Eighteen months might seem like a long wait for a new kitchen, but it was worth it, says the owner of the 100-year-old “fixer-upper” condo she bought in an historic East End high rise. Her working partners in the project, Cruze Architects and Drury Cabinetry, tell the tale.
Cruze Architects and Drury Cabinetry Collaborate on a New Kitchen
“It was an efficient process, given the scope and difficulty, shortage of trades [people] and permits,” she says. And then there were the challenges of heavy antique masonry, terra cotta tile laced with wiring and embedded in concrete, and a quaint freight elevator unequipped for lifting large cabinets and appliances.
The owner was drawn to the unit because of its “beauty and historic, serene vibe — its sense of place,” and she had a strong vision. But she knew she needed a team of professionals to “tease out” the concept. Architect Liza Cruze of Cruze Architects and Cruze Construction brought the vision to life, designing a modern but traditional kitchen that looks like it always was there. Liza’s husband Doug, an architect who focuses on building, was the problem solver, handling the gnarly structural, mechanical and plumbing issues.
“It was basically a bowling alley that needed articulation,” says Doug. One of the best things about being a married design/build team, he says, is that he and Liza talked about the project every night at dinner. They decided to bring cohesion to the space by using ceiling beams, both existing and new. “Some beams are hiding old beams; others are hiding electrical things,” Doug says.
Picking the Perfect Cabinets
Providing continuity is custom casework produced and installed by Dave and Jan Horner’s Drury Cabinetry in Unity Township near Latrobe. “I picked up Drury’s card in a hardwood store and went to talk to them,” Doug says. “They were incredible. In the future, I wouldn’t use anyone else.”
The beautiful but functional Drury cabinets use hardwood from Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. They’re set off by a glass-paned display unit that separates the kitchen from the dining area. Dave, who “will try anything” according to his wife, says installing cabinets to the architect’s specs was a challenge. “All the cabinetry had to line up with the coffers in the ceiling,” he says.
Enhancing With Finishes Touches
The owner chose creamy colors, sourcing the custom paint from Donald Kaufman Colors in New York City, a consultant to major museums and architects. “As the light changes [from cooler to warmer] during the day, the room responds to it in a very alive way,” she says. She chose the brushed brass handles and other fixtures from Habitat Hardware in the West End Circle, and concrete floor tile that looks Victorian but is more durable from Tile and Design in Shadyside. The appliances, except for the range, are from Don’s Appliances.
A “secret” powder room hidden behind a bookcase, a cozy window seat with a great view, pantry spaces and ample stone countertops complete the renovated kitchen, providing a utilitarian, flexible and welcoming spot for the owner to cook, curl up with a book or entertain. Or for her cats to hang out.
“We built a secret passageway for one cat to get from the kitchen cabinet into the hall closet,” Doug says, “and the cat uses it.” In fact, the owner might be able to blame her cats for prolonging the project. During construction, Doug says, “We spent a lot of time every night before we left covering up the holes in the wall so the cats wouldn’t disappear.”
Story by Susan Fleming Morgans
Photography by Erin Kelly
Design by Lisa Cruze, Cruze Architects
Cabinetry by Drury Cabinetry
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