COLLECTORS ISSUE AUTUMN 2023
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SIMON PEARCE Create your Forest From The E VE RGR E E N C O L L E C T I O N
E X C L U S I V E TO A M P E R S A N D I N M I N N E S OTA
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952- 920- 2118 EXT 4
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VERMONT 4” $85
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GALLERIA
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3033 Excelsior Blvd Suite 200 | Minneapolis, MN 55416 (612) 825-9898 | lauriekottkefinejewelers.com lake society magazine
Every home has a story. AUTUMN 2023
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Discerning. Dedicated. Determined.
Curated condo, loft and home listings Privately available properties Elevated real estate marketing and interior design
R E A L E S TAT E shanespencer.com
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612.445.TWIN | DANDUDDINGSTON@KW.COM | THEDUDDINGSTONGROUP.COM
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Listen to our podcast: curiousbuilderpodcast.com
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HISTORIC 510 GROVELAND AVENUE, UNIT 116 Stunning Corner Unit | Two Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms | Now Available for Purchase
JA MES PAD D O N 612-868-3814 | Fazhomes.com
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In collaboration with TEA2 Architects & Trestle Homes
inunisondesign.com
612.659.1775 AUTUMN 2023
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Design: Nicole Sirek, Partners 4, Design & Shane Spencer, Spencer Design Associates | Photography: Gilbertson Photography
Partners 4, Design www.partners4design.com International Market Square 275 Market Street, Suite 109 Minneapolis, MN 55405 Tel: 612.927.4444 16
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At Purcell, we treat old homes like a treasured work of art. We strive to stay true to the home’s historical character, right down to the minutest details. We carefully protect and preserve each home’s unique charm while incorporating modern conveniences.
612.454.5637 | purcellquality.com
AUTUMN 2023
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THE SIMPLE CABIN T H E S I aMmPy tLh E ? CABIN a myth?
The concept of the cabin is to draw us back to our roots, live more simply.
The Architecture concept of the cabin the is to drawofuscabin back to our roots, live moresmaller simply. Chisel embraces essence design with an intentional Chisel embraces design with an intentional smaller scale thatArchitecture brings comfort, whilethe it essence nudges of uscabin to gather and move out into nature. scale that brings comfort, whilecabin it nudges usistoreal gather into nature. It’s not a myth. Simple living andand it’smove rightout here. It’s not a myth. Simple cabin living is real and it’s right here.
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chiselarch.com chiselarch.com lake society magazine
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Local Expertise in Fine Downtown Minneapolis and City Lakes Real Estate 612.327.5905 | betsylucasrealtor.com
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763.760.0761 123 FARRINGTON STREET ST. PAUL, MN 55102 ANDREWFLESHER.COM AUTUMN 2023
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“Time” 2023, David Coggins (ink on paper, 8”x12”)
Opening Reception: Thursday, November 9th, 5:30-8:30 pm
1 3 1 1 We s t 2 5 t h St r ee t
| M i n n e a p o l i s, M N 5 5 4 0 5 | 6 1 2 .9 9 9.4 6 8 0 | i sl e ss t u d i o.c o m
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612-338-2020 vujovich.com MN License: BC006077
Transformative Home Remodeling
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From the Publisher
a fresh approach to interior design mint-design.biz | 651.332.9609 26
Everyone has a “510” story, and if you don’t, after reading this issue, you definitely will. I have always been fascinated with the 510 Groveland building located distinctly in the heart of Loring Park. The elegant style and the mystery surrounding this building intrigues me every time I step foot inside. With 510 located right in the center of Lake Society Magazine’s readership area, it seemed appropriate to dedicate an entire issue to the style and grandeur of this treasure. Everyone I meet seems to have some connection to the building, whether they dined at the iconic restaurants housed there, know one of the tenants or harbor dreams of living there some day. Once you meet the people who actually do live here, you’ll notice a “six-degrees” of separation with 510. Let us take you on a personal tour of this beautiful New-York style pied-a-terres and the individually curated homes. LSM’s nod to 510 as an example of great design and individual style will make this a Collector’s Issue —the first in our LSM publishing history! What better way to kick off a special edition than with a stunning piece of art. In his Inspiration Style column, Richard Merchán tells the story behind one of his rare cityscape paintings of a Parisian woman enjoying her morning ritual on her balcony. You can almost imagine her living at 510. One can’t fully appreciate the uniqueness of the apartments without first learning the history of the building that started life as a grand “apartment hotel.” Residents bought the building in 1924 and formed a co-op. You’ll never guess what they paid for it! Fiddlehead Design’s Tastemaker Diaries takes elegance to new heights with their take on some of the fashionable trends for both the interior of your home and the exterior of your body. In Return to 510, you’ll be intrigued by a couple putting together a team of experts to convert the penthouse that had been demo’d after the former owner, a butterfly collector, vacated it. Andrew on Design (Andrew Flesher) talks about staying true to a home’s architecture and then describes his transformation of a friend’s apartment to be both elegant and cozy. Following through on this issue’s theme, in Design Chronicles, we learn the importance of transitional spaces in the overall aesthetics of a home. And Columnist Carter Averbeck gives a thoughtful approach on restoring versus renovating. And who doesn’t like a shaggy dog story, especially when it’s about the only canine resident in the building? Another popular resident is Klaus Freyinger, and his wife Eva. As a renowned architect, he’s helped his neighbors renovate, as well as his own flawless apartment. On the first level, P.S. Steak provides a culinary sanctuary for both residents and the general public. Try their Old Fashioned, it’s the best drink in the city. And what better way to end a great read than with chocolate! We hope you enjoy the tour of this phenomenal building, as much as we did putting it together. lake society magazine
NO SHORTCUTS. EVER.
