Tour Stop Ten: 787 Grant St. SE
Rebecca Schultz, Jiva Ahrens, and son Ollie Wolf
This unique space was once a corner grocery. The actual build date is unknown, but it is estimated between 1900 and 1910. Throughout the early 80s, it operated as Ray’s Grocery.
After Rebecca and her husband Jiva renovated and moved into the house next door, they began the incredible undertaking of transforming the corner store into a creative studio below with an apartment above.
Rebecca is one half of the interior design duo, Grant and Little, and this project showcases her work throughout.
The main kitchen features an eclectic mix of design, including stained glass salvaged from a monastery in Chicago, Calacatta Viola marble countertops, a custom-built island pieced together from vintage cabinets, an antique worktable, and an old industrial concrete sink found in the building. The couple’s favorite things, however, are all original to the place –high ceilings, exposed brick, natural light, and the outdoor courtyard separating the store and their home.
Six original panel doors were salvaged and reused as pocket doors. The original tongue-and-groove ceiling boards were salvaged and reused in the foyer ceiling. Since the building was in terrible condition when purchased, almost everything had to be rebuilt, but the couple worked closely with Brandied History to adhere to historic guidelines.
Since the renovation completion, the building has served as the backdrop of many creative endeavors, including a debut on a hit ABC series. It continues to serve as the interior design studio of Grant and Little, highlighting the designers' commitment to preserving history while injecting their signature whimsical style.