Moore St. Case Study

Working Within Princeton’s Zoning Requirements

One of the biggest challenges wasn’t construction—it was zoning.

Because of the property’s location and Princeton’s zoning requirements, demolishing the existing home and starting over was not an option. Instead, the project required preserving the original structure while completely reimagining how the home functioned.

Success on a project like this begins long before construction starts.

The owner partnered with a local architect who understands Princeton’s zoning ordinances and permitting process. The architect developed the overall floor plan, completed the zoning research, and engineered the structural modifications necessary to transform the home while remaining within the municipality’s requirements.

Projects like this demonstrate the value of assembling the right team from the beginning. Working with an architect who understands the local approval process helps homeowners navigate zoning challenges more efficiently and creates a smoother transition from design into construction.

Building on a Strong Foundation

With the design complete and approvals secured, construction could begin.

Once demolition started, the complexity of the project quickly became apparent. The home had evolved over more than a century, resulting in multiple construction methods, varying floor elevations, and structural modifications that reflected different periods in the home’s history.

Rather than viewing those conditions as obstacles, our team approached them as opportunities to create a better home.

The house was completely gutted, allowing every major building system to be replaced—including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, windows, and roofing—while preserving the portions of the original structure that gave the home its character.

A thoughtfully designed addition was then integrated into the existing home, allowing the new spaces to feel like a natural extension rather than an afterthought.

Throughout construction, every decision was made with the same objective: preserve the home’s character while creating a residence that performs like a modern home.

Thoughtful Design from the Inside Out

While the architect established the overall layout and structural design, Flansburg Construction’s in-house interior design team worked closely with the owner to create spaces that were both functional and timeless.

Our designers guided the selection of cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, tile, flooring, lighting, hardware, paint colors, and finish materials throughout the kitchen and bathrooms, ensuring every space complemented the overall vision for the home.

Rather than designing each room independently, the goal was to create a consistent experience throughout the home—one that respected the home’s age while embracing clean, timeless design.

The result is an interior that feels warm, welcoming, and cohesive from floor to floor.

More Than a Renovation

Although the finished home appears effortless, the transformation required rebuilding nearly every aspect of the structure.

Highlights of the project include:

• Complete gut renovation
• Carefully integrated addition
• Reimagined kitchen, dining, and gathering spaces
• Finished third-floor living area
• Six full bathrooms and two powder rooms
• All-new plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, roofing, and windows

Behind every finished room is a home that now performs like new construction while maintaining the warmth, proportions, and character that make older homes so appealing.

The Transformation

Walking through the completed home today, it’s difficult to imagine what existed before construction began.

What was once a series of disconnected rooms has become an open, light-filled home designed for gathering, studying, and everyday living. The reimagined floor plan creates natural connections between the kitchen, dining room, and living spaces, while large windows introduce abundant natural light throughout the home.

Previously underutilized attic space has been transformed into comfortable third-floor living areas, creating valuable additional space without compromising the home’s original presence along Moore Street.

Thoughtful material selections—including warm wood cabinetry, timeless tile, carefully detailed trim, and neutral finishes—create interiors that feel appropriate for an older Princeton home while offering the comfort and durability expected in modern construction.

A Home Ready for the Future

Projects like this are about much more than replacing finishes or adding square footage.
They require understanding the home’s history, respecting its character, working within local zoning requirements, and thoughtfully integrating modern construction techniques into an older structure.

Today, this Moore Street residence is brighter, more functional, and built to serve the organization for many years to come.

What began as an aging home with decades of piecemeal additions has been transformed into a cohesive residence that honors its past while meeting today’s needs.

For our team, that’s what successful remodeling is all about—not simply building beautiful homes, but creating spaces that will continue serving the people who use them for generations to come.

Project Highlights

• Older Princeton home originally built in the 1800s
• Complete whole-home gut renovation
• Thoughtfully integrated addition
• Local architect-led design and zoning coordination
• Flansburg Construction interior design for all kitchen and bathroom selections
• Reimagined floor plan designed for modern living
• Finished third-floor living space
• Six full bathrooms and two powder rooms
• All-new plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, windows, and roofing
• Timeless finishes that complement the home’s original character

Budget:

Given the nature of the project with the existing older home and the necessary work needed, projects like this can cost anywhere from $800,000 to $1.5 Millon.