Courtesy of the Second Stripe
In neighborhoods across the Twin Cities, Mary Haugh sees possibility in homes others might overlook.
She notices the original woodwork hidden beneath layers of paint, the stained-glass windows that have weathered more than a century of Minnesota winters, and the architectural details that connect a home to its past owners. To Haugh, these homes are not outdated relics waiting to be replaced—they’re living spaces worth preserving.
Bringing Second-Century Homes Back to Life
Through her real estate revival business, the Second Stripe, Haugh restores and reimagines Minnesota’s historic homes, particularly those entering their second century of life. Her work blends preservation, thoughtful design, and structural restoration with a belief that old homes still have the power to shape community and belonging.
“I saw a recent article with a great line: ‘The housing crisis isn’t just about building more homes—it’s about fixing the ones we have,’” Haugh says.
For her, that philosophy extends far beyond cosmetic renovation trends.
“Meaningfully restoring second-century homes requires going far beyond cosmetic updates,” Haugh says. “It calls for substantive rebuilding and reconstruction — addressing not just design but the systems, structure, and long-term resiliency that elevate both their quality and how they are ultimately valued.”
That perspective sets Haugh apart in a market often dominated by quick flips, gray palettes and tear-down redevelopment. While many buyers are drawn to the charm of historic homes, restoring them thoughtfully can feel intimidating. Old plumbing, aging foundations, and years of deferred maintenance often hide behind beautiful facades.
Courtesy of the Second Stripe
Rather than stripping homes of their character in pursuit of modern trends, she advocates for preserving original craftsmanship while making homes functional and welcoming for contemporary life. Her projects often feature carefully restored millwork, layered textures, botanical wallpaper, vintage-inspired lighting, and spaces designed to feel warm and lived in rather than overly polished.
‘Second Stripe’ Significance
The company’s name reflects a deeply personal layer of Haugh’s story. As a two-time cancer survivor, she named the business after earning her “second stripe” through survival and recovery. The phrase, used by many two-time cancer survivors, symbolizes resilience, renewal, and the belief that things can emerge stronger after hardship.
In many ways, the homes she restores mirror that same idea.
Her connection to preservation deepened while living in St. Paul’s Macalester-Groveland neighborhood, where she became increasingly concerned about the pace of teardowns and redevelopment. Watching historic homes disappear made her think about what neighborhoods lose when architectural character is erased.
Courtesy of the Second Stripe
“This effort is deeply personal to our team, rooted in connection to these homes, these neighborhoods, and the role they play in how people live and belong,” she says. “We see now more than ever that people are yearning for connection to each other, to neighborhood, to community. We want our houses to help make that happen.”
That sense of connection appears to resonate with a growing number of homeowners. In recent years, interest in historic homes has surged among buyers looking for walkable neighborhoods, craftsmanship and spaces with personality. Yet meaningful restoration expertise remains relatively rare.
Haugh hopes to help shift that conversation—encouraging homeowners to see old houses as opportunities.
