SHAWNEE LIFE
Savvy Spaces
Our Dream Home
Submitted by Quinn Whittaker of Fairway Drive The decision to move is never easy, but for our family the timing felt perfect. Though it was our first home as a married couple, and we began raising all three of our children there, we knew it would be bittersweet to leave the only home we had ever known as a family. Because both Joe and I were born and raised in Lima we knew exactly to what area we wanted to move. Wanting to be closer to the golf course and our friends, family and school, we began our search in the Shawnee area. After viewing many houses that were not what we wanted, a home on Fairway Drive became available, privately, and we were given the opportunity to see it. As soon as I walked in, I thought to myself “no way” and honestly, I did not even care to view the entire house. Built in 1960 with very few updates, I thought it was an impossible task and I could never envision it becoming our home. With yellow, pink, and purple carpeting throughout the house as well as matching colorful fixtures, one can only imagine what we were up against. However, there was something about the house we kept coming back to…a feeling like this was where we were meant to be.
Basement, BEFORE
Basement, AFTER
Very soon, our vision was instantly coming to fruition: walls were gone, the carpets were gone, the matching fixtures were gone and our newer, modern ideas were added. The remodel, as most do, took longer than expected but we banned together as a family and supported each other, even when times were often very stressful. By mid-February we saw the light at the end of the tunnel and finishing touches were being added. There were more decisions than one could have ever imagined, but at the end of the day it was exactly what we wanted and feels just like home.
After meeting with several contractors, we decided that it was possible to turn the house into our dream home, thanks to Jeremy Roberts from Gehring and Burtchin. He was very knowledgeable, extremely helpful in helping me create my vision, and communicated well with us about product and budgetary concerns. From the time of possession, they started about three weeks later and had the entire project completed in a little over six months. This also included a complete revamping and upgrade of the electrical throughout the entire house; basically everything needed updating! We decided to take out the main wall of the house and create an open concept for the main living space and kitchen area as well as completely gut and remodel the bathrooms; due to budgetary concerns, we thought the basement would have to wait. Construction began in September of 2021. However, within one week of taking possession, we received heavy rains, and this old house simply could not handle it. The basement had completely flooded and we had 4-5 inches of standing water. There were many times we wondered whether we had made the right decision, but things happen for a reason and, luckily, thanks to insurance, we were now able to remodel the basement as well (flash forward one year, as I am writing this piece; the basement has been imperative for the children to have another space to play!). 32 • DECEMBER 2022
Kitchen, BEFORE
Kitchen, AFTER
The transformation was complete; we had a new kitchen, new bathrooms, a new basement, fresh paint, baseboards, etc. all with a modern vibe that fit our taste. We were also able to keep a few of the original parts of the house which, to us, added character: the main entryway partition, original slate and hardwood flooring and the kitchen cabinets, to name a few. Actually, Maeggan Walter, a friend of ours painted the original kitchen cabinets which were in pristine condition. Multiple people told us, it could not be done, going from dark to white or it wouldn’t look good or last...well she did it and they look fantastic! When it was all said and done, we had transformed an amazing house with good bones into a modern looking floor plan and décor.
