FOR DECADES, ARCHITECT KIM GRANT, AIA, has been one of San Diego County's leading preservation architects, thoughtfully restoring some of the region's most significant historic homes in many styles. Her rehabilitation of the 1928 Belle B. Claggett House in Rancho Santa Fe reflects the depth of experience, craftsmanship, and respect for historic architecture that define her preservation work.
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Kim Grant, AIA |
Originally designed by renowned Rancho Santa Fe architect Lilian J. Rice, the large, rambling Spanish Colonial Revival residence had fallen into significant disrepair after years of alterations and deferred maintenance. Adhering to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, Kim guided a comprehensive restoration that carefully preserved the home's authentic design and character-defining features while sensitively adapting it for modern living.
Decorative ironwork, exposed wood beams, fireplaces, stucco finishes, and other important architectural elements that Rice is known for were meticulously conserved. Historic wood-framed casement windows were painstakingly repaired and restored wherever possible, while replacement windows were custom crafted to match the originals in material, profile, and hardware. Even the home's original fire suppression cabinet and hose—a rare historic feature—were preserved during the restoration.
The former owner who restored the house wanted a new garage and expanded outdoor living spaces, which required new construction. Kim intentionally designed these additions to be compatible with, yet distinguishable from, the historic residence, honoring one of the fundamental principles of restoration as outlined in the Secretary’s standards.
With most of the interior walls open to the studs, Kim orchestrated top-to-bottom upgrades, adding modern plumbing, electrical, insulation, and heating systems. Along with structural reinforcement, these crucial improvements ensure that the house will remain revitalized, functional, and livable now and far into the future.
From restoration to refinements, these interwoven efforts coalesced in a masterful restoration that celebrates Rice's original vision while demonstrating how historic homes can continue to serve contemporary families without sacrificing architectural integrity. Through her knowledgeable leadership of this complex project and her unwavering commitment to preservation excellence, Kim has proven that careful, exacting restoration remains one of the most effective ways to safeguard San Diego County's architectural heritage.
In fact, Kim and people associated with two more historic homes she recently restored are receiving PIP Awards this year, for a total of three awards. In reviving early twentieth-century to Mid-Century Modern architecture, Kim mindfully blends her sensitivity to authenticity with graceful, subordinate alterations of her own design. The handsome, viable results argue for restoring and rehabilitating more historic residences, which, after all, are keystones of our region’s singular character.
Project Team
Architect: Kim Grant Design, INC. | Landscape Architect: Theresa Clark, ASLA | Previous Homeowner (responsible for restoration: Kelly Lamb)
Historian: Vonn Marie May | Contractor: Albert Espinoza
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