Joseph H Gray House Interior Remodel
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A Quiet Reversal: Reclaiming the Joseph H. Gray House
A passerby might not guess that the interior of this 1911 Colonial Revival home in Reno has been entirely reimagined. Once adapted for commercial use in the 1980s, the building had long housed offices before its recent transformation back into a single-family residence. The updates may be subtle from the sidewalk, but the work inside tells a very different story.
New Owner, New Direction
The current homeowner purchased the property mid-construction, inheriting a partially completed project designed for a previous client. Taking over from another contractor, the team quickly got to work reshaping the scope to match the new owner's vision. With no formal design team involved, the revised plan became a collaborative effort between the construction team, K2 Engineering, and the City of Reno. Reworking the floor plan and navigating code requirements for reverting a commercial office back to residential use required creativity, persistence, and clear communication.
Interior-Focused Transformation
While the exterior remained mostly untouched—aside from the garage, now fully integrated into the structure—the 3,361-square-foot home, including a 1,330-square-foot basement, underwent a comprehensive reconfiguration. Foundation upgrades and structural retrofits supported major changes within. Walls were removed, layouts redrawn, and systems rerouted to support a return to comfortable residential living.
The kitchen received new cabinetry, slab counters, tile, plumbing, lighting, and an island reorientation. The master suite gained a steam shower, walk-in closet shelving, and refinished surfaces. The guest bath was reimagined with a dual vanity and a walk-in shower. Hallways, pantries, and utility spaces were all revised for better circulation and modern function.
Adapting Through Construction
Adapting a partially built project for a new client meant revisiting and revising nearly every element. The team worked in phases to keep construction progressing while updating plans behind the scenes. They coordinated closely with the engineer and the city to ensure all residential codes were met, especially those related to changing occupancy classification.
Selections were made directly between the client and the team, aligning with the historic character of the home, thanks to the client’s attention to finish details and the team’s sensitivity to proportion and style.
A New Chapter for a Historic Home
Although the home retains its National Register status, this project was less about historic restoration and more about reclaiming the property's original purpose. The understated exterior may show little change, but inside, the transformation is complete. For the team, this was about making the house a home again—quietly, skillfully, and in sync with the owner's goals.
