Creating Community through Remodeling and… Beer!

If you live in Atlanta you’ve undoubtedly found yourself admirably gazing at the Grand Dames of the past, Atlanta’s homes that–like a good bottle of wine–only get better with time. The many historic neighborhoods & towns that makeup Atlanta–notably Grant Park, Morning Side, Historic Marietta & Inman Park, all play host to homes so historic & breathtaking that a pause is a passerby’s natural instinct.  Who hasn’t slowly driven by these spectacular, historic homes and marveled over what these structures once were and what they could be… if only one had the time & resources. There is something undeniably disheartening about seeing a home that was once a flourishing estate in the midst of ruins from harsh weathering and improper upkeep. On the other hand, the prospect of restoration and inspiration to repair that such a sight elicits is the driving force behind mending a broken beauty into a renewed and rejuvenated work of home-improvement art!

Photo Credit Greg Scott with Picture This!

Bob & Kristine Sandage seized their dream and returning a falling estate to its original splendor. Along with community support and a team of professional remodelers, the couple rescued the Victor H. Kriegshaber House, also known as The Wrecking Bar Brew Pub.

Photo Credit Greg Scott with Picture This!

They transformed the basement, accented with original granite from Stone Mountain (Don’t forget to ask them how you can tell when you visit!) into a laid back and comfortably sophisticated neighborhood Brew Pub that is more than worth the trip down the road!  Of course they added a couple of things that would make any man rush to this hood’s pub!

The team restoring the upstairs to the original configuration and added back several walls, including the entry way that had been

Photo Credit Greg Scott with Picture This!

taken down when the house stood as a church & dance hall.  The loftiness of the high ceilings is very dramatic, however my favorite was the terra cotta fireplace.  Since this space is now available to be rented out, I’ll be sure not to miss any gathering that is hosted at The Wrecking Bar Brew Pub (friends–feel free to take that as a hint!).

In all seriousness, my hat goes off to everyone involved in turning this home into something the entire community can enjoy & experience. A special thank you to Bob & Kristine for sharing this labor of love with me and planting the seed of inspiration in anyone with a love for timeless homes.

Photo Credit Greg Scott with Picture This!

Are you a renovation project addict? Don’t forget to check out our 2011 Remodeling Planner at www.staging.atlantahomeimprovement.com! We’re always tweeting exciting home improvement tidbits so make sure to follow us on Twitter @ATLHomeImprove and, of course, “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AtlantaHomeImprovement to see what your community’s home improvement buzz is all about!