We enjoy working with homeowners dedicated to preserving period details and features of historic DC area while modernizing for today’s lifestyle. Most of our historic work is in homes dating from the late 1800s to the 1930s.

In Maryland and Virginia, preservation falls under the purview of cities, towns, villages, or neighborhoods. In DC, the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) designates historic districts and guidelines. Chris Landis served as a member of the HPRB for two terms.

Why Landis?

An all-in-one approach

With Chris Landis’ expertise and our designers’ depth of knowledge, our company is adept at historic home renovations and:

  • Has experience presenting designs to preservation boards in the area
  • Identifying and planning for the costs of the historic review process
  • Highlighting the era of the home and preserving existing design details
  • Making sure any new construction will blend seamlessly with the existing home
  • Educating consumers about issues in home built during specific eras
  • Understanding how to upgrade older electrical and plumbing systems

How the historic process works with Landis

Step 1. Consultation and design contract
Step 2. Initial design meeting
Step 3. Schematic design
Step 4. Design development
Step 5. Permitting and construction

How long does each phase take?

Initial design scope and selections: Two to four months

Permitting: Two to four months

Construction: Three to eight months

Total project: Seven to sixteen months

Case Studies

Capitol Hill Rowhouse Renovation

The renovation included all the rooms on all 4 stories. We worked with the clients for several months on the design, including selections for the kitchen and 3.5 bathrooms. Incorporating the odd narrow side addition affected the exterior façade, which required the approval of the city’s historic preservation review board.

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Historic Takoma Park House Renovation

This charming 1900s home in Maryland was purchased by the clients and within a year they contacted us to remodel the kitchen, add a powder room on the main level, and add a bathroom on the 2nd level. As they wanted to expand the kitchen with a small addition on the rear of the home, we worked with the city of Takoma Park’s Historic Review Board to make sure it fit with the historic structure. The modest 96 square foot one-story addition fits under an existing 2nd story sleeping porch that had been enclosed.

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A passion for D.C. area homebuilding

Landis has been building homes in the District, Maryland, and Virginia for 31 years. We know D.C.’s surrounding neighborhoods and we know the design and architecture styles of our metropolitan area. We are a family-owned business, we know and love our community, and we are dedicated to, and passionate about, our craftsmanship.