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.

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!).

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.

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.

Kids’ Bathroom, BEFORE Kids’ Bathroom, AFTER Master Bathroom, BEFORE Master Bathroom, AFTER

Joe and I both attended St. Charles and Lima Central Catholic (’99 and ’97) and our families have known each other for years (He and my younger brother were college roommates and his cousin is my childhood best friend…small world!); though it would be ten years before we started dating and were married (2007). Joe graduated from the University of Dayton with a business degree and is the VP of Mid-American Cleaning Contractors. I graduated from Baylor University with a BA in Latin and currently am in my 20th year in Latin education at Elida High School. When Joe proposed, we “fought” over where we would live, as I was teaching in Columbus and he was in Lima. There was no way I was moving back to Lima… well here we are and it was the best decision ever as we are currently raising our kids in the same town as both sets of grandparents and their cousins.

Living Room, BEFORE Living Room, AFTER

In 2009, we welcomed Lily (13). She was the first grandchild on both sides and is loved beyond measure. Now she is a typical teenager and enjoys playing volleyball, swimming, and competition dance. Joseph Jr. (10) aka “Jack” came along in 2011, and he loves playing baseball, basketball, and of course the dreaded video games! In 2017, while working on my Master’s in School Counseling at BGSU, we found out I was pregnant again and welcomed Charlie (5). He completed our family and enjoys swimming and bothering his siblings, and just started Kindergarten this year. All three children go to St. Charles and this is the one and only year they will all be in the same building. As a family, we enjoy movie and game nights, golfing, swimming, and visiting the grandparents in Florida! We are very excited to continue building memories in our new home!

Front Yard, BEFORE

Front Yard, AFTER

My Favorite Space

My favorite space is the kitchen. With its open floorplan and modern look, it is the perfect place to cook, enjoy family dinners, play games, host friends, and even complete homework. I am at my happiest and most peaceful when I am sitting around the beautiful island with my family.