Edina is home to some of the most beautiful residential architecture in the Twin Cities. From 1920s Tudors along the Country Club neighborhood to mid-century ranches in Morningside, these homes have character you simply cannot replicate in new construction. Original millwork, plaster walls, arched doorways, built-in cabinetry — these are the details that give a home its soul.
The challenge is making these homes work for how families live today without erasing what makes them special.
The Preservation vs. Performance Balance
Every historic remodel involves a fundamental tension: homeowners want modern layouts, updated systems, and energy efficiency, but they don’t want their 1928 Tudor to feel like a 2026 spec house.
Here’s how we approach it:
Preserve what matters. Original hardwood floors, crown molding profiles, door hardware, built-in bookcases — these are irreplaceable. We protect them during construction and restore them as part of the project, not as an afterthought.
Update what’s hidden. Electrical wiring, plumbing, insulation, and HVAC systems can all be brought up to modern standards without touching the visible character of the home. This is where most of the budget in a historic remodel goes — behind the walls.
Be honest about what doesn’t work. Some original layouts just don’t fit modern life. A formal dining room that only gets used at Thanksgiving might serve the family better as a home office. A cramped galley kitchen can be opened to the living space while preserving the trim details around the new opening.
Common Projects in Older Edina Homes
Kitchen Renovations
The kitchen is almost always the priority. Older homes often have small, closed-off kitchens with limited counter space and outdated appliances. Our approach:
- Open the kitchen to adjacent rooms while maintaining the character of the home’s trim and molding profiles
- Install custom cabinetry that echoes the style of the home — Shaker profiles for Craftsman homes, raised panels for Colonials
- Upgrade to modern appliances while keeping the visual aesthetic consistent
- Add proper task lighting and ventilation
Bathroom Updates
Original bathrooms in older homes are often charm-filled but functionally limited. Hex tile floors and pedestal sinks are lovely, but there’s rarely enough storage or counter space. We can update the function while preserving or replicating the period details.
Basement Finishing
Many Edina homes have full basements with good ceiling heights that are underutilized. A properly finished basement can add a family room, guest suite, home office, or exercise room — all while keeping the main floor’s historic character untouched.
Window Replacement
Original wood windows are beautiful but often single-pane and drafty. Modern wood windows from manufacturers like Marvin or Andersen can replicate the profiles and proportions of the originals while providing dramatically better energy performance.
Working Within Edina’s Building Codes
Edina has specific building code requirements and, in some neighborhoods, design guidelines that affect what you can do — particularly with exterior changes. We’re experienced with the city’s permitting process and can help navigate these requirements from the start.
Some things to be aware of:
- Setback requirements may limit additions
- Lot coverage maximums affect how much of your lot can be built on
- Height restrictions apply to second-story additions
- Heritage Preservation Commission review may apply in certain areas
The Value of Doing It Right
A well-executed renovation of an older home preserves its value in both senses — the market value and the intangible value of living in a home with history and character. Buyers in Edina consistently pay a premium for homes that have been thoughtfully updated rather than cheaply flipped.
The difference is in the details: matching existing trim profiles, using authentic materials, and making modern systems invisible behind period-appropriate finishes.
Let’s Talk About Your Home
If you’re living in one of Edina’s older homes and thinking about what’s possible, we’d love to see it. Every home has a story, and a good renovation adds a new chapter without rewriting the ones that came before.