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Florida | FLCBC 1 260069
651.777.8563 AUTUMN 2023
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AUTUMN 2023
COLLECTORS ISSUE AUTUMN 2023
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ON THE COVER ANDREW FLESHER RE-IMAGINES AN ICONIC 510 GROVELAND HISTORIC APARTMENT. PUBLISHER KAREN T. STOECKEL GRAPHIC DESIGN SHEBA CONCEPT & DESIGN, INC. ART DIRECTION KAREN T. STOECKEL SOCIAL MEDIA PATTY BURLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS RICHARD MERCHÁN ELLEN OLSON ANDREW FLESHER NANCY MONROE CARTER AVERBECK ANDRÉA DIXON JEN ZIEMER SANDY LAMENDOLA ANDREW J. RAMIREZ CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS SPACECRAFTING
770 Lake St E, Wayzata MN | (952) 746-5826 www.highcrofthome.com 28
Lakesocietymagazine.com Lakesocietymagazine@gmail.com @lsm_magazine lake society magazine
healthy smiles for a lifetime
4289 Sheridan Ave S, Minneapolis // lindenhillsdentistry.com // 612.922.6164
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CONTENTS Collector's Issue AUTUMN 2023
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24 A LETTER FROM the publisher. 32 IMAGINATION STYLE
A moment in time... through the eyes of an artist.
34 510 GROVELAND
LSM gives a nod to historic 510 Groveland Architecture, Design & Lifestyle.
36 SUBTLE OPULENCE
The 510 Groveland Apartment Hotel, as it was once known, exudes the elegance of a bygone era.
42 THE TASTEMAKER DIARIES
Andréa Dixon and Jen Ziemer share some of their favorite fall trends where past meets present.
44 RETURN TO 510
When a couple bought the penthouse at 510 Groveland, they tapped Don Forsman, Alecia Stevens and Andrew Hawkinson to create a comfortably elegant space.
52 ANDREW ON DESIGN
Staying true to the home’s architecture when remodeling a historic property is essential.
54 COLLECTED CLASSIC
Andrew Flesher created a serene sanctuary for his friend and client – one with intricate details and European sensibilities.
60 DESIGN CHRONICLES Sandy Mendola gives a lesson in transitions.
62 SUSTAINABLY CHIC
Carter Averbeck inspires us to see the past in a whole new light.
64 A DOG'S LIFE
Pip, a well-mannered Sheltie, shares a storied 510 Groveland condo with Jil Evans and Charles Taliaferro.
68 EUROPEAN OASIS
Klaus and Eva Freyinger have created a European oasis in 1,600 square feet.
76 FIRST CLASS DINING
As a business in 510 residents’ homes, P.S. Steak has to be top-notch.
80 SWEET TREATS
Meet Kathy Ehrmann Bohnen, a European-style chocolatier in Minneapolis. AUTUMN 2023
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Style
INSPIRATION A moment in time... through the eyes of an artist
Georges-Eugène Haussmann’s renovation of Paris was a vast public works program commissioned between 1853 and 1870 by Emperor Napoleon III. Soon after, in 1874, a group of Parisian artists formed the Anonymous Society of Painters, Sculptors, Printmakers and launched the notorious movement known as Impressionism. Its founding members included Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Camille Pissarro, among others. Their works captured the architecture and street life in Paris as well as the Normandy coastal scenery. The masterpieces from that era take over my imagination. I can almost hear horse hooves on the cobbled streets, and see horses pulling carriages, men with top hats, women with parasols, gas lanterns lighting the streets and the sound of an accordion ricocheting through dark and narrow alleyways. Before my first visit to France, I spent years living and working in New York City which was heavily influenced by 19th century European architecture. Loving the architecture, I dreamed of the day I could experience Paris. Now one of my favorite European cities to visit, Paris never fails me. While I don’t consider myself to be a cityscape painter, Rue Cler, my featured painting depicts an interior space that plays an essential role to the narrative. In my loose painting style, the architecture I render is not always accurate, but its intention is never questioned. I love answering, “yes, that is the Pont Neuf bridge,” even though the arch that spans from point–to–point may not be a perfectly proper depiction. This 40 x 30-inch canvas depicts a moment in a Parisian woman’s morning: She is relaxed in her terrycloth robe enjoying delicate pastries, marmalades, coffee, and orange juice served in the privacy of her room overlooking the seventh arrondissement. She wakes with the morning edition of Le Figaro. When I’m satisfied the story is told, I complete the painting with an ornate iron railing balcony– so expected in French architecture. Richard Merchán is a painter and sculptor creating in Minnesota and California. Learn more @ richardmerchan.com Merchán is represented by Hollie Blanchard hollie@artgirlsmpls.com 612.834.6565 AUTUMN 2023
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510Groveland
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photography by spacecrafting
LSM Magazine gives a nod to historic 510 Groveland Architecture, Design & Lifestyle.
