Apple Valley, MN
This 1989 Apple Valley home was a classic example of late-80s suburban architecture: solidly built but defined by a compartmentalized floor plan. Our challenge was to take a layout originally designed with rigid boundaries and re-engineer it for the flow of modern living.
Our goal was to create a "Great Room" concept that unified the main level without losing the home's character.
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Home Location
Apple Valley, MN (Edinbrook Path)
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Style
1989 Storybook/English Cottage-inspired suburban home
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Project Type
Main level remodel & structural reconfiguration
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Scope of Work
Load-bearing wall removal, HVAC/plumbing rerouting, and kitchen design
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Design Project Lead
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Construction Project Leads
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Timeline
12 Weeks (On-time completion)
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Featured Brands
Frigidaire, Visual Comfort, Hirschfield’s, Amerock
Solving the Structural Puzzle
This main level transformation wasn’t a simple cosmetic refresh; it was a major overhaul. Because the design called for removing multiple interior walls, Morgan Fisher and the construction team had to create structural support without sacrificing the design aesthetic.
- The Structural Challenge: Removing walls meant the weight of the upper floor had nowhere to go. The team had to install new structural headers and support posts to bridge the gaps.
- The Foundation Work: Most remodelers focus on what you see, but your team added additional framing in the lower level to ensure the load was properly transferred to the foundation.
- Mechanical Rerouting: With the walls gone, the existing HVAC, plumbing, and electrical fittings inside the walls had nowhere to go. Our team had to strategically relocate these systems into the remaining structural footprint without compromising the high ceilings that made the space feel open.
The Design Palette: Timeless Meets Modern
To bridge the gap between the 1989 architecture and 2026 living, the design utilized a “Nature-Inspired” palette:
- Lower perimeter cabinets painted in Hirschfield’s Vintage Shutter give a nod to the home’s Storybook style.
- Azul Nuevo Granite countertops provide a durable, natural focal point and brighten the kitchen.
- Silver Frigidaire appliances and matching Amerock cabinet hardware tie the design together with an elegant metallic accent.
Creating a Unified Look Throughout the Main Level
Because the renovation covered the entire main floor, our designers needed to create a seamless flow between spaces.
Casabella AquaProof flooring in the color Fox Hollow ensures that the open-concept flow is unified by a single, water-resistant material that can handle the reality of a busy main level.
By incorporating the same cabinet color and hardware in the mudroom, the home feels unified from one area to the next.
On-Time Project Execution
The hallmark of this project wasn’t just the design, but the predictability. Lead Designer Morgan Fisher drafted the vision, but construction leads Troy Polinski and Pat Koester executed it with precision.
The homeowners were provided with a daily construction calendar for the three-month duration. In an industry known for delays, this project hit every milestone on track and on time.
Outstanding from beginning to end, we were impressed with the quality of work, attention to detail, professionalism, communication, and responsiveness by everyone on the JBDB team.
The Lees, Apple Valley, MN
Anyone that provides customer service on such a high level and pays attention to the smallest detail (even setting our clock) is someone who will go the extra mile and do exceptional work. It's awesome to be working with JBDB!
Susie Smith, Lakeville, MN
When our friends enter our new space, their reaction is wonderful. They gasp when they see how beautiful everything is and what a difference it makes. “You have a new home” is the constant refrain.
The Martins, Apple Valley, MN
This is the 4th project we’ve done with JBDB – they are an excellent company to work with and all their employees are great people as well as professional! Such a great team!
The Kauls, Burnsville, MN
We have followed your projects for at least 5 years & based on what we saw expected great work, but you EXCEEDED our expectations! Every detail met with our satisfaction. The entire team was fantastic!
John & Nancy Tauer, Apple Valley, MN
Detailed, professional, reliable and a pleasure to work with. So often contractors are late or unresponsive, but not JBDB!
The Theisens, Rosemount, MN
Emily, Ryan and Troy were great to work with though our entire project! The project commenced and finished on the dates established by Troy, adjusting the schedule where necessary to accommodate all of the variables involved with an assignment like ours! We could not be happier with our end product and cannot wait to work with this team again on our next home improvement project!
Tarrah & Dan, Chanhassen, MN
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When we met with JBDB it was clear they had the most realistic idea of what we were trying to do.
The Petersons, Burnsville, MN
Thank you so much for the extra efforts you and your team displayed in fixing someone else’s mistake. Your “Lead by Example” attitude is truly exceptional. Thanks to the JBDB team, we've received many many compliments!
Jay Micholic, Rosemount, MN
Very well done project! JBDB is a great group of people to have working in your home. They get it done and on time!
John and Keri, Apple Valley, MN
I could not have asked for a better experience. Craftsmanship was top notch, scheduling was excellent, response to customer’s concerns/questions-excellent!
Tom Smith, Lakeville, MN
Teamwork is paramount at James Barton Design-Build. There’s no room for egos here, no finger pointing, no passing the buck. Just a total focus on working together to take care of our clients: resolving issues to deliver the products of their dreams with minimal problems.
James Madsen, Owner & President, James Barton Design-Build
I can’t say enough about how impressed we are with James Barton Design-Build. I never had any doubt about the quality, but I didn’t expect to feel so comfortable with the amazing team you gave us.
Kevin & Jennifer Bollum, Apple Valley, MN
“I hadn’t been able to see the vision. We’re so glad that JBDB could.”
Bryan Wilson, Chanhassen, MN
It was a fantastic project! The job John did getting all the subcontractors lined up was awesome. The project flowed so nicely. There were no problems that the JBDB team could not resolve!
Dan Cuka, Farmington, MN
James Barton Design Build is a professional but approachable group of people. The team and the sub-contractors are the best of the best when it comes to quality work and eye for design. The designers will get to know your thoughts, ideas, budget and style for your home project or remodel and help to make it a reality.
Erin and Eric, Apple Valley, MN
The truth is, awards are really more for our homeowners than they are for us. They’re the ones who made the award possible by bringing us their dreams and by placing their trust in our work.
James Madsen, Owner & President, James Barton Design-Build
Every step of the project was itemized and scheduled. The schedule was followed like clockwork. The finished product is beautiful and was completed on time.
Doug Andersen, Apple Valley, MN
James was extremely knowledgeable and listened to our issues,” said the homeowners. “We liked the advantage of having a full design before building to maintain timelines and budget, and we didn’t want to project manage the construction or different components of the build. Throughout the design process, we learned more about how JBDB operates and felt confident the job would be completed exactly like we envisioned.
Elise and Brian, Edina, MN
Each year “Remodeling Magazine” recognizes 50 companies who have set the standard for professionalism and integrity through smart marketing, exemplary business practices, unique design, and extraordinary impact in their community or the industry at large. We are proud to include James Madsen, of James Barton Design-Build, as one of our Big50 inductees.
Sal Alfano, Editorial Director, Remodeling Magazine
When James Madsen heard the Chamber was considering moving into new offices, he offered to build a new conference room and storage room at no cost to the Chamber. The following year, he built an addition to the community center. This year, he provided a daycare in a building he co-owns and helped them purchase and install a new playground. True philanthropy is when you just do what is right and needed without asking for notoriety.
Ed Kearney, President, Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce
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