This North Side stacked duplex was nearing collapse when our firm inspected it, and our first suggestion was to tear it down and rebuild. In this case, demolition would cause the loss of zoning rights, and it could only have been rebuilt as a single-family dwelling. With that in mind, we carefully examined the building and developed a multi-step process for stabilization that kept the workers safe in the process. While it was certainly harder than demolition and reconstruction, the team was able to safely shore the existing structure, replace most of the building in stages, and pull the remainder back into plumb and square.
After stabilization, the building was renovated, but maintained its stacked duplex form. A new rear deck provided a private entry to the upper floor unit, and the lower floor unit was accessed by a side door on the ground floor patio. The interior layouts were improved with new open concept living room and kitchen, a new bathroom and bedroom layout, and laundry closet. The exterior rehabilitation transformed the duplex with new doors, windows, trim work, siding, roof, and site work.