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Opulence SUBTLE
artist: neilan lund
The 510 Groveland Apartment Hotel as it was once known exudes the elegance of a bygone era. written by andrew j. ramirez
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photography: larson mclaren papers, northwest architetural archives, university of minnesota libraries AUTUMN 2023
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T
The Roaring 1920s was a prosperous time for the City of Minneapolis. We were quickly becoming a great Upper Midwestern city. It was 1928. Calvin Coolidge was in the White House. The Groveland Apartment Hotel had opened its doors for the first time and welcomed its first guests. The building was erected between Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church and Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral at the corner of Hennepin Avenue and Groveland Avenue in the fashionable Loring Park neighborhood. Clad in Indiana Bedford Limestone and as proud as a castle, the hotel opened to much pomp and circumstance. Imagine being chauffeured under the porte-cochere in a luxury motor coach. You might be greeted by the valet, and the doorman would welcome you to The Groveland Apartment Hotel. Stepping into the lobby, you would be introduced to gleaming marble floors, intricate wrought iron and polished brass railings, ornate gold-gilded millwork, and a heraldic chandelier trumpeting grandly. As you approached the front desk, you would be received by the concierge as you checked in. You would be handed a shiny gold key that would unlock your hotel room. The bellboy would carry your luggage in the elevator to your room. Your hotel suite would be decorated with stylish furniture and have woven carpets in soft pastels, muted reds, browns, and blue wool with horsehair padding. Large, mullioned windows would let light in. These were the finest hotel accommodations in Minneapolis, extraordinary for the day. The beds had never been slept in, the paint would still smell new, and the china service had never been used. For Minneapolis, this hotel had no rivals. The building was estranged from its peers on Park Avenue in New York. In the afternoons, the grande dames of the day could be seen holding court in the Ladies’ Parlor tucked into a bright corner just off the lobby. The building’s architectural firm was Larson & McLaren. The style of architecture is Beaux Arts. The building was initially designed to enable future additions. ‘It’s a building of majesty,” exclaimed a long-time resident. Loring Park was a very prestigious neighborhood during the 1920s. At that time, the streets were lined with some of the city’s finest Italian Renaissance, Tudor, and Georgian Revival mansions built by men who made their fortunes in the merchant industries of flour, lumber, railroads, and dry goods. Notable residents who lived in the area around that time included lumber baron Thomas Barlow Walker and flour tycoon William Hood Dunwoody. In 1946, the residents formed a cooperative to buy the building. The purchase price was north of $400,000, a princely sum at the time. At 510
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HISTORY
photo courtesy of 510 groveland
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Groveland, a group of shareholders collectively own the multiunit residential building. “Today, the cooperative community is a menagerie of interesting people who appreciate history and architecture,” explained Judy Lund, an apartment owner on the second floor. She recalled a martini party that was held in what was once known as the Living Room and is now the lounge space in P.S. Steak. “It felt fancy. Men wore their finest black-tie apparel, and ladies donned their best evening dresses.” One of the building’s most beloved staff members was Roy Bolstad, the long-time parking garage attendant. Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra Conductor Dimitri Mitropoulos lived in the building in the 1940s. The story is that Bolstad would drive into the garage, get out of his car with his black velvet cape streaming behind him, and flip Roy a silver dollar for parking his car. Roy washed residents’ cars and, for a slightly higher price, would wax them. “There was a time when one said you lived at 510, without mentioning the street name, and people knew exactly where you lived,” explained a current resident. It was a well-known address, recognizable with its distinct carved limestone façades. “When I look out my window at the bridge, I see an icon of American Public Art,” stated Barbara Armajani, regarding the Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge near the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and Oak Grove Street, north of the building. The bridge was built to connect The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and Loring Park over 16 lanes of traffic. “At almost one hundred years old, 510 is a fine antique building, centrally located in Minneapolis, on the artery highways going north, south, east, or west,” explained former Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, who is among the building’s current residents. As a new chapter unfolds in the history of 510 Groveland, the building is ready to welcome new residents who appreciate both community and the grand architectural detailing of yesteryear.
“When I look out my window at the bridge
I see an icon
of American Public Art.”
