🏡 Turning a Forgotten Garage into Livable Space in Woodlea Historic District

Historic neighborhoods like Woodlea in Central Phoenix come with plenty of charm—and just as many renovation challenges. In this project, we had the opportunity to transform a neglected garage structure into a quiet, functional livable space, all while honoring the look and feel of this historic community.

From Shed to Structure

The original structure sat behind the main house and appeared to have been built in phases—likely starting as an open-air shed before being partially enclosed. Over time, it became a forgotten space with uninsulated walls, makeshift finishes, and poor flow. Our goal? Turn it into a space that felt like it was always meant to be there.

Working with the City

Here’s the catch: in the City of Phoenix, especially in historic districts, you can’t tear these older garage structures down. Once it’s gone, it’s gone—you lose the footprint and potentially the ability to rebuild. That meant we had to get creative.

Instead of demolition, our team devised a unique solution: suspend the existing structure, reinforce and build out the new foundation underneath, and then bring the rest up to code—all while preserving what was already standing. This maneuver required not only serious planning and skill on-site but also tight coordination with city requirements and inspections. Pulling it off was no small feat, but the result speaks for itself.

Smart, Respectful Design

Woodlea is known for its eclectic architecture, curved rooflines, and mature trees. When working in a neighborhood like this, our job isn’t just to build—it’s to respect what’s already there. Every decision, from materials to layout, was made with the intent of creating something functional that felt like a natural extension of the property.

Want the full story from the source? In this video, Andrew walks you through this garage transformation. 🎥 Watch the Walkthrough below:

This is more than just a garage conversion—it’s a thoughtful restoration, a clever workaround, and a great example of how smart design meets code compliance to bring new life to an old space.

Thinking about reworking an old garage, studio, or outbuilding?

We can help you find a solution that fits your needs and works with the city. Schedule a free in-home estimate today or explore more of our recent work.

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