Renovation of South Philly Home Turns Into Complete Rebuilding Project

In January 2020, a family of four settled into their new home in South Philadelphia, witnessing a vibrant rainbow arching over the skyscrapers of Center City from their third-floor window. Madhurika Jeremiah and Scott Pesiridis, along with their two children, found the moment to be a sign of good fortune, endearingly referring to their new family room as “the rainbow room.”

Three years prior, while living just doors away in a cramped three-story rowhouse, the couple stumbled upon their future residence. It was a house adorned with a “For Sale” sign and offered a spacious 50-foot deep backyard, making it particularly appealing for their growing family. Although the property only had two floors, the couple envisioned potential for expansion.

However, their journey took an unexpected turn after their purchase in 2017 when they discovered serious structural issues with the house. Faced with such challenges, Jeremiah and Pesiridis opted to demolish the existing structure and construct a brand new three-story family home. They enlisted the expertise of Osborne Construction to bring Jeremiah’s architectural vision to life. Over the course of the three-year building project, Jeremiah, whose background is in law but also includes a passion for design, meticulously organized two large binders filled with sketches and specifications.

The completion of the home led to a sense of fulfillment. The couple enjoyed numerous advantages that come with new construction, including modern air circulation systems and soundproofing that mitigated outside noise, creating a serene living environment. Notably, the 16-foot-wide rowhouse boasts 10½-foot-high ceilings, tall windows, and pale pine flooring, lending it a bright, airy ambiance enhanced by its modern and vintage design elements.

The exterior of the house is distinguishable by its cedar siding and striking turquoise entrance doors. Inside, they blended traditional styles with contemporary finishes, featuring an antique crystal chandelier juxtaposed with a black sofa and a striking black-and-white Moroccan rug. Unique artwork and specialty furnishings, meticulously chosen and customized, enrich the home’s aesthetic.

Jeremiah, originally from Sri Lanka, infused elements of her cultural heritage into the design, particularly within the kitchen where practical details addressed her cooking needs. The couple collaborated on various projects, transforming their backyard from a concrete slab to a flourishing garden filled with diverse plants, including a lemon tree and pink frangipani.

As the pandemic unfolded, the family collectively engaged in planning and cultivating their garden, which became a cherished family project. Today, both parents express profound love for their new home, considering it a sanctuary that promises to be a lasting abode for their family.

The journey of Jeremiah and Pesiridis exemplifies resilience, commitment to family, and the joy of creating a personalized living space in the heart of Philadelphia. For those interested in sharing their own home story, Media News Source invites readers to submit their experiences through a digital platform for potential feature.