–BARBARA ARMAJANI ON THE IRENE HIXON WHITNEY BRIDGE
photography: barbara economon for walker art center
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photography: hennepin county library/photographer john h. kammerdiener AUTUMN 2023
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PIERRE FREY WALLPAPER hollyhunt.com
GLASS DOOR KNOB chicagobrass.com
PENCOMBE HANG LIGHT FIXTURE urbanelectric.com
WASTE PAPER BASKET vaughandesigns.com
Andréa Dixon and Jen Ziemer of Fiddlehead Design Group share some of their favorite Fall trends where past meets present. Enjoy this version of the eras tour!
SIDE TABLE vaughandesigns.com
“
Nothing haunts us like the antique we didn’t buy.”
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–Unknown
A. RUDIN CHAIR aj-maison.com
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In a world full of trends, I want to remain a classic.” –Iman
DANDI GREENS TILE sabinehill.com
ANTIQUE PENDANT CHARM filligreejewelers.com
ETRO BUCKET HAT bergdorfgoodman.com GUCCI PERFUME nordstrom.com
VERSACE MARY JANES bergdorfgoodman.com
GUCCI LIPSTICK nordstrom.com
VINTAGE DIAMOND & ONYX RING filligreejewelers.com
LA DOUBLE J OUTFIT ladoublej.com
VINTAGE RUNNER curiorugs.com
SANDERSON WALLPAPER aj-maison.com AUTUMN 2023
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510
RETURN to
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When a couple bought the penthouse at 510 Groveland, they tapped Don Forsman, Alecia Stevens and Andrew Hawkinson to create a comfortably elegant aerie. written by melinda nelson, photography by spacecrafting
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“510 is a grand old building with
great bones and a good heart.” –DON FORSMAN, WELCH FORSMAN ASSOCIATES
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HOME
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project credits: · names here here???? 48
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HOME
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HOME
project credits: · construction/builder: purcell | remodeling & renovation · interior design: martinpatrick3 50
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O
One of life’s great pleasures is returning to a fine hotel and being greeted like an old friend by the concierge, porters and other familiar faces. Such was the case when a couple moved back to 510 Groveland after living in St. Paul for nearly two decades. They loved their 1910 Ramsey Hill home, which felt like a gentleman’s club with paneled walls hung with oil paintings, and ancient rugs and antiques. But they missed the charm and conviviality of 510, a former hotel designed in 1927 by architect Morris T. Baker, so when they learned the penthouse was available, they quickly made an offer. Situated on the sixth floor, the condo was a tabula rasa, since it had been demo’d after the former owner, a butterfly collector and art aficionado, had left the building. The couple wanted their penthouse to feel as though it could have been original to the hotel, so they hired Don Forsman, an award-winning custom builder and one of 510’s most beloved familiar faces. Don and the Welch Forsman team of artisans have worked with the management and residents of 510 for more than a decade. In addition to updating many of the condos and replacing more than 350 windows, Don helped develop 510’s building standards and invested in custom knives and special tools to replicate the original moldings and other details. “510 is a grand old building with great bones and a good heart,” Don says. “My team and I are proud to be entrusted to help preserve this incredible local landmark for another hundred years.” The couple also hired another familiar face— Alecia Stevens, an interior designer, stylist and writer who lived at 510 with her husband for several years, and Andrew Hawkinson, a Minneapolis-based residential designer. “Alecia and Andrew both have a great eye, so they are a delight to work with,” Don says. “We’re all keen on classical architecture, so we make a great team. We love working with clients who understand the challenge of renovating historic spaces and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the finished product.” Inspired by luxurious, pre-war New York apartments, Andrew designed a classic floorplan with narrow hallways lined with painted cabinets; an intimate living room with an adjoining library; a cozy owners’ suite with a hotel-style bathroom; and a gutsy, industrial-style kitchen overlooking the city. Alecia chose a nuanced palette of period-appropriate colors for each space and Don and his team removed the low ceilings, pushed the new ceilings up into the roof and added opulent moldings. Andrew designed a series of magnificent double doors and Don’s team crafted and distressed each door by hand to create an incomparable patina. Alecia layered each room with art, books, rugs and furniture from the clients’ Saint Paul home and added antiques, primitive pieces and vintage lighting and textiles to make the penthouse feel as though it evolved over a century. “Our clients wanted their home to reflect the finest in everything,” Don says. “Thanks to Andrew and Alecia, every detail is spot on.” AUTUMN 2023
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ANDRE W DE on
Staying true to the home’s architecture when remodeling a historic property is essential. photography by spacecrafting 52
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H SIGN
