West Allens Lane in Philadelphia, PA - A small kitchen and misplaced laundry room merge to accommodate a more open layout and enhanced storage for a Philadelphia home. To begin the renovation, the Gardner/Fox construction crew completely gutted the existing kitchen and laundry room. The architect fulfilled the client's wish for a more accessible laundry area by creating a custom niche in the (simultaneously renovated) master bath. The removal of an interior wall and fireplace separating the two rooms necessitated the installation of two steel beams to support the weight of the masonry chimney that remained. Converting a window into a doorway further enhanced the floor plan by providing a connection between the new expanded kitchen and adjoining breakfast room. The architect retained the home's original Gothic windows for additional character and charm, also adding a matching window at the rear entry.