Tucked within the Mediterranean Revival walls of the Villa Terrace is the Cook’s Kitchen. This space was once used by household staff in the early 20th century and now thoughtfully restored into an elegant exhibition gallery.

Originally constructed in 1924, Villa Terrace was designed by architect David Adler as a private residence for Lloyd and Agnes Smith. Inspired by Italian Renaissance villas, the home features classical symmetry, formal gardens, and handcrafted ironwork by master artisan Cyril Colnik. The Cook’s Kitchen, once a functional support space, remained largely untouched for decades, preserving layers of history within its walls.

Our team was honored to support the transformation of this historical space. The KCB team assisted with contractor procurement, facilitated the restoration process, and ensured that all updates respected the Villa’s historical integrity while preparing the space for contemporary museum use.

Key architectural features that were preserved and enhanced:

• The original silver safe has been repurposed into a built-in display case, creating both a visual focal point and a photo opportunity for visitors.

• Warm, period-appropriate lighting by Brass Light Gallery was selected to complement the architectural detailing and bring a new sense of ambiance to the room.

• Materials and finishes were chosen with sensitivity to the Villa’s historic palette, ensuring a seamless transition between old and new.

Today, the restored Cook’s Kitchen serves not only as an exhibition space but as a testament to adaptive reuse done with care, craft, and cultural reverence.