Historic properties like 510 Groveland have always intrigued me. Even as a young boy, I begged my parents to drive down Summit Avenue in St. Paul so I could marvel at the grandeur of the homes, with their beautiful architectural details. The care and craftsmanship that went into creating these homes was, and is, truly remarkable. It would be almost impossible to recreate these homes today: The expense would be extraordinary, and many of the trades with the expertise needed for many finishes are in short supply. My first rule in renovating a historic property is to stay true to the architecture of the home. Work from the outside in and ensure the details fit with the period in which the house was built. When you can, preserve millwork, cabinetry, moldings, and flooring. Some of these elements are sacred. You can have fun with furniture and light fixtures – perfect opportunities for adding modern or more contemporary elements. If you plan to use traditional furnishings, stick with your plan and be consistent. Kitchens are tricky, as the way we live today is so different from the past. Bathrooms are similar. Modern conveniences are essential! Use materials consistent with those that might have been used when the house was built. Materials with integrity such as marble countertops and tile are good choices. Even if you make new kitchen cabinets, you can emulate details that reflect the times. Hardware is another important element that adds character. Several companies specialize in historic hardware like doorknobs, drawer pulls, and hinges. I have a resource, P.E. Guerin in New York, that can recreate and replicate anything! Vintage salvage yards are full of old hardware. You’d be amazed at what you can find. On the other hand, it's okay to embrace things like the claw-footed bathtub with a few chips in the enamel. Items or finishes that have a little age to them give authenticity to the space. Floors can often be patched. With a light sanding and a refinish, they will have a patina impossible to create without years of aging. Using reclaimed wood is an option if they can’t be salvaged. It should go without saying, but wall-to-wall carpeting, in most cases, is not appropriate. Instead, place area rugs, either new or well-worn vintage – your choice – throughout the space to add warmth and define the space. Restoring or remodeling a historic property requires patience, with a capital “P." You must be prepared to discover something unusual when you knock down that wall. Often, plumbing and wiring need a significant overhaul to bring things up to code. But the results can be stunning. I love to imagine the history of the home: who might have walked up the staircase and what they were wearing. I am restoring a historic property in St. Paul; it is truly a labor of love. Rumor has it that F. Scott Fitzgerald frequented the speakeasy hidden in the carriage house, as his name is carved in the bar. Stories like that make all the challenges worthwhile! Andrew Flesher Interiors is an award-winning design firm with offices in Minneapolis and New York. A portfolio of his work is available at andrewflesher.com. AUTUMN 2023
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Collected
CLASSIC
Andrew Flesher created a serene sanctuary for his friend and client – one with intricate details and European sensibilities. photography by spacecrafting and star tribune
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HOME
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“The interplay of light and shadow highlights the
beautiful architectural detail of the highly ornamented cornice and frieze.” –ANDREW FLESHER, ANDREW FLESHER INTERIORS
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“Andrew artfully arranged the furnishings, art, and accessories to make the space
elegant and serene,
yet cozy and welcoming.”
–HOMEOWNER, 510 GROVELAND
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project credits: · interior design: andrew flesher interiors · builder: welch forsman associates · architects: milo thompson and laurel ulland architecture lake society magazine
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HOME
510 Groveland Cooperative Residence is a special place to live. The owner of one of the elegant apartments on the sixth floor can attest to it. This recent restoration is a longheld dream that finally came to be. The northwest corner apartment floods with light and features commanding views of The Basilica of Saint Mary, St. Mark’s Cathedral, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the expansive cityscape. It’s a jewel box in the sky — filled with treasures representing years of collecting with her friend, interior designer Andrew Flesher. The co-op apartment is a finely curated 732 square feet – complete with a grand living room, an impeccably tucked-in galley kitchen, and a spacious bedroom and bath. It’s large by New York apartment standards, but just right for this life-long Minneapolis resident. Flesher knew that he could transform the space into a beautiful sanctuary for his friend and client, one that would reflect her classic European sensibilities and love for modern touches. One of his first tasks, on recommendation from the homeowner and architects Milo Thompson and Laurel Ulland, was to raise the ceilings almost 3 feet to allow for the addition of a highly ornamented cornice and frieze. A resource familiar with the building produced the authentic plaster moldings, which is a bit of a dying art. Raising the ceiling and other modifications required particular attention to detail to blend the old with the new. But through all the reimagination of the space, one thing remained true for Flesher – staying true to the architecture of the space. “As the sunlight moves across the apartment during the day, the interplay of light and shadows highlights the beautiful architectural details,” he remarked. Additionally, the narrow-width, darkly stained oak floors provide the perfect foundation for the vintage area rugs that grace the space. The walls and moldings are painted a seamless white, representing a gallery-like backdrop for the homeowner’s well-curated furnishings. Flesher likes using flat/matte paint for the walls, plaster details, and the ceiling. Then he uses a satin finish for the woodwork, accentuating the details. One notable highlight of the apartment is the original hand carved wood fireplace – one of only a few within the 39-unit building. The furniture and chandeliers were collected over many years from a variety of resources. The furniture’s simple lines let the details of the antiques and accessories reveal themselves. Some of it is newly upholstered, and others left in their original textiles including the chair that features antique silk velvet. Vintage crystal chandeliers sparkle. Yellow pillows create a pop of “sunshine” on the dreariest of long winter days. “Flesher artfully arranged the furnishings, art, and accessories to make the space elegant and serene, yet cozy and welcoming,” remarked the homeowner. This exquisite apartment is the culmination of years of collecting treasures from all over the world. It reflects the rich history of friendship between homeowner and designer. Andrewflesher.com AUTUMN 2023
