During the pandemic, two coastal transplants unexpectedly became Bloomington transplants. Their century-old home on the Near West Side charmed them above ground, but hid unrealized potential below. With contractor Jim Wright-Kaiser, we transformed a rough, underutilized basement — including a cramped former apartment with a particularly unfortunate bathroom — into a retreat that effectively doubled their living space. This basement renovation presented the perfect opportunity to honor history while introducing fresh design elements that reflect the homeowners' journey and sensibilities.