E s s e x R e s t or at ion's fou nd i n g t r io g rew t hei r t ea m ,
eventually establishing the company as one of the preeminent
restoration firms in Massachusetts, credentials they can be
proud of. Today, only Walter remains of the original three.
Respectful of the company's past and hard-earned reputation,
he nevertheless maintains a watchful eye on its future. So it is,
that on the cusp of his newest build project, Walter also stands
poised to launch his new brand—Devro Custom Builders.
Ma ke no m ist a ke: Essex R estoration w i l l conti nue t he
prestigious work on which it has built its reputation. However,
recognizing the hefty weight of a word, Walter wants to be sure
the company not be pigeon-holed into restoration exclusively.
The custom build part of the business, previously rolled up
with Essex Restoration, will now operate on its own as Devro
Custom Builders. The moniker is a nod to his great-grandfather
Devereux Dennis, a Salem home-builder, whose 1868 Second
Empire-influenced buildings still stand. These majestic homes
bear witness to a bygone era; they coax our curiosity, and they
inspire future builders to leave their own mark on history.
n
PHOTOGRAPHY:
PETER
LEWITT
A heavy, carved
Indonesian
door that the
homeowners bought
in their travels was
incorporated into a
niche in the office
bookcases. Behind
the door is the wine
room with special
temperature and
humidity control.
In the hallway
off the master
suite, a steel
spiral staircase
leads to the
new roof deck.
A hand-carved Balinese
accent tile is surrounded
by limestone in the master
bath.
BOSTON.BUILDERARCHITECT.COM Builder+Architect GREATER BOSTON, CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS | 17
