on the restoration of a Federal-style residence dating to the early 1800s. The most defining component of the work was the full restoration and extension of the front porch.
Historical research revealed that the house was constructed first, a storefront addition was added in the mid 1900s followed by a partial porch to the right that disrupted the original symmetry of the façade. Guided by architectural resources, including fire insurance maps and Library of Congress records, the storefront was removed and the porch was constructed to reflect its historical intent. Restoring symmetry on the front elevation was essential to honoring the Federal Style and the architectural integrity of the home.
While it was found that the left hand side never truly had a porch, it was agreed on that the most appropriate treatment for the building was to continue the existing porch in kind.
Exterior Photo
The porch restoration reestablishes the building’s presence within its streetscape and reflects details associated with Russell Warren, a highly influential architect responsible for many notable buildings along Hope Street.
The project brought back the historical nature of what was originally intended for the home. It is not clear who originally designed this home but it most likely was influenced by the famous Architect. Russell Warren's original home, located next door just to the right can be seen in the adjacent image.
Corner View of the Restored Facade
Street View of the Restored Facade
Before - with Storefront
After - without Storefront