6 minute read
Open House
Kelsey, Eric and Tara Benning with dog Sophie
Midcentury Update
COMPLETE REMODEL HONORS STRENG BROS. DESIGN
Eric and Tara Benning spent years searching for the perfect midcentury modern home to buy and renovate. They targeted Arden-Arcade, where midcentury moderns abound. But they were not alone.
When they found the beauty of their dreams, they learned there were at least nine potential buyers chasing the same property.
“We had a lot of competition for the purchase because this Streng Bros. home was all original and still owned by the fi rst owner who had recently died there,” Eric says.
The Bennings did what competitive buyers do these days—sat down and composed a letter to the seller’s estate describing why they uniquely deserved the home.
“We wrote a heartfelt note of how we planned to update the home to modern standards, but respect and keep the integrity of the original design,” Eric says. “And that we had deep Sacramento roots and wanted to make the home into something very special.”
Built in 1971 by brothers Bill and Jim Streng and architect Carter Sparks, the home was one of more than 3,800 constructed around Sacramento over three decades. Streng and Sparks homes feature exposed beams, walls of glass and high ceilings. Decades later, the modernist vision is still admired and coveted.
Eric grew up on University Avenue, son of Bruce Benning, one of the area’s top interior designers from 1984 until his retirement a few years ago. His fi rm designed many of Sacramento’s iconic restaurants, signature residences and corporate offi ces.
Eric began working in the construction industry 32 years ago. He secured his general contractor’s license, started his own construction fi rm and focused on high-end residential remodels.
After collaborating for many years, father and son combined into Benning Design Construction, one of Sacramento’s premier design-build fi rms.
The Bennings’ experience meant renovations on the midcentury modern went fast—just nine months from purchase date. “And this was during the COVID shutdowns,” Eric says.
The work was a signifi cant achievement. All major electrical and HVAC systems, windows and doors were replaced, along with many of the massive structural beams. New cabinetry and fi nishes were installed. “Don’t get me wrong, it was a major push by my entire team, and I’d never want to go through it again!” Eric says.
CH CH
By Cecily Hastings Photography by Aniko Kiezel OPEN HOUSE
SAFE, CLEAN WATER
The City of Sacramento has an essential role in protecting local water supplies and providing clean drinking water by treating wastewater, managing creeks, streams and stormwater runoff to prevent flooding, and cleaning up trash and pollution. Most drinking water in Sacramento is produced from the American and Sacramento rivers.
PROTECTING OUR RIVERS & PREVENTING WATER POLLUTION
Stormwater runoff can carry pollution, pesticides and harmful bacteria into our waterways, including the American and Sacramento rivers.
Sacramento’s local system of storm drains, levees, pumps and pipes collect and filter stormwater to protect our rivers and waterways from pollution. Keeping these local water sources safe and clean is essential to protect public health and long-term water supplies for our region.
Attend a webinar to learn more about the Water Pollution and Flood Prevention measure: Friday, 1/7/22, Noon Monday, 1/10/22, 6pm Wednesday, 1/26/22, Noon To sign up, visit: cityofsacramento.org/Utilities/ Water-Pollution-FloodPrevention.
AGING, DETERIORATING STORMWATER SYSTEM
Sacramento’s storm drain system is up to 100 years old, and many levees, pipes and pumps are deteriorating rapidly. Without repairs or improvements, there is increased risk of polluting our rivers and water sources, and of flooding in many communities.
To continue to protect clean, local water, the City of Sacramento is proposing a ballot measure to fund repairs and improvements to its aging stormwater system, which protects homes, businesses, local rivers and water sources. A new stormwater fee has not been proposed since 1996. The measure would generate approximately $20 million annually with a fee based on impervious surfaces and would be paid by industrial, commercial and residential property owners, to: Protect drinking water quality and supplies Keep trash, pesticides and harmful chemicals out of rivers and creeks Prevent sewage and human waste from overflowing onto neighborhood streets Provide safe, clean water for future droughts and emergencies Replace aging and deteriorating pumps that prevent flooding Repair aging water pipelines and infrastructure All funds raised would be used only for Sacramento’s stormwater system, subject to citizen oversight and public audits.
The project increased the size from just over 1,700 square feet to almost 2,100 square feet. One of four bedrooms was removed, but all two and one-half bathrooms were saved.
The addition pushed the living, dining and kitchen area toward the back patio and added a connection from the garage through a new mudroom. The two-car garage gained a third slot. With glass window walls across the back, the design relies on simple and dramatic outdoor landscaping. A generous patio, outdoor kitchen and pool blend the outside with the inside.
While Streng homes often feature atriums, Eric left a corner of the living room for a fi ddle leaf fern planted directly into the ground.
“We added a little here and a little there,” Eric says, “making the whole plan much more functional for our family.”
He adds, “My design intent was to honor the Streng brothers and their design. But I also wanted to use materials that I believe they would use if they were building today and create a fl oor plan that speaks to how we live now.”
An important consideration was to minimize the maintenance. “We wanted to make our lives easier,” Tara says. “We can now just pick up and go travel.”
The Bennings’ previous home was in Elk Grove, large and perfect for four growing children. Now only their youngest lives at home. But the house is generously sized for family gatherings and Tara’s Bible study groups and church meetings. She is a chaplain at the Keefer Boulevard Juvenile Hall.
“We both love that this home was built in 1971—the same year Tara and I were born,” Eric says.
Tara was involved in the renovations. “But it was wonderful to have Eric and his team make most of the construction decisions. They brought me fi nish choices, but I tended to defer to their expertise,” she says.
The Bennings feel blessed to fi nd the perfect home and achieve their design goals. They say this is their “forever” home, which would surely please the original owner.
Cecily Hastings can be reached at publisher@insidepublications.com. Previous profi les can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. n
