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Kretschman Residence

Preservation Architecture | Residential Architecture | Credentials & Awards | Contact Us

Preservation Architecture & Planning

Residential Architecture & Planning

Credentials & Awards

Hollister-Baker Mansion - Heritage Hill Historic District, Grand Rapids, MI Built in 1853, by Harvey and Martha Hollister, the house is currently used for 11 apartments. Despite numerous additions, the house retains much of the original interior. The home is situated on the back of a large lot, with groupings of mature maple and walnut trees. Our work included a complete mechanical and electrical upgrade, kitchen and bath revisions and the preparation of a master plan for conversion to condominiums.

Aloy Bilz House - State of Michigan Registry of Historic Places, Spring Lake, MI. Built in 1871, one of the earliest houses in Spring Lake. The Bilz family moved to Spring Lake in 1866 as immigrants of Bohemia. The house had been occupied continually for four generations of the Bilz family until 1997. In 1998 the house was purchased by a couple determined to use the house for their counseling practice with their personal residence on the second floor. Our work included restoration of the original front and rear porches and the addition of a second floor master bedroom. The interior work also included the restoration of original first floor finishes and wood trim and floors in the entry hall, four private offices, and an accessible restroom. The second floor was completely remodeled as the personal residence for the owners, designed with a private entrance, and a pleasant private garden. The house is listed on the National Register for Historic Places and the State of Michigan Registry of Historic Places.

Preservation Essentials:Recognize the original defining characteristics of the building and the site.Retain and preserve the original historical character. Avoid the use of new materials and removal of defining features.Recognize the property as a physical record of its time, the prior owners, the place and use.Avoid changes that tend to create a false sense of history.Respect the changes that have occurred over time, as they too have acquired their own sense of history.Preserve or replicate distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques.Repair rather than replace. Replace to match the original design in color, texture and materials.Clean old surfaces with the gentlest means possible.Renovate with contemporary design if it will not impair the integrity of the character, and if the design is compatible with the massing and proportions and the original architecture.Build new additions so they may be removed without damage to the original historic structure.Courtesy of the National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, “Standards for Rehabilitation”

Ebling Building - Grand Rapids, MI. Once an urban Sunoco fueling station, this property later fell into disrepair and was threatened with “demolition by neglect”. In 2005, the building was given to the Kent Count Council for Historic Preservation and subsequently donated to a private party for rehabilitation. State and Federal Tax credits made the project feasible. WTA Inc. was hired to assist the owners to re-purpose the building to include two first-floor non-retail uses, and two second-floor apartments. In 2006 the building received the Governors’ Award for Historic Preservation.

Covered Bridge Cottage - Ada, MI In 2004 the cottage was purchased by a family who decided to restore the house to the mid-Nineteenth century. The house has a history of growth, from the pre-Civil war era to the 1950’s. Each subsequent addition added new elements, which evolved into an eclectic “I” plan design. Winter-Troutwine Associates were hired soon after the purchase to direct the restoration of the “River House” showing respect to its human and architectural history. The carefully planned restoration took one and a half years to complete, involving skilled craftsmen, artisans, cabinet makers and mechanical and electrical contractors willing to explore the challenges of lighting, heating, cooling and plumbing in an old house. The work included restoration of the existing interior and exterior finishes, and replacement of the existing double-hung windows. The original cottage styled kitchen was removed and redesigned four feet wider incorporating a rear patio and pergola. New technologies were added to be compatible with character of this pioneer’s cabin.

The Castle - Heritage Hill District, Grand Rapids, MI.In 1997, Dr. Juli Wemmer purchased the Colonel Crofton and Charles Fox home built in 1889 for her new dental office. Locally known as the “Castle,” this house is quite rare, as one of the only stone homes in Grand Rapids. Most of the original interior was intact, with the exception of the dental suites in the back half of the main floor. Our work included a complete upgrade of all the mechanical and electrical systems and accessibility design requirements. Interior architecture included Dr. Wemmer’s private office, reception and staff areas, and 5 dental suites and support functions. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the Heritage Hill Historic District, one of the first historic districts in the United States.

