Renovated Cherokee Road 2010 Tour Home

In 2002, Todd started work for this couple by constructing a carriage/pool house behind their Cherokee Road home. He has continued working with them on various projects along the way, with the ultimate goal of completing a whole house renovation. The renovation was on the drawing board for quite a while, and ended up including an new (but seamless) exterior addition on the rear of the home.

The result was well worth the wait and nothing short of remarkable.

It all started with the drawings to make the small, awkward galley-style kitchen more user-friendly. There was some talk off and on of constructing an exterior addition for a few years, but it took several years for the decision to be finalized. When that time did eventually come, Todd brought Frank Pierce on board, and the idea flourished.
 

Ultimately, the exterior addition solved many design and space issues such as a place to transition into the home from the pool area, while also providing space for a wet bar that includes an ice machine, wine cooler and refrigerator drawers for the all the festivities that take place at this residence. The space did not just serve as functional, it serves as an awe-inspiring manifestation of artistic vision, featuring a soaring 2 ½ story ceiling and custom-blown glass chandelier by local artist, Brooke White, owner of Flame Run Gallery.

The entire house was spruced up, with hardwood floor refinishing, plaster repair and fresh paint. The “devil is in the details” as the saying goes and there were plenty of challenges that required very intricate solutions. The massive height of the open addition area posed a challenge of how to handle the second floor landing. New balusters were made to match the existing ones so that the open space could maintain the open feeling.

Furthermore, a controversy arose surrounding wall between the kitchen and the dining room: should it stay or should it go. The homeowners were at odds. Todd and the talented kitchen designer that he collaborates with came up with a furniture-like piece of cabinetry that appears to be a hutch from the dining room with a panel that can be lifted to create an opening into the kitchen. This is perfect for conversation or accommodating catering staff during parties.

The home was also brought up to date with the latest electronic gadgets such as flat panel TV’s, Blu-ray players, surround sound and Sonos Wireless Multi-room music system. The home was also insulated with Icynene Foam insulation which will make it much easier and economical to stay comfortable, no matter the season.

The last phase of the project was to implement an outdoor cooking area featuring a stainless steel grill that will get plenty of use during the summer pool parties. This project, from its beginning with the construction of the carriage/pool house, to its end with an entirely new renovation and addition truly has made this home the ultimate place for entertaining.

Be sure to also check out the HIGHLANDS CARRIAGE HOUSE in this Project section of the website to view the carriage/pool house that accompanies this home, and has been mentioned in this description.

Highlands Carriage House

A mini-oasis in the Cherokee Park area, this two-story brick carriage house was newly constructed as a relaxing and functional extension of the main house, built at the turn of the century.

The overall design is keeping with the historic character of the primary residence, while also offering an array of resortlike amenities, including a heated pool with fiber-optic lighting. An attached 2-1/2 car garage resolves the parking issues associated with being situated on a busy street, and a custom-designed wood fence provides privacy.

This carriage house was completed in 2002, and was the start of a long adventure in transforming this residence. Be sure to see the culmination of all Todds work with this home by viewing the renovation and addition of the actual house that followed the construction of this carriage/pool house by clicking on the RENOVATED CHEROKEE ROAD 2010 TOUR HOME project.

This home was featured as Todds project in the 2010 Tour of Remodeled Homes.

Renovated Highlands Home

History had taken its toll on a historic Cherokee Park-area home, and Todd Stengel and his team were brought in to restore it to its original splendor.

The structural deterioration was particularly evident on the roof, which needed new flashing and fascia boards along the perimeter. The materials were made of a very rare oak, so a challenge was to find replacements compatible with the existing roof components. Once the right wood was obtained, it had to be custom-milled to replicate existing woodwork. Every effort was made to preserve the home’s unique architectural style.
 

Calvary Episcopal Church Window Restoration

This project was a labor of love. Todd became completely enamored with this church. Its beauty rivals many cathedrals with its authentic Tiffany windows and intricately carved woodwork. The charitable and talented women working within the church won his heart, as well.
 

When we got the call to restore two broken stained glass windows and frames in Calvary Episcopal Church after the windstorm of 2008 caused damage that threatened their integrity, we were thrilled. It was a challenge but an excellent challenge. I felt honored to have the opportunity to bring pieces of that particular church back to their original state.
 

First, we removed the windows, had the glass repaired and remade the frames with correct species of wood to match the existing windows. We installed the new frames and reinstalled the windows. We also repaired some of the plaster where it had been damaged by leakage.
 

A few months later we were called back to repair another window that was in need of repair.

