The Taft Project: Transforming a 1920s Houston Heights Bungalow into a Resort-Style Retreat

Nestled in the historic Houston Heights, the Taft Project is a shining example of Keechi Creek Builders’ award-winning craftsmanship, creativity, and luxury-focused approach. This thoughtfully executed renovation took a quaint yet dated 1920s bungalow at 1909 Taft Street, Houston, TX 77005, and reimagined it as a resort-inspired retreat—a space that gracefully blends historic charm with modern indulgence.

From the outset, the homeowners envisioned a home that was not only beautiful but also functional—a private oasis designed for entertaining without compromise. Keechi Creek Builders embraced the challenge of delivering spa-like luxury, intelligent design, and innovative solutions, all while working within the constraints of a modest urban lot and Houston’s strict building requirements. The result? A breathtaking transformation that has earned multiple industry awards and the admiration of all who experience it.

Key Highlights of the Taft Project

History & Vision: Preserving Charm, Elevating Lifestyle

The owners of the Taft Project approached Keechi Creek Builders with a dream: to preserve the bungalow’s historic character while transforming it into a luxurious, modern retreat that feels like a high-end resort.

Situated in one of Houston’s most desirable neighborhoods, the home exuded period charm, but lacked the openness, light, and functionality demanded by modern lifestyles. The homeowners also sought a space that would allow them to entertain friends and family with ease, blending indoor and outdoor living seamlessly.

Keechi Creek Builders worked collaboratively with the homeowners to define a vision that honored the home’s history while meeting their desire for timeless design, comfort, and sophistication.

Design & Materials: A Symphony of Luxury & Functionality

Every material, finish, and feature was chosen for its beauty, durability, and ability to elevate the everyday experience.

Kitchen: Where Luxury Meets Function

The kitchen became the heart of the home, combining gourmet-grade appliances, smart storage, and elegant finishes:

• Countertops: Neolith Mont Blanc Silk, offering a crisp, luxurious surface with superior durability.
• Cabinetry: Stained mahogany for richness paired with modified shaker doors painted in Sherwin Williams’ Snowbound (SW 7004) for a clean contrast.
• Appliances: Wolf gas range, Subzero fridge/freezer, wine cooler, and Cove dishwasher—all industry benchmarks for culinary performance.
• Flooring: LV6 The Silvan Collection - Virta Sream European White Oak creates a warm, inviting backdrop throughout the home.
• Special Cabinet Features: Thoughtful storage solutions include a trash pull-out, double cutlery drawers, a dog bowl cutout, and under-sink organizers—proving that luxury and practicality can coexist beautifully.
  

Bathrooms: A Private Spa Experience

The bathrooms were designed to evoke serenity and indulgence, much like an upscale hotel spa.

• Master Bath: Finished in dramatic Nero Absolute stone with Schaub hardware for a sleek, modern look.
• Guest Bath: Features Nero Absoluto stone with a stunning stained white oak frameless vanity.
• Powder Bath: Showcases the textural richness of Neolith Krater Riverwashed stone—a subtle yet striking design statement.

Soft-close hardware, glass insets, and designer lighting further enhance the atmosphere of understated luxury.

Smart & Sustainable Features

A suite of smart-home technology was seamlessly integrated, including:

• Omni-Logic outdoor controls, accessible via smartphone.
• EMPowered Motorized Touchscreen Entryset, blending security and convenience.
  These features add a contemporary layer of functionality, while preserving the home’s inviting, residential feel.
  

Overcoming Challenges: Creativity Within Constraints

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Taft Project is how Keechi Creek Builders overcame the spatial and regulatory constraints typical of Houston’s historic neighborhoods, delivering results that feel expansive despite a modest lot size.

Making Every Inch Count

Houston’s building regulations require that projects meet specific permeability requirements—a challenge when the client requested an outdoor space that included a full pool, lounge areas, and greenery. Keechi Creek Builders solved this elegantly by:

• Designing a custom Ipe Brazilian wood deck that fluidly connects the indoor living area with the pool and seating spaces.
• Utilizing every square foot of the backyard without making it feel crowded.
• Choosing materials like Ipe decking, which is both durable and visually warm, to soften the lines between structures and landscape.
  

Preserving History While Expanding

To create more livable space, the team gutted and rebuilt each room, adding 1,100 square feet to key areas such as the kitchen, living room, dining area, and master suite. Throughout the project, they maintained respect for the home’s original scale and proportion—ensuring it still fits beautifully within its historic neighborhood.

The Outdoor Oasis: A Resort in the Backyard

The backyard truly feels like a resort retreat tucked into the heart of Houston Heights.

Infinity Pool & Entertaining Spaces

The infinity-edge pool is the centerpiece, creating a calming reflective surface that visually expands the space. The surrounding Ipe Brazilian deck and built-in seating areas invite relaxation and social gatherings.

Pet-Friendly Luxury

A clever detail—sure to delight pet lovers—is the built-in dog bowl with a dedicated faucet, seamlessly integrated into the design.

A Seamless Connection

Glass doors and large windows blur the line between indoor and outdoor living, letting natural light flood the interior and inviting guests to move effortlessly between spaces.

Awards & Recognition: A Benchmark of Excellence

Keechi Creek Builders’ ingenuity and meticulous execution earned the Taft Project multiple awards, underscoring its excellence in both design and craftsmanship:

• GHBA Prism Awards
  • Best Remodel Whole House ($250–500K)
  • Best Remodel Outdoor Living
    
• TAB Star Awards
  • Best Whole House Remodel ($425–500K)
  • Best Addition ($200–300K)
    

These accolades reflect not only the technical skill involved but also the client-centered philosophy that defines Keechi Creek Builders.

Conclusion: Your Dream Home Awaits

The Taft Project exemplifies everything Keechi Creek Builders stands for: creative problem-solving, luxurious materials, seamless integration of historic character with modern living, and an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.

From the elegant interiors to the breathtaking backyard, this Houston Heights bungalow has been completely transformed into a personalized, resort-inspired sanctuary, perfect for entertaining or quiet enjoyment.

If you’re ready to turn your dream home into reality, trust the award-winning team at Keechi Creek Builders to deliver unparalleled results—with creativity, craftsmanship, and care.

Whether it’s a historic renovation, a custom build, or a full-scale remodel, Keechi Creek Builders ensures every detail reflects your unique lifestyle—with elegance and integrity.

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