The Williams Annex: Adaptive Reuse & Multi-Generational Living

Project Narrative

The Pivot: Smart Design vs. Brute Force

The clients approached David Stumpf Architecture after a stalled attempt with a previous firm. The initial proposal—a massive rear addition—was structurally redundant and significantly over budget.

We proposed a strategic pivot: Adaptive Reuse. Instead of building a new house attached to the old one, we harvested the existing 3-car garage. Its open-span structure provided the perfect "shell" for a 606 SF in-law suite, drastically reducing framing costs and site impact. To replace the lost parking, we designed a new, dedicated 1,009 SF automotive and workshop wing.

Universal Design & "Invisible" Accessibility

The primary goal was to create a dignified, independent sanctuary for the client’s aging mother. We utilized Universal Design principles to ensure the space is future-proofed for mobility without looking institutional.

• Zero-Barrier Entry: The 75 SF private porch features a minimal step-up from the sidewalk and a flush transition into the unit, removing tripping hazards.

• Spatial Clearances: The layout—comprising a 207 SF living room, 158 SF bedroom, and full kitchen—is engineered with ADA wheelchair turning radii in mind, ensuring the home adapts to the resident, not the other way around.

Architectural Continuity

Additions often look like afterthoughts. Our goal was to correct the scale of the home while adding character. The new garage wing is linked to the main residence via a "Hotel-Style" Corridor, creating a weather-protected internal street that connects all zones of the property.

Externally, the new private entry porch was detailed to blend seamlessly with the existing vernacular, adding charm to a previously blank façade. The result is a multi-generational estate that functions as a cohesive whole.