Renovation of Historic St. Matthews Home

The owner of this historic St. Matthews home had his eye on the house since he was a child growing up in the area. He vowed that one day he would own it. After graduating from medical school he did, in fact, purchase the home.

He has been lovingly restoring it ever since. When it came time for a renovation of the bathroom on the second floor, he hired Todd Stengel for the job, knowing that they share a passion for older homes.

The interior structure was altered but kept in touch with the period of the home by using appropriate materials, fixtures and finishes. The result is a elegant and charming space that is remarkably functional.

Renovated Highlands Kitchen

2006 Kentucky Design and Remodeling President’s Award (1st Place) – Kitchen

When a professional designer and his wife decided to remodel their own kitchen, she knew exactly who to call. They also knew precisely what they wanted, from the species of wood for the cabinets to the style of countertops.

A key goal for the project was to make the most of a small space, formerly a galley kitchen, and transform it into a multifunctional room ideal for cooking. The Stengel team accomplished just that with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, built-in appliances and a custom pullout table.

One element the couple was undecided on was lighting, and the Stengel team put them in contact with local glass artist Brooke White (now owner of Flame Run), who was ultimately commissioned to create a series of pennant light covers, which gave the space added distinction.
 

Restoration of Historic Cherokee Triangle Home- 2008 Tour Home

Featured on the 2008 Tour of Remodeled Homes

• 2008 Louisville Remodeling Award – Best General Renovation
• 2007 Louisville Remodeling Award – Best Exterior Renovation

Some projects are labor intensive; others are a labor of love. The latter was the case for Todd Stengel when he embarked on the redesign of a Cherokee Park-area home.

Only days before the renovation began, the homeowners’ son suddenly passed away. Given the unfortunate circumstances, Todd immediately offered the owners the option of voiding the contract. The owners made the decision to move forward and, as the demolition began, Todd saw that one of the owners, who is a pilot, had extended periods off from work and needed something to keep his mind occupied, so he began to get him involved. Over the course of the project, which lasted almost a year and a half, a deep friendship forged between Todd, the owner and his fiancé.

As the collaborative effort took shape, everything seemed to come together beautifully. Drawing from research in local archives, exterior architectural details, such as dentil blocks and shutters, were reproduced to closely mirror the originals. Brick was tuckpointed and painted where necessary. The slate roof was repaired and cleaned. All ironwork was removed and refurbished. Windows were placed where architecturally incorrect models had been installed. Original windows were reglazed and repurposed, and the hardware was refinished.

Among the updates to the interior were refinishing and restoration of all hardwood flooring. In the kitchen, the floor was releveled, so that cabinetry would be properly aligned. This task required consultation with a structural engineer and the installation of a steel beam in the basement. A wall between the kitchen and an old butler’s pantry was removed, and a service staircase in the kitchen was reworked to be more attractive.

On the second floor, the foyer, stairway and landing were restored. A new master suite was built, and the bathroom was remodeled with a cast-iron tub and a double-vanity with marble top. The guest room on this floor has a sleeping porch that was cleaned and painted to serve as an inviting sitting area for guests.

The third floor was turned into a cottage-like sanctuary with a white subway-tile shower, separate water closet and bedroom. It also has a sitting area with a view of the park bordering the home.
 

Renovation of Highlands Condo

This condo in the heart of the highlands was remodeled throughout. It was done in phases, starting with the kitchen and guest bath. Later the homeowner called Todd and his team back in to renovate her Master Bath and create a space devoted to her hobby of calligraphy.

Throughout the condo, the sophisticated style of the homeowner is reflected. The kitchen is cozy and user friendly. The art nook with custom cabinetry and granite top is just what she had envisioned, giving her a perfect place to practice her craft.

Renovated St. Matthews 2005 Tour Home

• 2006 Louisville Remodeling Award – Best Bath and Best General Renovation
• 2006 Kentucky Design and Remodeling President’s Award (1st Place) – General Renovation
• 2006 Kentucky Design and Remodeling Judges’ Award – Baths
• 2005 Tour of Remodeled Homes Showcase House

Thoughtful design and classic style unite in this award-winning St. Matthews-area house, which was completely renovated and redecorated.

The kitchen layout was reworked to meet the homeowners’ desire for an open layout with a breakfast bar and plenty of work space. Next to the kitchen, a large laundry room was added.

New hardwood flooring was installed in the home’s foyer and on the stairway leading to the second floor, as well as the dining room and great room. Craftsman-style columns were fabricated to ensure continuity between rooms. In keeping with the architectural style and extensive custom woodwork, an art-glass window was placed in the stairwell.

