Phil Gerlach has fond memories of growing up in this four-square house, which he purchased from his parents. The three-story house was built in 1904 and converted to a boarding house in the 1950s. The house weathered significant changes over the years, with only one six-panel door as a remnant of the home's original grandeur. Phil and Cathy are fully restoring the property, both inside and outside, carefully preserving the home's historical character.

The small addition includes a new back entry and kitchen, allowing the space to be light filled, with generous workspace and storage. The center of family activity is the kitchen, a true gathering space with a 100 year old pedestal oak table that belonged to Phil's great aunt, an eclectic group of non-matching chairs, and an old-fashioned chalkboard hauled out of a dumpster. The original kitchen space was reconfigured to accommodate a full bath, hall to the front foyer, and additional storage. A butler's pantry was restored between the kitchen and dining. Remnants of the original woodwork were found under the front porch, which helped with replicating all of the millwork, including restoration of the stair baluster. The wood species reflect what was in the original house with cherry cabinets, white oak flooring, and red oak millwork.