Hollister House

The Castle

Covered Bridge Cottage

Hollister-Baker Mansion

Weaver House - West Olive, MI In 2003 the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission purchased 240 acres of woods and wetlands along the Pigeon River. The land and residential structures were a humble stopover along the rail line between Chicago and Mackinaw in the late nineteenth century. Mr. and Mrs. Cloyd Weaver were the owners for most of the first quarter of the Twentieth Century.Today the park is developed, including 6 miles of hiking and cross country ski trails and a canoe/kayak launch. In 2004 the County Parks Department hired Winter-Troutwine Associates to design an adaptive reuse of the American Four Square house as a rural reception and banquet facility. The design challenge required three major additions; two restrooms; a 1000 square foot screened porch designed for barrier free accessibility; and a 1200 square foot deck. The interiors were completely refinished, retaining the maple floor, restoring the original wood double hung windows, and the original plaster walls and ceilings. The landscaping was designed to be period sensitive. The Weaver House Hall opened to the public in the Spring of 2007.

Willowbrook - Grand Rapids, MI. This neo-Georgian home is situated on a grassy site bisected by Coldbrook Creek at the city’s eastern edge. Built in 1941 by architect Jim Craig, Willowbrook had been a private home until 1963, when Aquinas College purchased it as a residence hall for upper-class women. In 1972 the house was converted into office space. In 1986 the college hired Winter-Troutwine Associates to direct the conversion to its current use as the home of the college president. Our work included renovation of the interior and exterior finishes, an updated kitchen, and the design of a main floor restroom. WTA also worked with the college grounds staff on the design of period front and rear landscaping.

Weaver House

Residential Architecture Samples

Hollister House - Fairmount Square Historic District, Grand Rapids, MI Built circa 1890, the home was purchased by the Winter-Troutwine’s in 1995 and rehabilitated into two 1100 square foot apartments. The renovation of this burnt-out house created enthusiasm for the designation of the area as the Fairmount Square Historic District in 1999. Our work included a complete restoration of the exterior, based on historic photographs, and renovation of the interior into modern two bedroom apartments. The renovation of this house was featured by the City of Grand Rapids Housing Department in 1997.

Aloy Bilz House

Willowbrook

Credentials & AwardsJim Winter-Troutwine, RA is a licensed professional Michigan Architect and a Certified Preservation Architect (36 CFR 61). He is also a builder/contractor and income property owner in the Fairmount Square Historic District of Grand Rapids. He has owned and managed his private practice since 1989. During this period, he has employed up to seven full time staff and worked on over 50 residential renovation and restoration projects in Michigan. WTA Inc. has proven experience working with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN), members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation Forum and former member of the Association for Preservation Technology International (APTI) 2008 Governor's Award for Historic Preservation for the Allegan Theatre in Allegan Michigan2003 Outstanding Historic Preservation Volunteer for co-creating Fairmount Square Historic District2003 Outstanding Historic Preservation Award for 945-959 Wealthy Street SE In Grand Rapids1995 AIA Grand Valley Distinguished Building Design Award for a Fennville residence

GOULD RESIDENCE - 1995 AIA Distinguished Building Design Award

About Winter-Troutwine Associates Inc.A licensed Michigan preservation architect, Jim Winter-Troutwine, RA, owner of Winter-Troutwine Associates Inc., provides professional historic preservation design and consulting services. In 1990 Mr. Winter-Troutwine received his 36 CFR Part 61 Historic Architect Certification, a designation by the National Parks Service, Department of the Interior. Jim is also the owner of WinterWine LLC, a design-build-management company. He owns multiple two-family properties in Fairmount Square Historic District and is a licensed builder in the State of Michigan. WTA, Inc. Associate Thomas H. Logan, PhD, AICP, holds a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning, is historian for the Heritage Hill Association, and is an owner of several two-family properties in Heritage Hill in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is an active member of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy and, in 2003, published “Almost Lost. Building and Preserving Heritage Hill, Grand Rapids, Michigan”. Together, Tom and Jim advocate for sustainable use and preservation of historic properties and communities. “Finding and engaging our clients in their intriguing history is our primary goal”. We have worked on projects in Grand Rapids, Saugatuck, Middleville, Escanaba, Arcadia and other West Michigan communities. Each has served 2 terms on the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission. Both are recipients of local and State recognition awards for their work.

ContactWinter-Troutwine Associates, Inc. Grand Rapids Michigan 49506 616-822-9491 cell jim@winter-troutwine.com

The house is finished with locally grown cherry and walnut for an interior warmth illuminated with cove lighting in the central Great Room. The house was constructed with trades sourced from outlying rural communities with a conscious effort to support small family businesses. The owners, Steven and Mary were grateful for all the individuals and families directly and indirectly involved in the construction of their home.

