Merriam Neighborhood Mudroom Addition – Project Progress

At New Leaf Restorations, one of the greatest compliments we can receive is a returning client. Last year, we completed an exterior restoration on a beautiful historic home in the Merriam Park neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota. The homeowners were thrilled with the results and came back to us for their next big project—a thoughtfully designed mudroom addition.

Demolition and Preparation

With designs finalized and planning complete, we began the project with demolition. This phase was messy, as expected, but we take great pride in protecting the interior of every home we work on. Temporary barriers and containment strategies helped ensure minimal disruption to the rest of the house, allowing us to focus on preparing the space for construction.

Framing and Structural Work

Framing is often one of the most complex parts of a historic renovation, and this project was no exception. The addition required strategic support of the existing structure while seamlessly integrating the new. With strong engineering plans and a few on-site adjustments, we completed the exterior shell and navigated some unique framing challenges. This phase laid the foundation for a strong, lasting structure while preserving the original architectural integrity.

Systems Installation and Sheetrock

In addition to the new mudroom, we addressed updates to the existing house, including work on the radiators and new kitchen lighting. Once electrical, plumbing, and insulation were completed, our sheetrock team tied the new ceiling into the original home’s structure. This is always a transformative moment in the process—the first time clients can truly visualize the finished space. The interior began to feel cohesive and intentional, even before final finishes were installed.

Tile and Trim: Moving Toward the Finish Line

With the structure enclosed and systems in place, we moved on to finishes. Large-format tile was installed in the mudroom, providing a durable and elegant foundation. This is a milestone phase where the space begins to feel complete. Next up: trim work. These final details are where the craftsmanship really shines, and we’re excited to bring this space to life with precision and care.

This project is a true reflection of what we love most—enhancing historic homes with updates that respect their past while improving their function for modern living. We’re proud of the work so far and look forward to sharing the final results.

To learn more or inquire about starting your own home restoration, visit us at newleafrestorations.com.