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She’s old enough to be his great grandmother, but he loves her more every day

January 28th, 2016 Posted in Cache County news

By Shayne Bair

A Richmond man is within one month of finishing the remodel on a house that predates the state of Utah itself.

Luke Bergeson acquired the property in October of 2014 and began the remodel. At more than 130 years old, it’s one of the oldest homes still standing in Richmond.

Based on tax records he found in the home’s basement, Bergeson estimates his house was built in the early to mid 1880s.

“When I first walked through the house, I knew this was it,” he said. “The windows have a killer view.”

He has stripped the walls and ceiling of the plaster that has been there more than 60 years, revealing the brick and woodwork beneath. He has also removed the shag carpet that was laid throughout the house, and plans to seal and preserve the original wood floors. All of this was done in addition to updating the ductwork, electrical and plumbing systems to a more efficient and modern design.

“We’ve tried to keep it as original as possible,” said Luke’s wife, Brooks.

Luke Bergeson works for Bergeson Construction, which is his father’s company.

“I’ve tried to get out of the building industry a couple of times, pursuing sales jobs and other opportunities,” Luke Bergeson said. “But I always find myself being drawn back into it.”

His father, Mark, founded the company in 1979, and said his son has been helping him since he was 14 years old. Mark Bergeson himself lives in a house that is nearly 100 years old, and it comes as no surprise to him his son has chosen to restore an old home.

“He just likes old houses,” Mark Bergeson said. “And this was just a good deal in the right place, at the right time.”

Brent Webb, who sold the house to Luke Bergeson, said he is and happy with the progress. Webb does, however, feel a little remorse seeing the house he grew up in going through this renovation.

“Times are changing, you know, and Luke has changed it a little bit, making it newer and nicer,” Webb said. “But for the most part, he is keeping it the same.”

The Bergesons are living in the house now and are looking forward to restoring other portions of the property.

“Being in the building industry, it’s amazing to see how these old houses were built,” Luke Bergeson said. “It’s like finding a fossil that has never been touched.”

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-mdl

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