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SUSTAINABLY
Chic
The love of older architecture is but a fleeting bit of romance one can see in physical evidence. For most of us, it’s a reminder of how extravagant buildings and homes used to be. As if there was time to chisel, carve and design such intricate detail with ebullience by skilled craftsmen and artisans of long ago, who have now, all but seemingly vanished in the 21st Century. Architecture has always been a force for the future, looking forward, yet rarely ever looking back. The goal is figuring out how to accommodate society as it changes and morphs with new technology and offerings. Change is seen as good, progressive. In the present-day world, there’s little place for old buildings; they require too much work to update and the thought pattern is such that it’s easier to tear down and start fresh. But what are we losing by doing so? I will argue that we are losing much more than a singular structure each time a historic building comes down or gets renovated as opposed to restored. We are losing our visual representation of cultural significance and the historical value these older properties provide. Renovation and restoration are two completely different entities: One alters the structure to fit modern ideals, the other preserves or recreates original detail to make it whole again. Here in lies the conundrum: is it better to renovate or restore? There are modes of thought that argue for each side. Renovation is the easier route as nothing is sacred as far as the alteration of a premises is concerned. The goal is to update to modern societal expectations. At best, the shell of a property stays the same, but interiors can change drastically. It can enhance the value of a building, especially if the end use is something that will be useful to society in a way that hadn’t been utilized before. Many large commercial warehouses have been successfully renovated for multiple unit dwellings, restaurant and retail applications. Restoration on the other hand, keeps significant value in the historical aspect of a property by emphasizing the unique architecturally designed details that oftentimes are irreplaceable without enormous or elevated effort to find skilled trades to produce what was lost. The benefits are diverse. At a basic level, restoration serves to maintain a civic beauty and pride with which a community can participate within. It can also contribute greatly towards sustainability practices as current materials are preserved as opposed to being torn out for lesser or inferior substitutes. The prolific sprawl of cookie-cutter architecture in the 21st century has definitely had its impact, that of being banal; everything looking the same. Ripping out the character of a neighborhood for instance, in the wake of shiny new progress, 62
can destroy the very thing that made the area desirable to begin with. Preservation nor restoration doesn’t mean that progress can’t continue to meet the needs of present-day society, what the challenge really is, is how to do it thoughtfully. This is where those with expertise in the historical architecture and/or design realm can shine. By first understanding how the past worked, can we find innovative solutions to move forward? That means a full understanding of historical architecture, design, eras, materials used and social consciousness at the time in order to form new ideas to incorporate into the present. I liken it to going to the right surgeon to get a facelift: those with the most skill, understand how to preserve what makes one beautiful and simply enhances that. lake society magazine
“Acknowledging our future means
seeing the past in a whole new light.” –CARTER AVERBECK
Carter Averbeck is an interior designer specializing in stylish, sustainable design. For More Information: Info@omformedesign.com. A full reconstruction of the face isn’t always necessary. We can restore places without having to lose character, and by doing so we reap the benefit of having a living legacy that builds better communities through pride as well as revitalization efforts resulting in economic growth through unique and thoughtful restorations. I think it’s safe to say that those, like myself, who work in the area of restoration are truly passionate individuals who are keen on safeguarding the past while aiming toward the future with dedication and, more often than not, producing remarkable results. There is plenty of evidence that restoration efforts bring back communities in a tighter format via pride of place and figural social ownership. I’m certainly on the bandwagon and am proud to be in the field of historical consultation and design. There is a quote I’ve had as part of my mantra for some time, I’d like to share it here: “Acknowledging our future means seeing the past in a whole new light.” Let’s get to restoring places... our future depends on it. AUTUMN 2023
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Dog'sLIFE
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Pip, a well-mannered Sheltie, shares a storied 510 Groveland condo with Jil Evans and Charles Taliaferro. written by melinda nelson, photography by spacecrafting
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LIFESTYLE
