In 1974, Jack Sherman Baker, FAIA, designed this striking residence for Gertrude “GiGi” Robinson, a sociology professor at the University of Illinois. The house features three unique units – a studio apartment and guest bedroom on the ground floor, and a large, light filled dwelling unit on the second floor. Unfortunately, years of neglect have taken their toll on the exterior envelope and grounds. The objective of this phase was to revitalize the exterior with new cladding, resolve structural problems, and restore and upgrade interior finishes and details. These new elements are introduced with sensitivity for the existing design, maintaining and enhancing the concepts powerfully executed in the original design. The objective of the second phase is to add three unique elements to the originl composition: a reflecting pool in the entrance courtyard, a lap pool along the western edge, and a rooftop terrace and pavilion. These new elements are introduced with sensitivity for the existing design, maintaining and enhancing the spatial and proportional concepts powerfully executed in the original residence.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

We are thrilled to introduce 612 Gravers Lane, a veritable ~jewelbox~ in an ideal walk-to everything Wyndmoor location. Originally built in 1900, this classic 20th century farmhouse was comprehensively renovated and expanded by Cherokee Construction in 1997, in the finest fashion, sparing no expense. Beautifully sited on a manageable .31 acres, the exquisite landscape plan was designed and installed by Gale Nurseries. The first floor features a brightly lit, gracious floor plan with coveted architectural details, millwork and voluminous ceilings. Enter a gracious center hall, formal living room and dining room to your left, cozy library your right. Gourmet kitchen and generous breakfast room with fireplace and butlers pantry. The adjacent family room and mudroom complete the scene. Upstairs, in addition to a spacious, light-filled master suite, two additional en suite bedrooms and laundry. The third floor offers an amazing guest suite, bath with sitting area and plenty of space for home office. Finished lower level, just waiting for gym and media room and an abundance of storage. 4 bedrooms/3.1 baths - Detached 2 car garage. Outside, beautifully designed trellises adorn a large flagstone terrace that will simply knock you out, creating an extremely private setting within walking distance to both Wyndmoor and Chestnut Hill villages and trains to Center City.

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

Photo by Lindsay Brown
Home bar - traditional home bar idea in Austin

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery