Mary Haugh’s business of restoring century-old homes is years in the making. Growing up in the ′90s, she was told her dream of reviving aging homes was a hobby.
At the time, there weren’t college courses or a related major for anything like that, Haugh said. “People said, ‘You won’t ever make any money,’ ” she recalled. “It just simmered in the background for a long time.”
Then a few years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer. It gave Haugh, who worked for years in advertising, a new perspective on life. Shortly after that, her house caught on fire, giving her the opportunity to try renovating her own 1926 Tudor-style home.
“It was like all these things came together over the last couple of years,” she said. “I have two brothers who are general contractors and another in real estate and they said ‘Just do it, just do it.’” I told them, “All right, you’re going to have to help me.”

Haugh launched the Second Stripe, dedicated to purchasing old homes and restoring and updating them before putting them back on the market. That way, the next homeowners have a turn-key -ready place that, as important to Haugh, incorporates elements that preserve its historical charm.
The company just sold its second home — a 1926 colonial in St. Paul’s Macalester-Groveland neighborhood. While she modernized the home with amenities like central air conditioning, high-end appliances and contemporary windows, Haugh focused on keeping its historical look. The 10-month project provided a much-needed facelift to the front of the house while maintaining character and charm, and new built-in shelving in the living room matches the home’s original 1920s look.
In the attic, adding support beams allowed it to be used as a bedroom.

With another project under her company’s belt, we asked Haugh why she started her business, tips for others who love their old homes and more.