McMeekin Restoration

Build: Restoration
Completion: 2026
Location: Lexington, KY

Collaborators:
Gibson Taylor Thompson Architecture & Design
Heller Built

This colonial Cape Cod project is as much an act of architectural stewardship as it is a historical restoration.

Originally designed by prominent Lexington architect Robert McMeekin in a historic Ashland Park neighborhood, this early 20th-century design was in need of a comprehensive restoration. Along with Gibson Taylor Thompson Architecture and Design, we sought to restore, expand, and elevate the home while honoring its original character and architectural legacy.

The foundational design approach for this project prioritizes authenticity and proportion, with the aim of making every addition feel as though it was part of McKeekin’s original design.

With regard to the exterior, the property balances a prominent position on a corner lot with a sense of privacy provided by the surrounding gardens and brick wall. To create a formal and gracious entry from the street, the garage was reconstructed and enhanced with a new porte-cochère. Front dormers were reconstructed to refine their proportions and detailing. At the side-yard porch, a new exterior chimney was added to provide both function and architectural balance.

Inside, restorations focus on enhancing livability without compromising architectural integrity. A new covered porch now extends the living space outward and creates a seamless connection between interior and garden. A comprehensive renovation of the primary bedroom suite introduced modern comfort while preserving traditional scale and detailing. A new mudroom now discreetly connects the main house to the reconstructed garage, accommodating daily life while maintaining the home’s formal spatial hierarchy.

Throughout the entire project, material selection and craftsmanship were top priorities. Select trim elements were reintroduced or adjusted to better align with historic precedent. Classical columns and period-appropriate roof forms were used to ensure continuity between old and new construction. Brick masonry, limestone and stone accents, refined wood trim profiles, and historically appropriate detailing were executed with precision – guided by the belief that the best renovations are those that feel timeless.

The result is a residence that feels restored and complete, honoring its architectural past while supporting contemporary family life. It now stands as a testament to the enduring value of thoughtful design, careful craftsmanship, and respect for our local architectural history.