Office of “Barns Into Birdhouses” Wins Historic Preservation Award

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The Barns Into Birdhouses office shown with a classic car in the driveway.

For Barns and Birdhouses owner John Guertin and his wife, Irene Franowicz, historical projects include more than birdhouses! They include real houses too. In March 2022, the Grand Rapids Historic Commission presented them with an Outstanding Residential Preservation Award for their restoration of the Barns Into Birdhouses office located at 144 Fitzhugh St. SE in Grand Rapids, MI.

The pair’s multi-decade project involved renovating the home/office into its original Queen Anne style dating to circa 1890. They replaced everything from shingles, scroll work, moldings, and kitchen cabinets to the front porch and fencing, all to replicate its original style and return it to its full glory. Details and more pictures.