SCOPE OF WORK: National Register nomination; Missouri Historic Tax Credit Application
CLIENT: Private Owners
COMPLETED: 2008
The Neoclassical-style Hunter Gary Residence in Kansas City, Missouri is a substantial estate designed by noted Kansas City architect John Van Brunt, Sr. Van Brunt modeled the house after Mount Vernon, George Washington’s Virginia home. The interior configuration of the house and most of its significant historic finishes were relatively intact when the current owners purchased the property in 2006, but they were tired, worn, and in need of revival.
The owners planned a major renovation that respected the integrity of the house and its history. Rather than extensively remodeling or gutting the interior, they approached their project with a light hand. A few interior partitions were rearranged in secondary spaces to create more user-friendly layouts. Otherwise, the work focused largely on restoring original finishes and fixtures, including light fixtures, hardware, ornamental plaster, and walnut paneling in the living room. The unique metal front door and the conservatory’s French doors were cleaned and restored. Mechanical systems were completely overhauled, but the owners retained the hot water heating system and radiators original to the house. The same attention was given to the exterior where the slate roof was replaced to match the original, deteriorated and rotting wood trim was repaired, and original windows were restored. The project also included a new garage addition and restoration of original landscape features.
Rosin Preservation drafted the National Register nomination and prepared the historic tax credit applications.
Hunter Gary House - Foyer