Following the simple principles of Feng Shui, the master bathroom was turned into a sybaritic retreat. A curbless tile and glass shower with multiple showerheads and body sprays was done in all earth tones. An old fountain bath was replaced with a cast-iron soaking tub. An art-glass window provided a beautiful and tranquil finishing touch.
 

Renovated Suburban Carriage House

• 2007 Kentucky Design and Remodeling Judges’ Award – Residential with Architect
• 2007 Louisville Remodeling Award – Best Addition

A homeowner in Eastern Jefferson County had a beautiful five-acre lot, but did not have a garage large enough to store his multiple family vehicles and antique 1969 Camaro. He also had a son who was going off to college and thought it would be nice to have a place for his son to hang out with his buddies when he came home to visit. He called on Todd Stengel to design the ultimate “man cave.”

What Todd and his team came up with was a two-story carriage house, with a four-car garage on the first level and an entertaining space on the second floor.

Hardwood floors that start at the bottom stairwell and lead to the upper level set the tone for a warm and inviting space that includes a full bath and kitchenette with a granite-top wet bar. There are also two flat-screen televisions to watch sports or compete in a round of Guitar Hero. A set of French doors opens to an outside deck, which was constructed to provide a comfortable vantage point for enjoying the natural beauty of the outside landscape.
 

Renovated Old Louisville Home- 2006 Tour Home

• 2007 Louisville Remodeling Award – Best General Renovation
• 2007 Kentucky Remodeling and Design Presidents’ Award – General Renovation
• 2007 Kentucky Remodeling and Design Judge’s Award – Bathrooms
• 2006 Tour of Remodeled Homes Showcase House

Todd Stengel has an uncanny knack for looking at an older home and seeing its potential. This was also the case for a couple who called on Todd to renovate a 150-year-old Victorian home, which had been used for years as a family apartment complex.

The new homeowners wanted to completely gut the space and redesign it to create a master suite with a Zen theme.

After a few changes to the original plan, mainly having to do with the bath area, the demolition process began. As the project got underway, Todd discovered that the original framing was made of poplar wood and still had some antique square nails in it. Always keenly attuned to details, Todd realized that he could reclaim the wood and nails so that they could be used in the design of the new bathroom vanities. This fit right in with the natural, organic tenets of Zen philosophy, and ethereal paint colors and natural fabrics completed the look.

During the process of renovating the third floor, one of the homeowners recalled that the former owner had commented that his age made the stairs difficult to manage. The new homeowner decided he wanted to install the elevator so that he wouldn’t face the same problem down the line.

Installing the elevator proved to be a challenge, mainly because the home was located in a historic preservation district. The integrity of the home’s design had to be considered, along with various restrictions concerning architecture and space usage.

What resulted was an exterior elevator enclosure that blended seamlessly with the original structure of the home, while also providing access to all three floors. The construction of the shaft also gave way to the opportunity of building an outdoor terrace that offered a stunning view of downtown Louisville.

The first and second floors were refreshed with paint and new art-glass windows. The staircase, including missing finials on the newel posts, were reproduced and restored. Floors were refinished and replaced, providing a solid foundation for the overall breathtaking design of the home.
 

Renovated Lounge and Veranda in Historic Clubhouse

 In 2009, Todd Stengel Construction, along with Bittners, LLC and Sophisticated Living Magazine collaborated to update the Gentleman Parlor and Veranda in the historic clubhouse at Rock Creek Riding Club. The renovation and updated interior furnishing were a big hit with the patrons of the Rock Creek Horse Show. Everyone involved with this project donated their time and Sophisticated Living Magazine provided the patrons with an exquisite publication to browse while in the Lounge.

The walls were washed and painted a creamy white, while the ceiling was painted a rich brown. The permanent frames for the many photographs of champion Saddlebreds were also painted the same color brown as the ceiling. All the painting was done by Glenn Patterson Painting Company.
 

The beautiful interior finishes, fixtures including an iron chandelier and furniture were selected by Douglas Riddle and Ron Wolz of Bittners, LLC.

Main Street Salon

After completing projects for the client at his residence, David Scott Eckard and his partner decided Todd Stengel Construction would be the right fit for their business venture.

The challenge was to transform an unfinished street level storefront at Preston and Main into a modern full service salon. First, the floor was leveled and prepped for plumbing, the walls were framed to reveal curved walls with recessed lighting nooks. The focal point of the salon was a custom designed and fabricated steel structure on the ceiling, as well as a Rainforest Granite Slab that serves as signage for the salon.

The Salon opened right on schedule in May 2007 and has since been the salon of choice for many downtown workers and visitors to our city.

St. Matthews/Seneca Park Area Renovation and Energy Update

Renovated Cherokee Gardens Ranch