Wymore Place

Historic Apartments, Modern Appeal

“The challenge on doing a historic rehab like Wymore Place is retaining enough of the original character but ending up with an apartment that fits the market today,” says Jay Burchfield, president of SilverTree Companies.

Burchfield has been involved in various historic rehabs in Kansas City, St. Louis, Neosho and Columbia and enjoyed renovating the three buildings known as Wymore Place on Washington Street in Jefferson City. “These are great properties,” he says.

Built in 1923, the buildings were structurally sound but “tired and obsolete” when SilverTree companies purchased the property in August 2010, according to Burchfield. Demolition and construction began in February 2011 with the first building completed in September 2011 and the final two buildings in November 2011.

“Our goal was to historically renovate the property and return it to the grandeur it was originally in and get it to a position that it can last another 90 years,” Burchfield says.

To achieve that goal, modern HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems have been integrated into the units, but the plaster walls, refinished wood floors, doors, moldings and trim retained the original historic fabric. Much of the 1923 design of the buildings was intact, but minor reconfigurations of the 18 units made them livable for today while keeping with some of the old character.

With elegant lines and beveled glass to welcome guests, the entryway doors are original (only requiring cleanup and repair during the renovation). The building entryways and stair towers, featuring intricate mosaic tile landings and marble stairs, lead to the two apartments located on each floor. Each building offers six units, each with an abundant view of the Missouri Capitol building through historically compliant, energy-efficient windows.

Kitchens and bathrooms were gutted. The white and black hexagon tile pattern on the bathroom floors is in 1920s style, as is the door hardware. “We went with mortise locksets with crystal knobs that stayed true to the building’s period,” says Sara Emily LeMone, interior designer on the project.

“The floors were another one of my favorite original features I got to work with,” LeMone says. “The original gorgeous oak floors were so beautifully restored. I chose a neutral yet soothing wall color to play off those [floors].”

Also, brushed nickel in the door hardware, plumbing fixtures and light fixtures adds a modern twist that any tenant could live with, LeMone adds.

Many units still contained appliances and fixtures from the 1950s but now have all new stainless-steel appliances, and there are a washer and dryer in every unit. Kitchens feature Shaker-style cabinets similar to the building’s original woodwork and large tile flooring to help expand the space. The warm color palette throughout the buildings creates depth and complements the unique features in each space.

The combination of old elegance and modern style and its downtown location make Wymore Place apartments appealing to anyone from young professionals to empty nesters. Matt Francis moved into Wymore Place because it provided the urban feel he’s accustomed to from having grown up in Philadelphia. “I enjoy being close to restaurants and the downtown area,” he says. “I like the mix of old and new style in the apartment, and I look forward to being a part of the downtown community.”

Floor plans include a one-bedroom, one-bath (the Lincoln); a two-bedroom, one-bath (the Jefferson); a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath (the Barkley); and a three-bedroom, two-bath (the Truman).

“There’s definitely an allure to downtown urban living,” Burchfield says, “especially with Jefferson City’s resurgence.”

For more information on Wymore Place, contact SilverTree Companies, (573) 875-5151.