Vujovich News / Star Tribune Feature: The Pillsbury Castle Project

Star Tribune Feature: The Pillsbury Castle Project

Join us for the Pillsbury Castle Tours | July 13 - 28th | Wednesdays through Sundays | 116 E 22nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55404

We are thrilled to announce that our recent project, the stunning renovation of the Alfred F. Pillsbury mansion's lower level, has been featured in the Star Tribune! The article, “A Castle Fit for a Family," highlights the incredible journey of Matthew Trettel and Ryan Hanson as they purchased and restored this 120-year-old English Tudor Revival home to its former glory while making it suitable for contemporary living. 

The Pillsbury mansion, now affectionately dubbed Pillsbury Castle, captivated Trettel and Hanson with its historic charm and architectural beauty. They recognized the importance of preserving such an iconic home and embarked on a mission to modernize it without losing its essence. 

Our team at Vujovich Design Build was honored to be a part of this remarkable transformation. Our focus was on reimagining the lower level of the mansion, a space that was once mostly unfinished and used for the home's mechanical elements. We transformed it into a functional and stylish area that includes a new theater room with a candy closet, a billiard room/library, and a hidden speakeasy. The original wood and stonework were meticulously restored, while contemporary fixtures and finishes brought new life to the space. 

"What we've done in 9 months is unheard of. There have been days when 30 people are working in the house simultaneously" - Matthew Trettel, Homeowner

One of the standout features is the glam-style speakeasy, which repurposes the mansion's original basement art vault. This unique element not only preserves a piece of the home's history but also adds a touch of modern luxury. Adjacent to the speakeasy is the billiard room, which features the original wood-lined 17th-century wall library that Alfred Pillsbury had shipped from England when the home was originally built.

The article in the Star Tribune beautifully captures the essence of this project and the dedication of all involved. Now that the home has been opened for the ASID Design Home 2024 tours, we are excited for the public to see the results of this incredible collaboration. We are extremely proud to have been a part of this project and to see our work recognized by such a prestigious publication.

For more details, you can read the full article on the Star Tribune website by clicking here. Don't forget to reserve your tickets at pillsburycastle.com/tickets to experience the full home transformation firsthand while you still can! 

Thank you to all our partners, designers, and craftsmen who contributed to making this project a success and we look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence in design and build!

Written by Chelsea Cremers July 18, 2024