Twin Cities suburbs aim to increase lure of split-levels and all that goes with them

More spacious than the boxy little rambler and more affordable than the stately two-story, the split-level popped up around World War II and came to symbolize suburban life both the good and the bad.

Now aging suburbs eager to stay competitive in a housing market where tastes are shifting back to the central city are trying to revive the reputation of the split-level and in doing so, of suburban life itself.

Nearly two dozen Twin Cities suburbs, including Coon Rapids, Robbinsdale, Roseville and Shoreview, are pumping money into home remodeling and grant programs designed to make the split-level, as well as ramblers, more appealing.

Split-levels rank high for affordability and space but can fall flat on style, with their awkward entryways, small bedrooms and confined kitchens. So the carrot of a few thousand dollars from a city grant or low-interest loan can entice homeowners to spend tens of thousands on new kitchens, baths, porches and siding.

Empty nesters Jane and Charles Tatton, who have lived in their Coon Rapids split-level since 1975, were inspired to give it a $150,000 update after learning about their citys grant program and getting a free architectural consult courtesy of the city.

We did worry: Are we over-improving for our area? said Jane Tatton, who said she and her husband also love the central cities and had looked at pricier housing there and in other suburbs. [But] the architect said this is one of the nicer areas of Coon Rapids.

They gutted their homes top level and tore out dark kitchen cabinets, a dated bathroom, light blue carpet and popcorn ceilings. They installed a new kitchen and bathroom, hardwood floors, sleek light fixtures and six-paneled doors. They hauled away floral couches, and with the help of a designer, chose modern furnishings and bold modern art.

I went from French provincial to midcentury modern, Jane Tatton said. It feels like a whole new house.

Architect Ed Roskowinski has made his name remodeling multimillion-dollar homes around Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis.

At the end of the day, he drives home to a split-level in Cottage Grove.

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Twin Cities suburbs aim to increase lure of split-levels and all that goes with them