Eagan, MN
Built in 1989, the Brost family home featured a variety of traditional designs, such as a brick fireplace, dated railings, and a kitchen, dining room, and living room that had seen only minor cosmetic changes over the past decade.
The homeowners loved their long-time home and its location, deciding to stay put rather than move. However, the original 1989 layout no longer suited their lifestyle. They needed a design that provided a beautiful, functional space for them to enjoy today, while also maximizing their return on investment when the time comes to sell.
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Home Location
Eagan, MN (Blackhawk Lake Drive)
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Style
1989 New American Style
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Project Type
Whole-level remodel
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Scope of Work
Kitchen, dining room, living room, fireplace, and railings
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Project Leads
Designer: Morgan Longhenry
Construction Management: Nolan Larson -
Timeline
12 weeks (on-time construction)
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Featured Brands
R Quartz, Top Knobs, Blanco, Delta, Daltile
The Challenge: Opening Up a 1980s Layout
To achieve the homeowners’ vision, the JBDB team first needed to address the layout and architectural features that were limiting the space’s functionality.
- The closed-off kitchen layout prevented the addition of a functional island.
- A compartmentalized floor plan made the kitchen, dining, and living spaces feel disconnected.
- The lower-level staircase created an awkward traffic flow, with an unnecessary door and enclosed railings restricting movement.
- A dinette took up valuable square footage that wasn’t serving the homeowners’ entertaining needs.
- Outdated architectural features, including the brick fireplace and traditional railings, no longer matched the updated style the homeowners envisioned.
Bringing the Modern Design to Life
Rather than simply updating finishes, lead designer Morgan Longhenry and construction lead Nolan Larson focused on improving the main level’s functionality.
We brought the homeowner’s vision to life by:
- Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create a more open, connected living space.
- Adding a large kitchen island with seating to increase prep space, storage, and everyday gathering space.
- Converting the dinette into a coffee and beverage bar, making it easy for guests to grab refreshments when coming in from the pool.
- Opening the lower-level staircase by removing the door and replacing dated railings.
- Modernizing the fireplace to create a clean, updated focal point for the living area.
The Completed Design: Built for Everyday Living
With thoughtful planning and carefully selected finishes, the completed remodel balances modern style with practical functionality, giving the homeowners a space they’ll enjoy for years while adding long-term value.
- The oversized kitchen island became the centerpiece of the home, providing ample space for meal prep, casual seating, and hosting guests.
- The custom coffee and beverage station makes entertaining more comfortable and keeps the kitchen organized.
- R Quartz countertops deliver the updated look the homeowners wanted while providing a durable, low-maintenance surface for everyday living.
- Daltile finishes add texture and visual interest while complementing the home’s updated aesthetic.
- Blanco and Delta fixtures pair lasting performance with a timeless design that elevates the kitchen without feeling trendy.
- Top Knobs hardware provides the finishing touch, tying the cabinetry together with refined, high-quality details.
A Successful First Renovation
“James Barton was an excellent choice for our main floor remodel! From design to build, everything was amazing! This was our first major renovation and we couldn’t be happier with the results! Everyone we worked with were amazing and we highly recommend them to everyone we know! If we have a project in the future, James Barton is the only one we will call!”
– K. Brost
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
“I hadn’t been able to see the vision. We’re so glad that JBDB could.”
Bryan Wilson, Chanhassen, 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
Detailed, professional, reliable and a pleasure to work with. So often contractors are late or unresponsive, but not JBDB!
The Theisens, Rosemount, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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