Can I add a second story to a historic home in Denver?

Yes, but it requires careful planning and approval through the Denver Landmark Historic Design Review process. NAGY Design specializes in creating additions that respect historic architecture while meeting modern needs.

Do I need special permits for remodeling in a historic district?

Absolutely. Homes located in landmark districts must follow specific design guidelines and obtain approvals. We handle this process to ensure your remodel is fully compliant and stress-free.

Can an attached garage be converted into a guest suite or living space?

Yes, converting an existing garage is a smart way to add livable square footage without altering the home’s footprint—especially valuable in space-constrained historic properties.

How do you match new additions with historic architecture?

We use period-appropriate materials, proportions, and design details to seamlessly integrate new structures, like second stories or garages, with the existing home.

How long does a full historic renovation project take?

Timelines vary, but a project involving a full main-level gut, second-story addition, and garage conversion typically takes 8–12 months from design through construction, depending on permitting and weather.

Historic Horizons

Pop-TopRenovation

Feb 21

Written By Rachel Nagy

A24 | Project Summary

Nestled in the heart of Denver’s historic Montclair district, this home underwent a stunning design-build transformation by NAGY Design—preserving its architectural legacy while adapting for modern living.

The entire main level was gutted and remodeled, creating fresh, open living spaces infused with natural light and contemporary comfort. A former attached garage was converted into a guest ensuite, adding flexible functionality without compromising historic character.

To meet the homeowners’ evolving needs, a full second-story addition was seamlessly integrated—maintaining architectural continuity while expanding sleeping quarters.

A new detached two-car garage with integrated workshop space supports modern utility, while a custom indoor-outdoor connection enhances daily living and entertainment.

Throughout the renovation, the project adhered strictly to Denver Landmark Historic Design Review guidelines—ensuring every detail honors the home’s historic integrity while preparing it for decades of future enjoyment.

2473 sq. ft

Montclair, Denver

PrenValley Builders

3 Year

Front view of a fully remodeled historic Denver home with a second-story addition, integrated indoor-outdoor spaces, and a converted garage ensuite by NAGY Design.

Floating staircase leading to a new second-story sleeping level in a modernized historic Denver home with open-concept layout by NAGY Design. — A sleek floating staircase connects the new upper-level addition, complementing the open-concept living and dining space in this landmark-compliant Denver home renovation by NAGY Design.

Contemporary kitchen renovation in a historic Denver home with black marble waterfall island, natural wood cabinetry, and open flow to the outdoor patio—by NAGY Design. — This open-concept kitchen anchors the indoor-outdoor living experience, with a bold black marble island and seamless flow to the patio—part of NAGY Design’s full historic home renovation in Denver.

Sliding glass doors create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection in this Denver home remodel, enhancing entertainment flow and natural light—by NAGY Design. — Large sliding doors open to a connected patio space, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living in this landmark-compliant renovation by NAGY Design.

POP-TOP | RENOVATION

Signature Design Process

- Site analysis
- Existing conditions
- Budgeting
- Code review
- Contractor interviews negotiation
- Basic design concept generation
- 1-2 Iterations on a theme design evolution
- Plan approval to move forward to construction documents
- Detailed drawings
- 1 Major edit allowed
- Finish selection
- Permit comments
- Minimum of 3-5 site visits during construction
- Ensure the follow-through of the original design intent

3D architectural rendering of a historic Denver home with a second-story pop-top addition designed by NAGY Design to meet landmark preservation guidelines.

Schematic design rendering of a historic Denver home remodel featuring a second-story addition and two-car garage with shop space, created by NAGY Design.

Architectural Services

Full Main Level Gut

Add Second Sleeping Level

Convert the Existing Attached Garage in Ensuite

Add (2) Car Garage with Shop Space

Integrate Indoor and Outdoor Entertainment

Fit within Landmark Guidelines

Drought-tolerant front yard landscape with stone pathways and native plants outside a fully remodeled historic Denver home with second-story addition by NAGY Design.

Front exterior of the original single-story brick home in Denver prior to the second-story addition and full renovation by NAGY Design. — Before Photo

Framing and exterior sheathing of second-story addition in progress during a historic Denver home renovation by NAGY Design. — Construction Process

After photo of a fully renovated historic home in Denver with a second-story addition and refreshed landscaping by NAGY Design, viewed from the sidewalk approach. — After

POP-TOP | RENOVATION

Common Questions

The costs associated with adding a second-story addition vary depending on factors such as the size of the addition, materials used, labor costs, and location. On average, homeowners can expect to invest between $100,000 to $300,000 or more for such a project.
Adding a second story requires careful consideration of structural elements to ensure safety and stability. Factors such as load-bearing walls, foundation reinforcement, and support beams must be evaluated by a structural engineer to meet building code requirements.
Adding a second story can significantly increase the overall property value and resale potential. Homes with additional living space are often highly desirable to buyers and may command higher prices in the real estate market.
Obtaining permits and adhering to zoning regulations are crucial steps in adding a second story. Homeowners must obtain the necessary permits from the local building department and ensure compliance with zoning ordinances, setback requirements, and height restrictions.