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Pip Evans-Taliaferro is a lucky dog. He’s currently the only dog in residence at 510 Groveland, one of Minneapolis’s loveliest addresses. Pip was born in South Carolina and his people, as they say in the South, are Jil Evans and Charles Taliaferro. Jil is an abstract painter and Charles is a professor emeritus of philosophy at St. Olaf. The couple met when they were faculty members at St. Olaf, but they moved to Minneapolis to be close to Jil’s studio in the Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art and the Twin Cities art scene. They were living in the East Isles neighborhood with more than 4,000 books when they spotted a condo for sale at 510 Groveland. Charles and Jil had lived in New York’s West Village and Oxford, England, so they had always admired the architecture and character of the 1927 building. When they set foot in the condo, which had been designed by 510 Groveland resident and architect Klaus Freyinger with 120 built-in bookshelves, it was love at first sight. They unpacked their books and installed their antique partners desk, where they’ve written and edited nearly 40 books. The cozy, library-like condo makes a perfect setting for the couple’s reading group, which was inspired by a similar group in Oxford. Like a microcosm of the 510 Groveland community, the guests include artists, philosophers, curators, writers and other fascinating individuals. After a rousing discussion about books, art exhibits and other topics, the group repairs to 510’s first-floor bar for cocktails and more conversation. “We really enjoy the familial style of the building,” Jil says. “Everyone’s uniqueness is expressed through their different backgrounds, personalities and lifestyles. There’s a generosity between the residents, and people are very open to friendship, which we find really wonderful.” While 510 is an ideal home for a painter and a scholar, it’s equally suited to Pip’s very urbane lifestyle. Several times a day, he leads Jil and Charles down the hall to the elevator. While they retrieve the mail from the cubbies in the lobby, Pip chats with his favorite porters and residents. Pip knows the route to Lake of the Isles like the back of his paw, so he leads Jil and Charles in a brisk trot across Hennepin Avenue and through Lowry Hill to the lake, where he runs and practices his flips before greeting his friend Justice Alan Page. On Sunday mornings, Pip walks with Jil and Charles to St. Mark’s for the 8 a.m. service, where they sit in the front row and he stands on his hind legs for a Sheltie’s eye view of the service. “When we first moved into 510 Groveland, the stately interiors gave us the impression that living here would be as formal as a Henry James novel,” Charles says. “But, after living here for a bit, we realized that it’s a delightful place where people can be eccentric. Here, everyone is allowed to be their own person—and in Pip’s case, his own dog.” AUTUMN 2023
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Oasis
EUROPEAN Klaus and Eva Freyinger have created a European oasis in 1,600 square feet.
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written by nancy monroe, photography by spacecrafting
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“We were
left alone with our ideas and it came together as a beautiful thing.” –HOMEOWNER KLAUS FREYINGER
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Interviewing homeowners in a far, far away time zone can be challenging at best even without the aristocratic German accent fading in and out. But Klaus and Eva Freyinger are as charming on the phone talking about their 510 apartment as the apartment itself. The couple has homes in both Munich and Minneapolis, although at 90, Klaus says Munich’s superior public transportation system makes living there much easier than in car-dependent Minneapolis. “When you leave your country, you are a link between Germany and America,” he says. “We are very happy in both environments. We don’t take things for granted.” And their home is the perfect blend of the two cultures. Klaus is well-known at 510 Groveland, not only as a resident, but because as a renowned architect, he’s helped his neighbors reconfigure spaces originally designed for a hotel. He discovered their current third-floor apartment when he had a commission in the building. It needed a lot of hands-on work, but fortunately he had the skills to tackle it in style. “We were left alone with our own ideas and it came together as a beautiful thing,” he says. The opulent details at 510, as well as the historic value of the building, aren’t wasted on Klaus and Eva. Klaus grew up in a home with its own private Gothic church. His family lost everything in World War II and when they rebuilt, it was never the same. Klaus went on to get advanced architectural degrees in Germany. He prides himself on always working for himself, which allowed him over the years to take on a variety of high-profile projects. “I did all kinds of architecture; whatever I could get my hands on,” he says. Their 1,600-square-foot apartment has one bedroom and a study which serves as a bedroom when their sons visit. ”It feels bigger than it really is, which is an art,” Klaus says. The interior design is like stepping back in time and place. “We brought from Germany a leather sofa, antiques, drawings and put together what we wanted for the end of life, more or less,” Klaus says. The massive book collection was shipped from England and Germany. “We collect a lot of things,” Eva adds, including ceramics from their vacations in almost all 50 U.S. states. The fireplace in the main room is especially notable. While it appears to be made of marble, it’s actually hand painted. “In Germany, imitating architecture is a highly developed art,” he says, adding, “Real marble never comes without flaws, this is perfect.” Parquet floors connect spaces, leading to a warm, galley-style kitchen with tall creamy white cabinets. Light plays off a crystal chandelier, as well as two large windows. A drop-leaf table set for two is another piece of history. Their apartment may not have all the comforts of home—such as its own Gothic church—but it is a culmination of a life well lived. 72
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LIFESTYLE
“In Germany, imitating architecture is a
highly developed art.
