Rachel Loewen Photography © 2017 Houzz

Malcolm Menzies

Jerry B. Smith

Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen, Surrounds Inc.

About: Abandoned two years ago by a previous contractor, and overwhelmed by the challenges associated with building an updated porch respectful to this Queen Anne style home, J. Francis Company, LLC was referred to the customer by Maynes & Associates, Architects. Perched at the highest point on the North Side with a panoramic view is where Deb Mortillaro and Mike Gonze make their residence. Owners of the famous Dreadnought Wines and Palate Partners in the Strip District of Pittsburgh, Deb & Mike wanted a porch to use for entertaining & wine tasting parties. Design features include reuse of original porch footers, mahogany tongue & groove flooring, a railing system that compliments the original design yet complies with the code and features a clear coated Cyprus top rail. The original porch columns were most likely stone bases with wood posts that have been replaced with columns to enhance the updated look. The curved corner has been reproduced including a custom-built curved handrail. The whole porch comes together, tying in the red mahogany floor, Cyprus handrail, and stained bead board ceiling. The finished result is a breathtakingly beautiful wrap-around porch with ample room for guests and entertaining. Testimonial: "Our beloved porch had been taken down to be rebuilt for two years before we met the great folks at J. Francis Company. We knew this porch had great potential and all it would take was the right people to make it happen - ones with vision and great craftsmanship. In conjunction with our architect, Greg Maynes, Dave Myers of J. Francis Company guided this project along with tremendous skill and patience. His creative suggestions and practical thought made the process painless and exciting. The head carpenter JK was a marvel and added touches that made a spectacular difference. We use our home and especially this porch to entertain both clients and friends throughout the year. They all have been anxiously waiting to hear that it is done. A pleasant surprise will be theirs when they arrive."

Victorian Bathroom with Clawfoot Bathtub

Siding & Windows Group remodeled this Chicago, IL home using James HardiePlank Select Cedarmill Lap Siding in ColorPlus Color Iron Gray, along with replacing the window trim with HardieTrim NT-3 Boards in same color remodeled the front Porch and installed black gutters.

Stunning Lakeside Castle on Lake Minnetonka, MN Castle Style, Chateau, Lakeside Home, Lake Castle, Stone Siding, Shingle Siding, Mixed Siding, Dark Trim, Dark Window Trim, Landscaping, Backyard

Custom She Shed

Trent Carmichael

The tile in the kids' bath is all new, designed to look original to the 1936 home. The tile is from B&W Tile in Los Angeles.

New Orleans Style home in the Houston Heights Area Photo by MJ Schimmer

Mansions in May