Historic Preservation

Smith Mansion, Denver. Complete interior and exterior restoration.

Robert Larsen, Architect, prepared the design and construction drawings for the restoration and adaptive reuse of this prestigious historic residence into professional office space. Because the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, all exterior modifications were required to comply with strict historic preservation standards. The restoration included the complete replacement of the balustrades, refinishing of the decorative terra cotta elements, repainting of all exterior trim, and numerous additional repairs to preserve the building's architectural character while accommodating its new use.

Smith Mansion - Grand Stair

Plaster was repaired, woodwork refinished, new lighting added along with new carpet.

Smith Mansion - Grand Stair

Plaster was repaired, woodwork refinished, new lighting added along with new carpet.

Smith Mansion - Foyer. All Plaster and Woodwork Restored

Plaster was repaired, woodwork refinished, new lighting added along with new carpet.

Smith Mansion - Woodwork & Plaster Restoration + New Lighting and HVAC were Added

Plaster was repaired, woodwork refinished, new lighting added along with new carpet.

Smith Mansion - Woodwork & Plaster Restoration + New Lighting and HVAC were Added

Plaster was repaired, woodwork refinished, new lighting added along with new carpet.

Smith Mansion - New Elevator with Custom Cab Interior

A new elevator with Robert Larsen Architect custom designed cab interior was inserted into the building.

Smith Mansion - Third Floor Converted from Maid's Quarters to Executive Offices. New Elevator.

Robert Larsen Architect designed this central circulation area of the third floor which was remodeled for a new office layout. Decorative columns, coffered ceiling with cover lighting, and new trim throughout continue the elegant level of finish from the lower levels.

Smith Mansion - Carriage House Stair

The carriage house was completely remodeled on both levels. The Robert Larsen Architect designed spiral stair terminates on a terrazzo landing to comply with the code requirement that one flight of stairs could not exceed twelve feet in height.

Smith Mansion - Carriage House Stair

Robert Larsen Architect designed the new curving stairway to be inserted into the abandoned lift opening. Winch machinery which operated the lift used for bringing carriages to the upper level was preserved. Robert Larsen Architect designed new office partitions with clerestory windows to provide a sense of openness and to allow light from windows to reach the interior of the building.

Historic Remount Ranch, Buford, Wyoming

The Historic Remount Ranch is located between Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The original cabin was constructed around 1886 from stone gathered on the site. A beam in the cabin is a rail taken from the nearby Transcontinental Railroad. The Ranch gets its name from the time when horses were raised there for the U.S. Cavalry. Mary O'Hara lived at the Ranch where she wrote "My Friend Flicka"among other books. There is still a barn there named "The Flicka Barn". Later the Ranch became a guest ranch, visited by such notable people as Pat Boone, Arthur Godfrey, and The McGuire Sisters. The Remodeling and addition project depicted in the photos here was commissioned by John and Mary Ostland. This project included the construction of an addition which created an outdoor atrium. It added a home office and a whirlpool tub room. The existing kitchen and master bedroom suite were also updated. The existing cabin gained in-floor electric heat, accomplished by running electric current through the reinforcing mesh in the new concrete floor. The entire roof was covered with a layer of nailable rigid insulation for increased energy efficiency. Robert Larsen Architect carefully studied the forms of the addition to match the character of the existing building. Walls were constructed with stone gathered on the site to mach the stone on the original cabin.

Remount Ranch - Floor Plan with Addition in Blue

Remount Ranch - Original Cabin on Left, New Addition on Right

The roof slopes of the new addition on the right match the existing historic building. Field stone was gathered on the site and laid up in a random pattern to match the existing masonry. Rigid insulation was added over existing roof decks to improve energy efficiency. All roofs received new cedar shingles. All new trim and siding match the existing.

Remount Ranch - Original Cabin on Left, New Addition on Right

The roof slopes of the new addition on the right match the existing historic building. Field stone was gathered on the site and laid up in a random pattern to match the existing masonry. Rigid insulation was added over existing roof decks to improve energy efficiency. All roofs received new cedar shingles. All new trim and siding match the existing.

Remount Ranch - Original Cabin on Left, New Addition on Right

The roof slopes of the new addition on the right match the existing historic building. Field stone was gathered on the site and laid up in a random pattern to match the existing masonry. Rigid insulation was added over existing roof decks to improve energy efficiency. All roofs received new cedar shingles. All new trim and siding match the existing.

Recent Photo - New North Entry

This entryway is part of the new addition and was carefully designed by Robert Larsen Architect to match the materials and details of the existing historic construction.

Remount Ranch - Inside the New Atrium

Interior view of the new courtyard which was formed by the L-shaped addition. The doorway on the right opens to the new entry hall. All materials and details were carefully designed by Robert Larsen Architect to match the existing historic construction.

Remount Ranch - Interior of New Entry Hall

The same field stone used on the exterior continues on the inside wall surfaces of the new hallway.

Remount Ranch - Office Addition Interior

Stucco textured walls and wood plank ceilings in the addition continue the rustic character of the home. Audio video equipment was recessed into arch-top built-in cabinetry.

Remount Ranch - Interior of Original 1856 Cabin

The wire mesh reinforcing in new concrete floor topping was electrified to provide invisible supplemental heat in this 1856 original cabin. Original stone fireplace and wood pole roof trusses seen in this view were preserved.

Remount Ranch - Primary Suite

Previously added primary suite addition was remodeled with new finishes, cabinets, and plumbing fixtures. Green concrete block fireplace chimney received new stucco finish, tile and rustic wood mantle.