St. Paul is a city rich in architectural history. From the grand Victorian and Colonial Revival mansions along Summit Avenue to charming Craftsman bungalows in Macalester-Groveland and Summit-University, most of these homes were built before WWII. They bristle with character—beautiful woodwork, stained glass, original built-ins—but often lack modern functionality. Kitchens and bathrooms are compact, closets are minimal, and tight layouts constrain today’s lifestyles.
Remodeling these older homes requires more than just hammer and nails. You need a design-build partner who respects historic integrity while solving space challenges—adding flow, storage, and energy efficiency within sometimes narrow footprints. Here are five standout firms reshaping St. Paul residences with finesse:
Castle is deeply rooted in St. Paul, with a showroom on Snelling Avenue and decades of experience transforming historic homes in Summit Hill, Highland Park, and Cathedral Hill. Their hallmark is a full design-build approach: in-house architects, guaranteed upfront pricing, fixed schedules, and lifetime warranties. They blend precision planning with local craftsmanship, ensuring your remodel protects charm while delivering modern comforts.
Ispiri is a luxury-focused design-build firm with showrooms in Edina and Woodbury, extending services across the Twin Cities—including St. Paul. Their approach begins with personalized design by a team of architectural and interior experts. Ispiri curates high-end materials and uses 3D renderings to help clients envision each space. Ideal for those wanting a refined, tailor-made transformation that fuses beauty and practicality.
Custom Homes is a 25+ year local favorite, based right in St. Paul’s Selby Avenue area. They offer both new construction and remodeling, with a transparent cost-plus, open-book pricing model. This means clients see all material costs and bids upfront. Their online platform tracks budgets, schedules, and selections, keeping homeowners informed every step of the way. Known for skillful craftsmanship and honest communication, they’re a strong pick for full-home remodels.
While less visible online, Streeter Custom Builders consistently earns praise among Twin Cities homeowners. A Reddit user noted “Streeter custom builders is excellent but very expensive,” highlighting their premium, quality-driven approach. If you’re seeking top tier finishes and attention to architectural detail, and have a flexible budget, Streeter delivers polished, beautifully crafted results that stand the test of time.
Established in 1977, Sawhorse has long offered in-house design and remodeling expertise across the metro. Recently acquired by Castle, they combine Sawhorse’s craftsmanship with Castle’s streamlined processes. Community testimonials emphasize their reliability: “what they quote is what you actually pay.” This merged entity brings decades of trust and transparent project management to St. Paul remodels.
Summary
St. Paul’s historic landscapes—its magnificent mansions, cozy bungalows, and classic foursquares—are a reminder of the city’s architectural legacy. But their older layouts often don’t meet modern space needs. These five design-build firms offer tailored solutions that respect history while enhancing livability:
- Castle Building & Remodeling delivers a full service, locally anchored process with guaranteed pricing and schedules.
- Ispiri offers luxury, design-forward remodeling with strong visualization tools.
- Custom Homes brings open-book transparency and local insight together with 25 years of craftsmanship.
- Streeter provides high-end, detail-obsessed build-expensive but exceptional.
- Sawhorse Designers & Builders, now under Castle, assures honest quotes and seasoned expertise.
For St. Paul homeowners, choosing one of these firms means more than remaking a space—it means continuing a home’s story with care, character, and confidence.