Historic Meets High-End: How Keechi Creek Builders Revived a Houston Heights Bungalow

Keechi Creek Builders transformed this historic Houston Heights bungalow into a smart, award-winning sanctuary that blends luxury materials, thoughtful design, and modern functionality—while preserving the soul of a 1920s-era home. With a 1,100-square-foot expansion, high-end finishes, and smart home technology, the Taft Project is now a seamless fusion of old-world charm and contemporary elegance. Every detail—from the custom Ipe Brazilian deck to the EMPowered touchscreen entryset—was crafted to reflect the homeowner’s vision for a resort-style retreat in the heart of the city.

Key Project Highlights

• Schaub hardware in the master bath and Top Knobs hardware in kitchen, laundry, and guest baths bring refined, purposeful detail to every room.
  
• Ipe Brazilian pool deck and built-in dog bowl with faucet combine high-performance with personalized luxury.
  
• Smart home features, including Omni-logic outdoor control and EMPowered Motorized Touchscreen Entryset, offer intuitive, connected living.
  
• European White Oak flooring and Sherwin Williams Snowbound paint create warmth and harmony throughout.
  
• Custom cabinetry with soft-close hardware, glass insets, and peg-drawer systems delivers elegant utility.
  
• Winner of GHBA Prism and TAB Star Awards for whole-house and outdoor living remodels.
  
• Luxury appliances include Wolf, Subzero, Cove, and a dedicated wine cooler for entertaining.
  
• Expanded square footage includes a new master suite, open living/kitchen concept, and spa-style exterior living area.
  

History & Vision: Preserving the Past, Elevating the Present

At 1909 Taft Street in Houston Heights, the original home had all the charm of a 1920s bungalow—high ceilings, craftsman touches, and a walkable location. But its footprint and layout didn’t align with the needs of modern living. The homeowners wanted to retain its charm while creating a luxury retreat that prioritized indoor-outdoor flow, efficiency, and clean, resort-inspired aesthetics.

Enter Keechi Creek Builders, known for their award-winning remodels and deep respect for architectural heritage. The team preserved the original home’s historic facade while gutting and expanding the interior to meet today’s lifestyle standards—adding 1,100 square feet that included a new master suite, open-concept kitchen and dining area, and custom outdoor escape.

Design & Materials: Where Function Meets Fine Finishes

This wasn’t just a remodel—it was a materials masterclass. From flooring to hardware, every surface was chosen for both durability and design.

Timeless Flooring & Serene Walls

Throughout the main living areas (excluding wet zones), LV6 The Silvan Collection – Virta Sream, European White Oak flooring grounds the home with warm, natural elegance. The wide planks and subtle grain pair beautifully with Sherwin Williams 7004 Snowbound, a crisp, clean white paint that reflects Houston’s natural light and offers a serene canvas for luxury accents.

Custom Cabinetry, Purpose-Built for Everyday Living

In the kitchen and library, stained mahogany cabinetry is paired with a modified Shaker profile, giving a clean but classic look. Guest baths feature frameless white oak vanities, and across all cabinetry, Keechi Creek integrated custom storage details:

• Trash pull-out drawers
  
• Double cutlery drawers
  
• Drawer peg sets
  
• Under-sink pullouts
  
• A dog bowl cutout with its own faucet, seamlessly integrated into the base cabinetry
  

Hardware That Elevates

Luxury lives in the details, and hardware selections were chosen accordingly:

• Schaub hardware in the master bath adds sculptural precision and tactile elegance.
  
• Top Knobs hardware, used in the kitchen, laundry, and guest baths, brings cohesive style and function across utility spaces.
  

Countertops: Bold, Functional Beauty

Each space features a distinct surface for both beauty and performance:

• Kitchen: Neolith Mont Blanc Silk — a durable, marble-inspired surface with a soft matte finish
  
• Master Bath: Nero Absolute — deep, bold black stone for drama and contrast
  
• Guest Bath: Nero Absoluto — high contrast, polished sophistication
  
• Powder Bath: Neolith Krater Riverwashed — tactile and striking in tone and texture
  

Overcoming Challenges: Creativity Within Constraints

Remodeling in the Houston Heights neighborhood means navigating strict permeability codes, historical preservation concerns, and space limitations. Keechi Creek Builders embraced these limitations as an opportunity for creativity.

With a small lot to work with, the team prioritized vertical and spatial efficiency. The added square footage didn’t overwhelm the yard—instead, it flowed seamlessly into the landscape. Built-ins maximized storage and function, while soft-close hardware and glass cabinet insets added luxury finishes without taking up space.

And when the client requested a resort feel within a compact footprint, Keechi Creek responded with elegance: a spa-inspired outdoor living area that expands the home’s function without sacrificing its charm.

The Outdoor Oasis: Pool, Pets, and Pure Relaxation

The crown jewel of the Taft Project is its outdoor retreat—a multifunctional haven that brings together elegance, functionality, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Ipe Brazilian Decking & Built-in Features

The custom Ipe Brazilian hardwood deck adds warmth, visual contrast, and long-lasting durability. The rich tone of the wood balances the Snowbound-painted exterior and provides a naturally slip-resistant surface perfect for the Houston climate.

A built-in bar enhances entertaining, while the pet station—featuring a dog bowl with integrated faucet—proves that Keechi Creek doesn’t overlook even the smallest residents.

Smart Living Outdoors

The entire outdoor space is connected via Omni-logic smart technology, allowing full control of lighting, water features, and entertainment systems—all from a smartphone. The EMPowered Motorized Touchscreen Entryset adds another layer of security and convenience, blending high-tech features with high-end design.

Awards & Recognition: Excellence You Can Trust

The Taft Project didn’t just wow the homeowners—it impressed the industry.

Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) Prism Awards:

• Best Remodel Whole House ($250–500K)
  
• Best Outdoor Living Remodel
  

Texas Association of Builders (TAB) Star Awards:

• Best Whole House Remodel ($425–500K)
  
• Best Addition ($200–300K)
  

These honors validate Keechi Creek Builders’ position as a leader in luxury home renovation in Houston, with a reputation for precision craftsmanship, client-first collaboration, and visionary problem-solving.

Conclusion

The Taft Project is more than a remodel—it’s a reimagination of what a Houston Heights bungalow can be when artistry, innovation, and heritage come together. Keechi Creek Builders transformed a 1920s home into a luxurious, award-winning retreat, blending smart technology, fine craftsmanship, and high-end finishes in every square foot.

For those seeking a custom transformation that honors the past while building for the future, look no further than Keechi Creek Builders.

Keechi Creek Builders
21175 TX-249 #328, Houston, TX 77070
(281) 914-4951
https://keechicreekbuilders.com

With a reputation for client-focused service, elegant solutions, and exceptional results, Keechi Creek Builders remains the trusted name in Houston’s luxury home renovation market.