Revitalizing History: A Stunning Exterior Remodel in Phoenix’s Willo Neighborhood
Award-Winning Historic Exterior Home Remodel
2025 NARI of Greater Phoenix Remodeler of the Year*
Honoring a Historic Legacy in the Heart of Phoenix
Nestled within the charming, tree-lined streets of Phoenix’s historic Willo neighborhood, this exterior remodel project for our valued repeat clients is a testament to the enduring beauty of Spanish Colonial architecture and the transformative power of thoughtful renovation. Our mission was clear: to rejuvenate the home’s exterior, addressing both aesthetic and functional needs, while meticulously preserving the unique character that defines this beloved architectural style.
Willo is more than a neighborhood—it’s a living archive of Phoenix’s early 20th-century architectural identity. For homeowners, remodeling in this district isn’t just about improving comfort or appearance—it’s about embracing stewardship. With that understanding, we approached this project as an opportunity to honor the past while creating a refreshed environment tailored for modern living.
BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
Respecting the Historic Context of Willo
From the beginning, we understood the significance of this property within the larger historic fabric of the Willo district. Spanish Colonial Revival homes in this area are known for their stucco facades, red-tile roofs, arched entryways, and hand-crafted details. These are not just design elements; they are echoes of Phoenix’s architectural roots.
This remodel was about far more than cosmetic enhancement. It was about breathing new life into a piece of Phoenix’s past, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. Our collaborative process began with a thorough evaluation of the home’s condition and ongoing dialogue with the homeowners, focused on aligning preservation priorities with their personal design aspirations.
Restoring the Foundation: Addressing Stucco and Structural Issues
As with many historic homes in Phoenix, time had taken its toll. The exterior stucco—original or early-era—showed visible signs of cracking, fading, and water intrusion. These are more than cosmetic issues; if left unaddressed, they can compromise the structural integrity of the home.
Our expert masons began by carefully removing unstable material and assessing the underlying substrate. We meticulously repaired and refinished all exterior stucco surfaces using historically accurate techniques and a breathable, compatible stucco mix. This process not only restored the home’s original appearance but also improved its weather resistance, ensuring long-term durability in Arizona’s hot and arid climate.
Simultaneously, structural repairs were undertaken to fortify the building envelope and prevent further degradation. Every detail—no matter how small—was addressed with the dual goal of honoring the past and securing the future.
A Fresh Canvas: Thoughtful Paint Restoration
With the stucco fully restored, we turned our attention to the paint. Choosing the right color palette was crucial. Spanish Colonial homes often feature earth-toned stucco and richly colored wood or ironwork. After a collaborative review of historic color references and personal preference, the homeowners selected a historically respectful scheme—one that brightens the facade while remaining true to its architectural roots.
We used premium exterior paints with UV and fade resistance, ensuring both protection and lasting beauty. The paint application wasn’t rushed; careful attention was paid to every arch, corbel, and trim detail. The result was a revived home that looks refreshed without feeling altered—precisely the outcome we sought.
Seamless Expansion: Adding a New Outdoor Patio
One of the most exciting additions to this remodel was the construction of a new patio designed to extend the living space and enhance the connection to the outdoors. Outdoor living is central to Arizona lifestyles, especially in neighborhoods like Willo where lot sizes and layouts often encourage backyard entertaining.
Rather than adding a generic deck or slab, we designed the patio as a true architectural extension. The new outdoor area blends seamlessly with the existing home, echoing its form and materials to feel as if it were part of the original blueprint. Archways, finishes, and proportions were carefully designed to maintain visual harmony with the historic structure.
Blending Indoors and Outdoors: Creating a Unified Space
The homeowners envisioned a more fluid connection between their interior living space and the outdoors—a goal we embraced wholeheartedly. We modified and expanded existing doorways to open onto the new patio, framing views and promoting better airflow. The result is a cohesive transition that encourages movement between inside and outside while maintaining privacy and comfort.
We also mirrored interior materials and color cues outside, creating a unified aesthetic that ties the two spaces together. The effect is subtle but powerful—one that transforms the home into a retreat that feels grounded in history yet ready for modern enjoyment.
Enhancing Architectural Features: Materials and Colors
Preserving and enhancing the home’s Spanish Colonial identity meant selecting every material and color with care. We sourced natural stone for base elements, used warm stucco tones for wall extensions, and incorporated decorative tile for accent details. These choices weren’t just visually pleasing—they reinforced the architectural story the home had been telling for nearly a century.
By curating every texture, hue, and finish to complement the home’s original features—arched doorways, clay tile accents, hand-forged iron details—we brought the exterior to life with authenticity and vibrance.
Durability and Beauty Underfoot: Porcelain Tile Flooring
For the patio’s surface, we selected porcelain tile—a material celebrated for its durability and refined aesthetic. Porcelain offers the look of natural stone with the added benefits of moisture resistance, temperature stability, and easy maintenance.
The chosen tile featured a subtle texture and neutral hue that paired beautifully with the home’s palette. Laid in a thoughtful pattern, the porcelain tiles elevate the patio from mere utility space to a design feature in its own right—functional, elegant, and built to endure.
Collaborating with the Phoenix Historic Preservation Office
All projects within the Willo Historic District must undergo oversight by the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office. Our team is well-versed in this process, having worked on numerous historic renovations across central Phoenix. From pre-design consultations to final plan reviews, we partnered with preservation officers to ensure our proposed changes aligned with both the homeowners’ desires and local preservation standards.
This collaborative relationship streamlined approvals and allowed us to move forward confidently, knowing the remodel would preserve the architectural integrity that defines Willo’s charm.
Realizing the Vision: A Beautiful and Inviting Home
With each phase—stucco, paint, patio, and finishes—completed with intention, the home emerged revitalized, reconnected, and ready for its next chapter. What was once a faded exterior now radiates warmth and welcome. The new patio beckons friends and family to gather, relax, and celebrate the desert lifestyle. The curb appeal is undeniable, but more importantly, the home feels whole again.
This remodel not only addressed structural needs and aesthetic desires—it deepened the homeowners’ emotional connection to their space and the neighborhood they love.
A Testament to Timeless Design and Quality Craftsmanship
This project in the Willo Historic District showcases how great design and thoughtful restoration can enhance not only a single home but the legacy of a community. Every repair, every finish, every detail was completed with the highest level of craftsmanship and care.
By embracing the historic character of Spanish Colonial design while introducing subtle, modern comforts, we’ve created a space that stands proudly between two eras—rooted in tradition, yet refreshed for modern living.
AWARD-WINNING HOME REMODELING IN THE HISTORIC WILLO NEIGHBORHOOD
For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Homework Remodels will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (602) 478-5102 or emailing steve@homeworkremodels.com to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality! To help you plan your remodel, you can find informative blogs on our website here.