Those of us who were lucky enough to grow up in a walkable community most likely have cherished recollections of walking to school, the library, the local candy shop, or the home of a best friend.
Childhood memories like these were a significant factor during a couple’s search for a new home for their family of four. “My husband grew up in Bexley and wanted that kind of charming community experience for our sons,” says the homeowner.
“But typically, the available homes in a walkable community tend to be older,” she adds. So, the “new” home the family gravitated toward is actually a Worthington Colonial that was built in 1920.
Time for the team
Knowing the house would need a significant amount of work, the couple remained in their current home while planning and undergoing a major renovation led by Bryce Jacob and Courtney Bowe, co-owners of Element One Design Build.
The couple chose Element One after interviewing several firms. “The fact that Bryce lives in Worthington and knows the area’s rules and regulations was a big plus,” the homeowner says. “And Courtney and I had similar ideas on the revision. It just felt right.”
The couple purchased the home in April of 2023 but stayed in their 1970s home until their move in date in July of 2024 to “Let Element One do their thing without us being here.”
Structural details
Exterior renovations included the addition of a front porch which looks as though it should have been original to the home. A breezeway was enclosed to make space for a mudroom and connect to a detached garage. A second story was added along the back of the home, which allows for an expanded primary suite. This was one of the more challenging aspects of the job according to Bryce.
As an earlier addition, the great room space was sunken down a step from the kitchen floor. The foundation for this area was stacked stone. Bryce and his structural engineer, Greg Fraker, were aware this foundation would not be adequate for the additional load.
Greg designed a structure with four steel posts that run 24 inches below the basement floor on 36-inch square footers which hold steel beams that traverse the space. This allowed the floor to be raised and level with the kitchen area and provided support to carry the upper addition. Even though this work is hidden beneath the floors of the home, Bryce is proud of the team’s solution. “It was an engineering feat,” he says.
Redone with respect
Inside the home, the goal was to create a modern living environment while keeping in mind the original intent of the architecture of a home built in 1920.
An awkward, choppy floor plan needed a better flow. There was a traditional, closed off dining room, a powder room inconveniently located between the kitchen and dining area, and a second back staircase that wasn’t needed. The dining room walls came down, the powder room was moved, and by removing the staircase, the team carved out space for a coffee station between the kitchen and lounge area.
The upstairs addition allowed the team to rework the floor plan, creating space for a laundry room and a spacious primary bath. The primary bedroom is color drenched in Cast Iron paint from Sherwin-Williams.
“My inspirational photos for the bedroom showed dark ceilings and dark walls,” the homeowner says. “But I wanted the deep colors to be integrated to the rest of the home.”
A complementary wall and ceiling color appears in a lounge area that is specifically designed to be a bit of a respite from the world. “My vision was that this space would be a conversational spot, not a place for viewing screens,” she says. “This is where we can talk, relax and have an occasional glass of wine without the interruption of a TV or devices.”
“She had a great vision,” Courtney says. “She really wanted to elevate the design. Each room has a unique feel, but they all work together which is needed with such an open floor plan.”
Throughout the process, everyone involved was respectful of the age of the home. There’s an easy flow from the front, more traditional part of the home with its diamond paned windows, to the back of the home which features modern, black windows.
“I loved being able to touch the entire house—interior to exterior and see it all come together,” Courtney says. “There’s no disconnect.”
Time to shine
When it comes to family activities and entertainment, most of the action takes place in the open kitchen/dining/great room area. “We spend the bulk of our time here,” the homeowner says. It’s also a wonderful space for company, she adds, “We can have 20 people in here and it doesn’t feel crowded.”
Since the renovation was completed, the homeowners have become friends with Bryce and Courtney. “I love seeing how the family uses the spaces we’ve created together,” Bryce says.
Now, as another school year gets underway, the couple’s boys walk to elementary and middle school—and eventually will be able to walk to high school. And the adults in the home have the option to stroll down the street to the bank or post office or possibly meet friends for a drink. “That’s a wonderful amenity,” the homeowner says.
“It’s our forever home for sure,” she adds. The renovation made the spaces everything we desired in a home. Our neighbors are awesome. And the fact that we are in a walkable community is icing on the cake.”
RESOURCES Design and construction Element One Design Build, Bryce Jacob, MCR, UDCP; Courtney Bowe, UDCP Kitchen and bath cabinetry Schaad and Sons Countertops and backsplash Calacatta Lincoln Faucets Odin Smart Touch and Tulham Pot Filler in kitchen; Invari in bathroom; all in Luxe gold by Brizo from Ferguson Appliances Ferguson Fireplace surround Custom limestone, Hamilton Parker LIGHTING Klee 6-light chandelier in family room; Agnes pendants above island; Shaw Flush Mount in coffee bar area; all from Visual Comfort; Vintner semi-flush light from Currey and Company Patio and front landscaping Wells Landscaping
Article by Karen Bradner | Photos by Marshall Evan
Article originally appeared in September 2025