THE WRIGHT WAY

THE TO SAY THAT STEVE AND LORY CASSENS HOME located on Old Mission Peninsula, is inspired by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is a WRIGHT huge understatement. Their impeccable Prairie-style home pays homage to the groundbreaking era of modern America with every meticulous detail. Wright’s 1901 design was inspired by the broad flat land of America’s Midwest, “living in harmony with nature” as Wright described it. He believed a structure should reflect the surrounding environment, with an emphasis on horizontal rather than vertical, earth tones, and a continuous blending of interiors with exteriors.WAY

“We took a flat roof home built in 1965, and took it back in time to 1910,” laughs Steve.

YEARNING FOR SIMPLICITY

LED BY WRIGHT, bold American architects claimed their independence, reshaping the landscape one home at a time. It was a time to be freed from the shackles of the Victorian lavish era and the countries and customs of old Europe.

“I’ve always had an interest in architecture,” says Steve. “I had a drafting table at age 10, with protractors at the ready.” It’s also not the first time the couple took on a specific project house. “We built a Maple Island log home before they came to Traverse City. It’s very interesting to us.”

The fun fact is this house began as a hobby. “We own about 50 Frank Lloyd Wright books and love the era in furniture, lighting and woodwork.” That was the catalyst to finally evolve into a full-blown home renovation. “We took a flat roof home built in 1965, and took it back in time to 1910,” laughs Steve.

They didn’t do it alone. To create the ultimate transformation they needed professional help! “Architect (Frederick Ball) works out of Harbor Springs, he was very gracious to work with us, right down to the five-foot overhangs.” The polished final showcase you see in the photographs has been 20 years in the making. “Our next door neighbor Terry Farrugia owns West Lake Construction. He helped with the super structure and over the years we have made modifications.”

INSIDE THE HOME ITS WARMTH AND STRENGTH SHINES THROUGH THE NATURAL ORGANIC ELEMENTS.

It exactly replicates Wrights concept of custom quarter sawn red oak, traditionally cherry stained. “In the kitchen, Frank Lloyd Wright always used white oak, so everything is custom built.”

It’s also a chef’s kitchen complete with all the bells and whistles — high end appliances, like Wolf and a Sub-Zero.

Their commitment to stay true to the iconic design is mind-blowing. “We have a number of items that are actually licensed through the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.”

THE PLANTERS THAT

WELCOME YOU gracing the entrance are the duplicates of the Allen House, located in Wichita, KS. Commissioned in 1916 and finished in 1918, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House is named after its first owners, newspaper publisher Henry Allen and his wife, Elsie.

The lights are duplicates of the Frederick C. Robie House, in Chicago, IL. Built for Frederick C. Robie who was the owner of bicycle and automobile companies, he commissioned a three-car garage, which was exceedingly rare in 1910.

The stained-glass ceiling lights are duplicates of the Meyer May House in Grand Rapids, MI. Designed in 1908 for a prominent Grand Rapids clothier, these were painstakingly designed from scratch. The weight of actual stained glass would be too much. So, they were recreated in mylar pieces on a slate of tempered glass. They are backlit with LED so there are no hotspots on the glass. It creates a beautiful warm honey glow.

Wright’s inside living style was very modern in thinking. Gone were the small chopped up Victorian rooms, instead favoring light airy open plans that flowed out from the kitchen and the living room. You will also see a practical Prairie-style calling card, built in bookcases and this house has a plethora. As you venture from room to room it’s apparent how Steve and Lory’s house has completely evolved over the years. Accruing accent pieces from treasure hunts and perfecting the fundamentals that highlight its uniqueness. Their home is pure perfection, it’s flourishing and blooming, shining bright to attract a new family to love it. For Lory and Steve, it’s time for a new chapter. They have listed their home for sale with Ted Schweitzer.

They are blessed with two grandchildren, ages six and three. “We winter in Florida and love spending time with them. I’ve got a lot of knowledge of what to do and what not to do that I have to share. I want them to grow up and be good citizens and contribute.” Back in Traverse City their new chapter involves a motor home, “My folks did it and they loved it,” laughs Steve. Along with lots of golf and social time with friends at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

It was a tradition for all of Frank Lloyd Wright homes commissioned to be named after the owner. The Cassens House is well deserving of such a title. Plus, they have public figure community ties too. As you linger a little longer at the photos does the style start to look slightly familiar?

FOR SALE

MLS #1890215 Listed with Ted Schweitzer ted@tedschweitzer.com

IF YOU TRAVEL IN AND OUT OF OUR BELOVED TRAVERSE CITY AIRPORT

you may start to see a resemblance. Steve spent 32 years in management at the Cherry Capital Airport. When it was time to plan the south side new terminal, many designs were on the table. Eventually airport management along with the Northwestern Regional Airport Commission landed on a Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie design. They felt like it reflected the personality and lifestyle of Up North with the aesthetics and atmosphere. “From the concept to concrete it took about eight years. It opened in 2004. We really wanted to make it be an asset to our community, we have Munson Medical Center, Northwestern Michigan College and Interlochen Center of the Arts. We knew we needed a vibrant airport because it connects us to the world.”

When the south terminal was still under construction it was hidden by trees, everyone kept asking Lory and Steve’s son what it looked like. To which he would reply, “It looks just like our house, but super-size!”

970 Emerson Road Traverse City, MI 49696 231-941-0014 bayareacontracting.net

“Bay Area Contracting has developed a strong team of professionals who allow us to exceed our customers expectations. Old Mission Windows plays a key role on our team, providing years of experience, knowledge and never-end-ing desire to create a once in a lifetime experi-ence for our clients. It a true partnership built on trust and respect.”

-Dean Adams, President Bay Area Contracting