Real marble never comes without flaws, this (fireplace facade) is perfect.” –HOMEOWNER KLAUS FREYINGER AUTUMN 2023
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LIFESTYLE
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C E L E B R AT I N G 2 0 Y E A R S I N B U S I N E S S 952.473.4440 thesittingroomstudio.com e x c e l s i o r, m n AUTUMN 2023
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Dining
FIRST CLASS
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Mike DeCamp, director of operations for Jester Concepts, has been a part of the restaurant space at 510 Groveland for 20-some years. written by nancy monroe, photography by spacecrafting
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When residents at 510 Groveland want a first-class meal or a nightcap, they just have to change out of their slippers and dressing gown and take the elevator to the first floor where they’ll be ushered into one of two hospitality experiences: P.S. Steak’s dimly lit, moody steakhouse/bar at the rear of the building, or the elegant, light-filled lounge right off the lobby. The operators of the restaurant are well aware of the special circumstances they’ve been entrusted with. “We’re a business operating in their homes,” says Mike DeCamp, director of operations and one of the owners of Jester Concepts, the parent company of P.S. Steak, The Butcher and the Boar, Borough and Parlor. “The building deserves our respect.” DeCamp, who has been an integral part of the building’s restaurants for 20 years, has long-standing relationships with many of the residents. He started first with the James Beard-award-winning chef Tim McKee’s iconic La Belle Vie, before taking over the stately P.S. Steak. Both have been great experiences. “I made my bones at La Belle Vie,” he says about perfecting his skills. While guests sometimes had trouble pronouncing some of the French entrées at La Belle Vie, “everyone knows what to expect with steak.” Plus, he adds, “I could eat steak every day, I’m not sure I could do that with a tasting menu.” Running a restaurant for both residents and the general public can be tricky, DeCamp admits. It’s a constant balancing act between consistency and innovation. In late September the staff came up with the idea of a Back to School Barbecue, with items served in red-and-white-checkered paper trays, to create some buzz. And while the makings of the house martini rotate and new drinks are introduced, the Old Fashioned has a permanent home here. The two spaces have complimentary personalities. They’re separated by a curved hallway displaying an impressive, fresh floral arrangement. In the dining room, gold-framed mirrors and bric-a-brac from a fictional great-aunt’s attic adorn the tobacco-colored walls, along with glass cases displaying aging meat, ornate crown-molding and crystal chandeliers. Burgundy velvet booths allude to both romance and business dinners. Many an eager suitor has popped the question in this room. By contrast, the lounge has a garden-party feel, with greenery, paler colors and light streaming in oversized windows by day and chandeliers after dark. There are 75 seats in the dining room, 65 in the lounge, with the same menu served in both locales. “We’ve been kicking around the idea to add a patio,” DeCamp says, “but the (homeowners’) project credits: committee is not receptive at this time.” In summer, · architect: bryan anderson, though, it’s hard for any restaurateur in Minneapolis aia principal, sala architects not to dream about a patio, especially due to 510’s interior beautiful ·grassy areadesign: on the christine Hennepinfrisk, Avenue side asid principal founder, of the building. But who needsand outdoor dining when inunison you have such a majestic setting twicedesign inside? 78
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SPOTLIGHT
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Sweet TREATS
Meet Kathy Ehrmann Bohnen, a European-style chocolatier in Minneapolis. 80
written by andrew j ramirez, photographylake bysociety spacecrafting magazine
“Life is short, do something that you’re passionate about. For me, that’s
chocolate.”
–KATHY EHRMANN BOHNEN, L’MORE CHOCOLAT
Kathy Ehrmann Bohnen is happiest while wandering the cobblestoned streets of Europe, meandering in and out of her favorite little chocolate shops, indulging in velvety chocolate truffles, luxuriously smooth ganache, and gourmet truffles. Chocolate had long been a passion of hers. Back in Minneapolis, her illustrious career in commercial real estate included the development of the new Gutherie Theater in the Mill District. “Life is short; do something that you’re passionate about. For me, that’s chocolate,” exclaimed Kathy. Turning your passion into a career or business can be rewarding and fulfilling. Building off that foundation, she made a sweet career move. As the proprietor of L’More Chocolat, she can share her love of chocolate with the world. She enrolled in the renowned Ecole Chocolat Professional School to become a chocolatier. A chocolatier is a confectioner who specializes in making chocolate candies. The artisanal craft has been handed down through the generations via apprenticeships. What makes her chocolates genuinely remarkable is the finest globally sourced ingredients. The best chocolate starts with cultivating heirloom cacao beans in Côte d’Ivoire. In its simplest form, chocolate is a blend of quality ingredients, including Dutch process cocoa, creamy organic milk, Madagascar
vanilla beans, and pure white cane sugar. Her fillings include caramel, ganache, mousse, coconut, Valencia orange, crème de menthe, hazelnut, amaretto, French lavender, raspberry, and pistachios. Her workshop, known affectionately as The Chocolate Cottage, is tucked back into the windy, tree-lined streets of Minneapolis’s Kenwood neighborhood. You will often find the master chocolatier in the kitchen wearing a white apron melting, tempering, dipping, molding, and decorating her candies. She is known for her signature Royal Liqueurs, including Saint Germain Elderflower Liqueur or Courvoisier Crema Napoléon. Suppose you are thinking of a delicious and memorable holiday gift for clients. Handmade chocolates arranged in designer boxes with your company logo and finished with a ribbon and wax seal is an excellent option. Arrange a chocolate tasting to select your fruits, liqueurs, florals, herbs, spices, and nuts for your handmade confectionary delights. Kathy has visited the thirty best chocolatiers in the world, traveling to Switzerland, Belgium, France, and Germany. She has refined her technique and takes great pride in the craftsmanship and quality of her chocolates. And because it has become a lifestyle for her, she lives a charmed life. AUTUMN 2023
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Great buildings, like great mountains, are the work of centuries.” “
–VICTOR HUGO
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