General Contractors for the Tarrytown Remodel
Four Corners was privileged to restore and remodel a local residential landmark in the famous Tarrytown area of Austin, TX. Architect James O’Neil , President of J.P. O’Neil & Associates, of Austin, TX, was secured by the Owners to take on this ambitious project and come up with a plan to restore a grand old manor style house which was in desperate need of some tender loving care. The home had been a one-owner home built around Pearl Harbor time, and the current owner had been pushed in a carriage back in forth in front of this house when she was a young child, so she and her husband bought this stately old house from the original owner and determined to breathe new life in the house and into the neighborhood.
O’Neil was asked to see if he could restore the house back to its original glory, while opening it up and creating some more modern, up to date living areas. Mr. O’Neil came through and the rest is history…come to life!
O’Neil completely re-designed the kitchen through demolition and new construction… increasing square footage and breathing in new life and style using unique finishes such as translucent glass tiles for backsplashes, a custom made copper and brass kitchen hood over new modern appliances, plenty of open workspace, modern controlled lighting, and classic original style wood casework. Needless to say, the kitchen came to life yet maintained its old feel even with the most modern of features. Congrats and thanks again to our great friend Jeff Steele of Steele Specialties for the great custom copper work!
O’Neil creatively brought sun light into the house through the unique use of Kalwall translucent stairwell wall panels, overhead sky-lighted clearstories, and new complex second story dormers in the new upstairs office, and well thought out circulation paths and light corridors.
There were also several additions to the house increasing its size and usability. O’Neil added a screened in porch for leisure and outdoor activities. He also expanded the existing garage making it into a new modern two car garage and maids quarters area. A new additional upstairs office was created with additional access by a new stairwell to facility secondary fire egress and also to allow business clients to access the upstairs office area without entering “private family” areas. A new automatic gated car entry and new stained driveway in the back of the house were added per Owner’s desire. There was a complete reworking of the large spacious grounds and landscape in order to open the property up, giving it a more manicured but natural original look. This kept the majestic street view from the front and side of the house unobstructed, clean, and like a step back in history.
Of course, budget was critical, and construction cost had to be accurately estimated then hit. And as anyone knows, whenever you take on a project of this size and age, there will always be unforeseen conditions which surprise everyone and have to be overcome and/or adapted to. In that regard, Mr. O’Neil writes: “ Four Corners actually uses professional project management methods combined with team oriented problem solving. Their solution oriented support and respect for ‘all’ the design and construction team members allows us to deliver successful results to our clients in a joyful manner (mutual respect and honesty).” It was joy to work with O’Neil & Associates on this project also, so thanks back to you Jim!
There are plenty of remodeling contractors out there, but attention to detail and the ability to quickly adapt to any situation, cooperatively work with the design team, then execute with the minimal of time and cost impact is especially important and hard to find in a new or remodel contractor. Four Corners Construction, L.P. delivered all of the above, and we are proud of this historic and exceptional project.