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Kretschman Residence Built in a predominantly 1920’s Georgian-style neighborhood, architect Jim Winter-Troutwine designed this Prairie-style house for his clients on a vacant lot adjacent to their current home. This location allowed them to age in place next door to their grandchildren. The simple elegance of a horizontal proportioned brick and stucco exterior contrasts with the predominate pre and post war red brick Georgian revival homes, including an eclectic range of painted brick, veneer field stone, clapboard and developer driven single family homes. Located in East Grand Rapids, the house borrows form and scale from traditional midwestern “Prairie Style” elements including horizontal raked brick joints and textured stucco and stepped roof and cornice detailing. The house is placed on the gently sloped site with minimum disruption to the owner’s flower garden and an existing grouping of towering white spruce.

Kretschman Residence

Main Street CommunitiesMain Street communities are characterized by their centralized commercial district. They reflect the unique culture and character of their residents – past and present. Investment in a Main Street community’s historic resources can promote tourism, small business creation, neighborhood stability, affordable housing, and quality of life. We can offer strategies for integrating new and historic redevelopment, for maximizing federal grants and complying with the State Historic Preservation Office requirements and protecting historic resources.

Make a difference for local history

About Winter-Troutwine Associates Inc.Jim Winter-Troutwine, RA, as owner of Winter-Troutwine Associates Inc., provides professional historic preservation design and consulting services. In 1990 Mr. Winter-Troutwine received his 36 CFR Part 61 Historic Architect Certification, a designation by the National Parks Service, Department of the Interior. Jim is also the owner of WinterWine LLC, a design-build-management company. He owns multiple two-family properties in Fairmount Square Historic District and is a licensed builder in the State of Michigan. Jim advocates for sustainable use and preservation of historic properties and communities. “Finding and engaging our clients in their intriguing history is our primary goal.” We have worked on projects in Grand Rapids, Saugatuck, Middleville, Escanaba, Arcadia and other West Michigan communities. Jim has served 2 terms on the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission.

Residential Design ConsultingCreative solutions for repurposing existing historic structures often require an understanding of specialized preservation design processes. This can include assessing existing conditions, adapting the existing structure to accommodate new uses and modern codes, and preserving the significant design elements - windows, facades, materials, lighting and significant architectural characteristics. Innovations in preservation technologies, systems and materials are continually being developed.

Historic Tax Incentives

Interpreting Your HistoryHistoric Preservation captures a snapshot of the past and invigorates the present. It contributes to a dynamic future. Aesthetics, neighborhood stability, growth management, property values, quality of life are all impacted. Historic Preservation helps define a sense of community.

Consulting ServicesSurvey and document existing building conditionsPrepare feasibility studies for adaptive reuseHistoric preservation design and planning and appropriate design treatmentsAdvise and prepare applications for tax incentive programs Construction oversight to meet preservation criteriaNational Register nominations for individual properties

SustainabilityAccording to Donovan Rypkema in “Economics of Historic Preservation”,“The most sustainable building is the one already built”. An existing building embodies timeless energy and material resources. But it also offers numerous opportunities for improved energy consumption. Reduced air infiltration, window restoration, adequate insulation, and installation of efficient mechanical and electrical systems can reduce a building’s energy use and carbon footprint by up to 25% and contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Throughout our 35 year history, WTA Inc. has considered sustainable design a basic professional ethic, even before the practice became the industry standard.

Historic Tax IncentivesThe economics of historic preservation are crucial to a successful project. If applied for in advance, State historic tax credits can leverage up to 25% of a project. We assist our clients in these incentives.

Urban Design Consulting

Make a difference for local historyWinter-Troutwine Associates, Inc., Preservation Consultants strive to make a difference… making economic sense of local architectural history. Homeowners often need help determining how to evaluate and re-purpose their architectural assets. WTA, Inc. offers design and planning assistance to communities that include or aspire to have designated historic districts. We consult with municipalities, architects, engineers, development teams and local campaigns to save endangered landmarks.

About Winter-Troutwine Associates Inc.

Sustainability

Assistance for Design TeamsCommunity advocates, engineers, architects, and real estate developers often struggle to both interpret the value of their architectural history and leverage and historic tax incentive programs to sustain that historic value. Preservation planning and design are crucial to “telling the story” and to capturing incentives, thus reducing the project financing “gap.”