Part 1: Historic Ritter House Remodel

HighCraft Builders old town whole house remodel Ritter House
We all love a good before-and-after renovation story and gallery, and we’re confident this circa 1920 historic home in the Eastside neighborhood of Fort Collins won’t disappoint.

People are often curious about what happens during the construction phase of a remodel, so we’re using this and future blog posts to give a behind-the-scenes look at a project in progress. Be sure to check back with our blog between now and September to watch this whole-house remodel unfold from start to finish.

PART 1: FEBRUARY and MARCH

EXTERIOR
Originally recorded as a Prairie Style home built in 1920, further research shows it was most likely built in 1918 or 1919, and is an early example of the Modern Movement architectural style.

February 2018
HighCraft Ritter House renovation Fort Collins before photo

The husband and wife homeowners are empty nesters who are eager to downsize. It’s rewarding to help them realize a dream near and dear to their hearts: to breathe new life into an iconic home the wife has always admired – located on the same street as her childhood home where her parents still live.

March 2018
HighCraft Ritter House remodel before photo fort collins

After thoughtful planning, review, and approval by the City of Fort Collins Landmark Preservation Commission, the HighCraft team started interior and exterior demo. The front steps, porch and trees will be carefully preserved.

HighCraft Ritter House garage before demo HighCraft Ritter House garage razed bare ground

The old rickety garage is razed, the new foundation pad is poured, and the garage is framed (below right).

HighCraft Builders crane lowers beam old town renovation HighCraft Builders crane lowers beam fort collins remodel

A crane lowers a massive support beam that will allow our team to open up the interior living space.


INTERIOR

February 2018
A series of before photos were taken throughout the house. Here’s just a sample.

HighCraft Ritter House before galley kitchen
The dated galley kitchen is desperate for an update.
HighCraft Builders Ritter House renovation before photo family room
The family room on the back of the home is cold, awkward and unused.
HighCraft Builders Ritter House before photo sunroom brick fireplace remodel
The original brick fireplace is poised to become a dramatic focal point in the sunroom.
HighCraft Builders master bedroom before remodel photo Ritter House
The upstairs master bedroom is ready for a makeover.
HighCraft Builders upstairs bedroom before remodel photo Ritter House
Say goodbye to all the pink.
HighCraft Builders pink bathroom before remodel photo
The pink sink, toilet and bathtub are not original to the home and most likely the result of a remodel in the 1940s or 1950s.
HighCraft Builders dark basement before photo
Nobody wants to do laundry in this dark, uninviting, unfinished basement.

March 2018
Whoa! What a difference a month makes.

HighCraft Builders framed interior Ritter House Fort Collins remodel
Asbestos abatement was contracted, interior demo is complete, and framing has started to open up the first and second floors.
HighCraft Builders Ritter House sunroom fireplace framing
The original brick fireplace and chimney are preserved and will be incorporated into the interior design.

Stay tuned for more updates on this project, including in-progress photos and some fascinating history about the previous owners – Leo and Hilda Brand Ritter – the namesake couple who owned the Ritter House between 1935 and 1974.

If you or someone you know is thinking about remodeling an existing home, or perhaps building new, contact HighCraft for a free, no-risk consultation.