Kitchen Remodeling in Midtown, Memphis
Midtown homeowners trust us for design-build kitchen renovations across Traditional Southern Brick Colonials & Mid-Century Ranch Layouts. Full projects typically range from $32,000 – $52,000 to $90,000 – $145,000+.
About Midtown
Midtown Memphis is the city's historic residential heart. Annesdale Park was platted in 1903 and promoted as the first planned subdivision of the South, while Cooper-Young grew over several decades and peaked in the 1920s with bungalows, Craftsman cottages, and revival-style homes. Central Gardens is a large, well-known historic district with homes dating roughly from the early 1900s to the 1930s, from bungalows to large Colonial and Tudor Revivals.
The housing here is wood-frame, often with plaster walls, original wood windows, and a pier or crawlspace foundation. Kitchens were designed as working rooms at the back of the house, typically small and separate from the dining room. Porches, hardwood floors, built-in cabinetry, and period trim are core to the neighborhood's appeal, and they are exactly what owners want to preserve.
A Midtown remodel is a balancing act between modern function and historic character. In local historic overlay districts, exterior work visible from the street typically requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Memphis Landmarks Commission, while interior kitchen work generally does not. Boundaries and overlay status can vary, so confirm whether your parcel is in a local district before designing. Lead paint and older systems are also common in Midtown houses.
Kitchen Remodeling Challenges in Midtown
- Plaster and lath walls, original trim, and layered paint call for lead-safe practices and careful demolition.
- Old knob-and-tube or undersized wiring and cast-iron or galvanized plumbing often need replacement.
- Pier and crawlspace foundations can show moisture damage, sagging floors, and termite history that must be corrected before new cabinetry goes in.
- Rear additions or window changes visible from the street can trigger Landmarks Commission review in local districts.
- Small footprints limit island size, so storage and layout efficiency matter more than square footage.
Remodel Ideas That Suit Midtown Homes
Rework the kitchen with a compact, well-planned layout that uses full-height cabinets and a small island or table-height workspace.
Open a wall to the dining room with a cased opening that matches existing trim and keeps the home's character.
Restore or replicate period details such as inset doors, beadboard, or built-in hutch elements.
Reinforce floors and repair crawlspace moisture issues before installing new cabinets and stone.
Services in Midtown
- Custom Built-Ins & Oversized Islands — Multi-tiered kitchen islands with beverage centers, prep sinks, and hidden outlets.
- Open-Concept Wall Conversions — Creating bright, flowing entertaining areas by removing restrictive formal walls.
- Granite & Quartz Slab Countertops — Custom stone fabrication with seamless sink integration and decorative edge profiles.
- Master Bathroom Transformations — Frameless glass showers, dual vanity conversions, and premium tile flooring.
Nearby Areas
Get a Midtown Kitchen EstimateMidtown Kitchen Remodeling FAQ
Do I need Landmarks Commission approval for a kitchen remodel in Midtown?
If your home is in a local historic overlay district, exterior work visible from the street typically needs a Certificate of Appropriateness, but interior-only work generally does not. National Register listing alone does not usually impose design review. Check your parcel's status with the Memphis Landmarks Commission or Develop901 before planning exterior changes.
Is lead paint a concern in a Midtown bungalow?
Very likely, since most of these homes predate 1978. Paid contractors must follow EPA lead-safe renovation rules when disturbing painted surfaces, including containment, cleanup verification, and documentation. If you have young children or are pregnant, ask your remodeler how the work zone will be isolated from living areas.
Can I add a window or move a vent on a historic home?
On a rear elevation not visible from the street, it may be easier than on the front, but local district rules vary. Anything visible from a public right-of-way in an overlay district may need review. Ask the Landmarks Commission staff early so the design avoids rework.