“The one area in the house
that we didn’t do major
renovation to is this entryway
because we were hoping to
preserve 100 percent of the
original architecture. A grand
staircase like this is uncom-
mon for homes in Providence.
But it did have a few broken
balusters, so we had custom
matches turned by Custom
Woodturning in Tiverton. It
wasn’t something where you
could just buy something off
the shelf — they make exact
period detail matches to
anything you need. Whenever
it doesn’t make sense for us
to make something inhouse,
we turn to talent that’s in the
state, because there’s a real
institution of people who can
make great things here.”
area and they incorporated seamless accents like a custom steel island for
a focal point, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances and a modern
sink. Then, taking advantage of their on-site millwork shop, Site Specific
also created the blue-gray cabinetry from scratch. It perfectly complemented
the tower in the nearby mudroom, which had been transformed from an
empty, underutilized space to a welcoming-yet-chic spot for sneakers, coats
and umbrellas.
Another large undertaking occurred in the adjacent living area. Though
already outfitted with two desirable window seats on either side of the room,
a pair of unsightly built-in radiators blocked each. Site Specific not only
tore them out for aesthetic purposes (eventually replacing the benches and
appointing complementary surrounding wainscoting and paneling), but they
also substituted the home’s outdated gas and steam system.
“We provided a new heat pump system to the entire home with no damage
or penetrations anywhere,” says Behlke. “And we were able to conceal 100
percent of the system so it wasn’t an eyesore.”
Just in time for the new owners to settle into and enjoy their cozy city digs
as the outside temperatures dropped. But once the warmer months rolled
back in, it was back to business for phase two of the construction project.
“This time around, it was an occupied renovation, which we really pride
ourselves on,” Behlke says. “We are able to complete these projects in a
timely manner while providing the least disruption possible.”
Quite a feat when you consider how much the team accomplished in just
a few short months. Perhaps the most impressive is the master suite, which is
positioned just above the home’s grand entrance.
“We had this really critical zone, the entryway, that we could not touch
because we wanted to preserve the staircase — it’s original to the home,”
Behlke explains. “Still, we had to get all of the systems to this second-floor
room, which had never been a bathroom before. A lot of property owners
in the area will say, ‘I’d love to do this, but…’ and that’s where we will say,
‘Well, we can make it happen.’ We do that by working really closely with the
designer and the client to figure out how we can best do what needs to be
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY’S NEST | 2020 61