S7, E6: Fitting In When You're a Standout

SEASON SEVEN, EPISODE SIX | TRANSCRIPT

In a town whose history is written in stately brick, gingerbread trim, and wrap-around porches, building something new can feel daunting.

When our clients first walked their lot on Harrison Avenue in Kirkwood, Missouri, they didn’t just see gables, porches, and the neighborhood’s deep historic roots. They knew their home would need to feel like it had always belonged there.

A few blocks away on Argonne Avenue, another homeowner dreamed of a Queen Anne–inspired home that captured the charm of Kirkwood’s century-old houses, while balancing energy efficiency and modern comforts.

So, what happens when you want to build something new in a neighborhood that takes its historical character very seriously?

Welcome to Our 20 Homes for 20 Years Series

This season, we’re celebrating Hibbs Homes’ 20 years of custom building in St. Louis and Park City. In today’s episode, we turn to Kirkwood, Missouri, a community beloved for its historic architecture, sense of place, and strict design guidelines.

We’ll explore two standout infill homes that not only fit seamlessly into their surroundings but were embraced as welcome additions to the neighborhood.

The Challenges of Infill Construction

Kirkwood, and communities like it across the country, take preservation seriously. Strict guidelines govern:

• Stormwater runoff
• House size relative to lot size
• Height, roof pitch, and exterior character

Balancing these rules with the needs of today’s homeowners requires the right team—an architect familiar with the community, and a builder who respects both history and modern living.

Project One: Italianate Home on Harrison Avenue

• Clients: A couple relocating from Kansas City with a clear vision for an Italianate-style home.
• Architect: Kim Spurgeon, experienced in Kirkwood’s Architectural Review Board process.
• Key Design Elements: tall windows, deep roof overhangs, ornate white trim, contrasting blue siding.
• Lot Features: gentle slope allowed for a detached rear garage and backyard play space.
• Energy-Efficiency: geothermal heating and cooling system, making the home durable and high-performance.

This project earned Hibbs Homes Kirkwood's Infill of the Year Award, proof that new construction can respect the soul of historic neighborhoods.

Project Two: Jewel Box on Argonne Avenue

• Client: Realtor Terry Nicely of Red Key Realty, who had lived on the lot previously and envisioned a timeless home for her family.
• Exterior: high-pitched rooflines, James Hardie blue siding with crisp white trim, and a welcoming corner-lot porch designed for neighborly connection.
• Interior: compact but beautifully finished primary suite on the main level, open-concept living spaces, and bedrooms upstairs.
• Unique Touches: floral tile inlays on the fireplace, historic-inspired tile in the mudroom and powder room.
• Modern Benefits: durable, low-maintenance construction and high efficiency to keep utility costs down.

The result? A small but stunning “jewel box” of a home that perfectly blends character with modern livability.

Lessons from Kirkwood Infill Builds

• Have a clear vision. Bring photos and inspiration, even if you don’t know the architectural term.
• Choose the right architect. Experience with the community’s review board is invaluable.
• Balance history and modernity. You can honor a neighborhood’s character while enjoying today’s comforts.
• Don’t give up on your dream. With the right team, your vision can come to life—even in the most character-driven communities.

Building in a historic neighborhood isn’t just about zoning and square footage. It’s about listening to the lot, respecting the street’s history, and blending past with present. The greatest compliment? When neighbors say: “I didn’t even realize that was new construction.”

In our next episode, we’ll continue our 20 Homes for 20 Years journey with two estate-style homes that celebrate grandeur, scale, and artistry.

For more information visit www.artofcustompodcast.com or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn as The Art of Custom. Be sure to subscribe to get the latest episodes and please rate and review. The Art of Custom is produced by HugMonster sound with original music by Adam Frick-Verdeen. Thanks for listening.