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360 Construction delivers high-end whole-home renovations, historic home transformations, additions and expansions, and modern custom homes. We're a woman-led design-build firm managing everything from early concept to final walkthrough.

Who does 360 Construction serve?

We serve homeowners in Atlanta's historic and in-town neighborhoods who want a team that can design, plan, and build with intention, whether updating a century-old home or constructing a brand-new one.

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Contact us at infoatl@360c-d.com or call (678) 362-0047. We'll discuss your project needs and schedule a consultation to explore how we can bring your vision to life.

Reimagining History: The McLendon House Transformation into a Modern Atlanta Classic

denice352
May 30
3 min read

Designed, develped and renovated by Denice Beall, Co-founder and Principle Designer of 360 Construction, LLC.

The McLendon House stands as a remarkable example of how a century homes can be thoughtfully transformed to meet modern needs while preserving their unique character. Located in Atlanta, this residence has undergone a careful reimagining that blends classic architectural elements with contemporary design. This transformation not only respects the home’s past but also creates a living space that feels fresh, functional, and inviting.

Preserving the Past with Purpose

The McLendon House was originally built in 1920, featuring traditional Southern architectural details such as wide porches, classic trim details, and large windows. These elements gave the home its distinctive charm and connected it to Atlanta’s rich architectural heritage.

When the renovation project began, the goal was clear: preserve the home’s historic character while updating it for today’s lifestyle. This meant retaining key features like hardwood floors and decorative moldings, while improving the layout and infrastructure to support modern living.

The team worked to keep the exterior scale of the house in keeping with the homes around it. The neighbors appreciated that we did not come in and blow the top off and were sensitive to the surrounding heights of homes. We also removed the glass that had enclosed the front porch disconnecting it to from the neighborhood and restored it using period-appropriate materials. We stripped 7 layers of paint and glue off the front porch using a steel shot blaster and then resurfaced it back to its original splender.

Introducing Modern Comforts

While honoring the past, the McLendon House transformation also focused on making the home comfortable and efficient for its current owners. The renovation included:

Open floor plans that create a sense of flow and spaciousness, replacing some of the smaller, compartmentalized rooms typical of older homes while still keeping defination.
Updated kitchen and bathrooms featuring high-quality fixtures, energy-efficient appliances, and clean, modern lines.
Improved insulation and all mechinical systems to enhance energy efficiency without compromising the home’s historic fabric.
Mature Landscaping and hardscaping we worked to preserve the mature landcape while reducing the amount of existing hardscape to soften the areas.

These updates allow the McLendon House to function as a modern family home while maintaining its timeless appeal.

Balancing Old and New in Design

One of the most impressive aspects of the McLendon House renovation is how it balances historic details with contemporary style. Several strategies to achieve this:

Material choices that complement the original wood and brick, such as a quartz material that mimics natural quartzite for the countertops, soft creamy subway tile that transitions on the walls up to a custom plaster range hood with soft lines.
Neutral color palettes that highlight architectural features without overwhelming them.
Custom cabinetry and built-ins that echo traditional craftsmanship but with a simplified, modern aesthetic. Gold hardware blends in wih the soft liviable style.
Lighting fixtures that blend classic shapes with modern materials and technology.

This thoughtful approach ensures that the home feels cohesive and inviting, rather than a patchwork of old and new.

New Foyer with New Second Story Stair Addition

Enhancing Outdoor Spaces

The transformation extended beyond the interior to include the outdoor areas surrounding the McLendon House. The landscaping was redesigned to create a seamless connection between the home and its environment. Key features include:

A welcoming front garden with plants that require minimal maintenance.
A spacious backyard patio designed for entertaining and relaxation. The existing patio was reimaged reducing the amount of hardsape while maximizing the patio with a rework introducing new shapes and spaces.
Preservation of mature plants and trees that provide shade and character.

These outdoor improvements make the McLendon House a true retreat within the city.

Lessons from the McLendon House Project

For anyone considering a similar renovation, the McLendon House offers valuable insights:

Respect the original architecture by researching and preserving defining features.
Plan for modern needs without sacrificing historic charm. .
Work with experts who understand both preservation and contemporary design.
Invest in quality materials and craftsmanship to ensure longevity.
Consider the home’s relationship to its surroundings to create a harmonious overall experience.

These principles can help homeowners create spaces that honor history while embracing the present.

Thinking About Renovating, Building, or Developing?

Whether you’re updating a home, preparing a property for sale, or developing a new project, we can help bring the vision to life from concept through completion.