She is an accomplished realtor with a passion for interior design and staging. He specializes in the design and remodeling business. Together, Jodi and Bryant Gauthier have pooled their talents to flip houses in the town where they both grew up.
One of their latest projects, may not be the biggest but it certainly has the makings of a once-in-a-lifetime renovation considering the historical significance. The Morrison-Freeman Home was built in 1898. Located on the corner of East Avenue and 5th Street in Katy Proper, it has survived against the odds. Just two years after it was built, the Great Storm of 1900 lifted it off its foundation and set it back down where it sits today. As the second oldest home in Katy, we are lucky to still have it. There were very few structures in Katy that were left standing.
Given the age of the home, the Gauthier’s found the home in need of many repairs. The plants and foliage had obscured its view from the street, and as they cleaned things up, they began to envision the possibilities and how the restoration could serve as their business office while preserving everything they could to make it a place for the community to gather and enjoy. “The Heights has a designated historic district,” says Bryant, “and I would like to see that happen here. I have a lot of goals in terms of preservation in the community. The more we pass permitting that differentiates historical, versus residential and commercial, the more others will become interested in preserving our history too.” Many of the features are original. The 90-year-old oak floors will remain the same. Jodi will keep the beautiful shiplapped walls in her upstairs office. The home contains many nice touches, all were looked at by a historical inspector who visited the home.
Other areas will need to be modernized for obvious reasons in the kitchen and bath areas, The Gauthier’s found items after going picking for artifacts around the state. Everything has been selected with much thought and care.
The house will serve as a showcase for their business and once complete will welcome visitors. A porch was added in the 1940s and Jodi has added landscaping around a pool. The backyard has some surprise features and it will be exciting to see once complete.
Since the renovations have been in full swing passersby have stopped in frequently to see what is going on. The church across the street was once city hall and Bryant is happy to share his knowledge of the area. Bryant sees the project resulting in a place for kids to play and to hold community events. preserving history is so important to him. “it needs to be done and it’s my generation that needs to do it,” he says. “I love being here and I have fallen in love with this place.”
Pictured Above:
• Jodi and Bryant Gauthier, owners of Thisislivin Properties and Thisislivin Home Solutions.
• The historic plaque that is installed in the yard of the Morrison-Freeman house.
