2415 Mecklenburg Ave | Home of Perry & Sheridan Lorenz
Sponsored by Andrew Roby General Contractor & Charlotte In-Vironments, Inc.
According the Lorenzes, “We believe that it is important to preserve the essence of a beautiful old building. Historic homes can meet modern living needs, yet retain the historically important features and the essential style that make them so special.” As they renovated their lovely 1932 Colonial Revival, this mantra was the driving force.
Upon purchasing the house, they expected to find problems – after all, an 84 year old structure would sustain wear and tear over the years. But they were pleasantly surprised to learn that there was nothing major, just some rotten joists, a small roof leak and damage to some windows. The Lorenzes began a massive remodel upstairs, turning three large bedrooms on a private hallway into a sumptuous master suite including his-and-hers bathrooms and a walk-in closet. A small study then became a sitting room — which is connected to the master bedroom through double pocket doors.
Downstairs, the previous kitchen and small breakfast room were combined, creating a large space featuring a new island — opening up the area and providing better connectivity with the dining room. A back porch addition connects three exterior entries and leads to the large three-level patio and outdoor entertaining space, all ready for cookouts around the grill island. In the front, the porch was enlarged, adding curved steps and hand-forged handrails to contrast with the straight lines of the house and to replicate the design of the leaded glass in the front door side lights.
Though this home was built for another era, even once sporting a small button in the floor under the dining table so the lady of the house could summon her staff, Perry and Sheridan have created a stunning home that harkens back to that era while featuring a functional floor plan, soft colors and simple, clean lines for a modern lifestyle.