When does a townhome become dated? The answer is subjective. But
40 years is a long life cycle for any style preference. And it's not simply
that surfaces become tired, or that formerly sparkling appliances are now
anachronisms.
The bigger point: the home's best assets are not being presented
in bold relief. What you have seen so often becomes invisible. The impulse is
to renew everything — and not just the house, but your enjoyment of it. It's a
situation that calls for new thinking, and a new era.
Such is the motivation behind many a modern makeover, said Craig
Durosko, founder and chairman of Sun Design Remodeling, and the professional
who guided the 1,575-square-foot home now featured in his company's annual
“Remodeler's Charity Tour” from vague proposal to the gleaming showplace that
will be open to the public Nov. 4 from noon
to 4 p.m.
As in the past, Sun Design's remodeled home tour benefits a local
charity. Donations this year will help the St. Lucy Project, an affiliate of
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, and Christ House in Alexandria.
Both are engaged actively in distributing nutritional foods to food-insecure
people within the diocese.
To simplify the food donation process this year, CCDA will have a
van near the Rushen house all day. Meanwhile, visitors searching for remodeling
ideas will find fresh design concepts and space plan innovations throughout the
residence.
Located at 417 Pitt Mews in Alexandria, the Colonial-style
townhouse has been owned by Steven and Mary Rushen since 2006. The recently
executed top-to-bottom makeover incorporates a fully renovated kitchen with
walk-in pantry, a master bedroom suite with an enlarged master bathroom, and a
completely re-invented living room/dining room with enhanced built-ins and a
stunning view of Alexandria's Old Town district.
“We've learned how our open houses can serve the community,” said
Sun Design President Bob Gallagher, who grew up in Clifton. “Homeowners enjoy
seeing what their neighbors are doing to improve their homes, but they're also
happy to help less fortunate people around them.”
Byrd (byrdmatx@gmail.com) has been writing about home
improvement for 30 years.
Find out more
Go to https://www.sundesigninc.com/events/remodeled-home-tour/.
To donate food or volunteer to help the St. Lucy Project, contact
Patty Kuntz at pkuntz@ccda.net or call
703/479-2975.