The transformation of this house is a story of resilience and innovation, where history meets modern living in the heart of Minneapolis’ Lowry Hill neighborhood. This renovation celebrates the 1901 heritage of the home while seamlessly integrating modern livability and practicality.

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The Wickersheims’ design journey with Ho & Lacy began in San Francisco in 2018, when they hired the newly established firm to transform and expand their Victorian home. As they navigated San Francisco’s lengthy planning approvals process, the project was nearing construction readiness in late 2020 when an unexpected career opportunity led the Wickersheims to relocate to Minneapolis. Jackie and John helped them successfully market and sell their San Francisco home, and when it came time to renovate their new Minneapolis house, the Wickersheims knew they wouldn’t find anyone who understood their needs as well as Ho & Lacy, having already designed a home they loved. With five times the space of their previous house, this project was an opportunity to make the historic home distinctly theirs while addressing necessary updates.

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The project began in January 2022 with a vision to reimagine the second and third-level spaces of this historic house. By May 2024, the home had been completely transformed. The third floor underwent a remarkable gut renovation, now showcasing a luminous open living area that balances historic character with modern spaciousness. Lofted ceilings add grandeur, while exposed brickwork lends texture and timeless charm. A cozy bedroom window nook offers a tranquil retreat, and custom built-ins maximize both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

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Clever storage solutions and acoustic insulation further enhance the practicality of this guest apartment, carefully crafted to accommodate visiting family and multigenerational living. Built-ins and a closet flank the exposed brick chimney in the bedroom, blending character with utility, while two concealed storage areas—hidden behind blind doors integrated into the wainscoting—offer sleek functionality adjacent to the new kitchen. During construction of the second-floor spaces, the owners resided in the newly completed third floor, and their 4-year-old daughter, Greta, drawn to its inviting proportions, claimed one of the smaller rooms as her bedroom—a testament to the design's warmth and livability.

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The second floor's transformation centers around a luxurious new primary suite. The design repurposed adjacent spaces, creating a Parisian-inspired bathroom with radiant heating, a walk-through closet lined with custom wardrobes, and a refurbished sunroom. One of the most delightful surprises of the renovation was the transformation of a neglected sleeping porch into what homeowner Micah Wickersheim describes as a true sanctuary. "The porch off the master bathroom suite turned into the biggest bonus," he shared. "[Jackie and John] turned it into a haven—a relaxing retreat off our spa-like bathroom." This thoughtful adaptation combines historic charm with modern utility.

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Ho & Lacy’s attention to detail shines throughout the home, creating spaces that feel deeply personal. Reflecting on these unique touches, Melanie Wickersheim remarked, "Jackie and John’s unexpected touches created spaces that are uniquely ours. A bold wallpaper here, an elegant tile there. The fabric panels on the closet doors. One of my favorites is our daughter’s bathroom with brightly-colored grout and a coved ceiling. It was these kinds of thoughtful elements that made us feel we really had something special." Greta’s bathroom, blending traditional and modern design elements, exemplifies the bold yet balanced aesthetic of the home. Polished nickel fixtures and a repurposed classic pedestal sink lend timeless elegance, while a bold custom grout color adds vibrancy and character. Egg-shaped hardware in the primary suite pays homage to the original 1900s door knobs.

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Beyond the immediate updates, the renovation also planned for the future, incorporating a vertical shaft for a potential elevator spanning all four levels, ensuring the home evolves with the family’s changing needs.

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Endurance House reflects not just the expertise of the design team but also the enduring trust and patience of the clients, whose journey from San Francisco to Minneapolis during a pandemic underscores their adaptability. This project is a testament to how thoughtful design can seamlessly blend historic charm with modern functionality, creating a home that feels both enduring and uniquely suited to its owners.

 

Construction completed in 2024.

[final photos coming soon!]