Behind The Scenes: Sherman Hill Renovation Sneak Peek

October 15, 2020 ALT Design Studio

The wait is almost over! The Sherman Hill triplets have reached install stages and we are sharing a sneak peek of 829 19th St. to celebrate! Everything old is new again after we fully restored this Queen Anne Victorian house into a gracious home with classic details. We were so in love with the Sherman Hill triplets when we first saw them. From their original architectural details to their beautiful demeanor. Our goal was to create an elegant residence with good bones and revive it with simple, modern touches. Our challenge was maintaining the historic charm of the house but we also make it youthful and fresh.

Here’s a little blurb from the developer.

Built in 1891 by contractor, Charles Doudna and O.F. Smith, this fully restored Queen Anne Victorian home has the character and original architectural details of a 130-year structure, alongside modern amenities, a new poured concrete foundation, and updated infrastructure to accommodate families of today. The Doudna family lived in the home for its first two years. After changing hands several times, it was occupied by the See family, who’s daughter Cora attended nearby Drake University. According to a Des Moines Register article, Cora was married in the home in September 1896: “At the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. See, on Brattleboro avenue, their daughter, Miss Cora May, was married to Mr. Bert Dodge Van Meter Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. o’clock. . . The guests were received at the foot of the stairs by Misses See and Katherine Van Meter, who announced them to the receiving party. . . the bride and groom, attended by the father and mother. . . took their places in front of the fireplace, which was a bower of greenery. Suspended from above were red roses, which were showered at the close of the ceremony. . . The parlor decorations were red and white roses. The refreshment room was decorated in green and white and was presided over in turn by the Misses. . . “ (Des Moines Register, September 12, 1896) In 2019, the Charles and Edith Doudna House was transported from a neighborhood near Drake University to its current location in Sherman Hill, Des Moines’ oldest neighborhood. It is within walking distance of coffee houses, restaurants, shops, downtown offices, and more.

Laneways Development

This home features:

2700 sq. ft.
4 bedrooms
2 1/2 baths (plus plumbing stubbed for an extra full bath in basement)

Inching closer and closer to the full reveal.

We are so thankful that the stressful parts of the renovation are all behind us. As you can see, we are all very busy putting the final touches together! We can’t wait to share the final shots will all of you!