THE CITY OF LAKES LIFESTYLE & DESIGN PUBLICATION
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M I N N E A P OL I S C IT Y L AK ES AUTUMN 2021
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Local Expertise in Fine Downtown Minneapolis and City Lakes Real Estate 612.327.5905 | betsylucasrealtor.com
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612.968.9777 2124 FREMONT AVE S MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55405 ANDREWFLESHER.COM AUTUMN 2021
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Photograph by Shelly Mosman
Home - Garden - Gifts 4
1 3 1 1 We s t 2 5 t h St r ee t
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R E A L E S TAT E + I N T E R I O R D E S I G N
CityDwellingsMN.com | SpencerDesignAssociates.com AUTUMN 2021
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rabbitcreekmn.com
CLASSIC. TIMELESS. TRADITION.
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“OUR ADMIRATION OF THE ANTIQUE IS NOT ADMIRATION OF THE OLD, BUT OF THE NATURAL.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
ANTHONY SCORNAVACCO ANTIQUES
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23 West 6th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102 (651) 222-0046 anthonyscornavacco.com lake society magazine
Salon, Showroom, and Private Event Venue 1229 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403 Salon (612) 513.1230 lmorechocolat.com
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Curated vintage & estate collection.
Family owned & operated in the Twin Cities since 1951. 50th & France 12
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Highland Park
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RFMoeller.com lake society magazine
nvrsurfaces.com (612) 200-0326 TILE AND COUNTERTOPS
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every City Lakes house has a story. (and bruce birkeland knows it.)
Over 1,000 homes sold. $1 Billion dollars in sales—including more luxury homes sold in the Minneapolis Lakes area than any other Realtor. For 30 years, Bruce Birkeland has been bringing home sellers and buyers together with endless enthusiasm, absolute integrity, and unmistakable success.
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Disd n oma
&Demin u r o y n e id m !
Dres pu
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Laurie Kottke F IN E JEW ELER S
3033 Excelsior Blvd Suite 200 | Minneapolis, MN 55416 | (612) 825-9898 | lauriekottkefinejewelers.com AUTUMN 2021
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restorhomesllc.com | 612.481.3067 | @restorhomes
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“Mining the Diamond” Original Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas 60x48
Ready to collect art? Your art concierge curating pieces with only you in mind. artgirlsmpls.com AUTUMN 2021
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Very entertaining.
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MN LICENSE BC006077 lake society magazine
healthy smiles for a lifetime
4289 Sheridan Ave S, Minneapolis // lindenhillsdentistry.com // 612.922.6164
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AUTUMN 2021 THE CITY OF LAKES LIFESTYLE & DESIGN PUBLICATION
AUTUMN 2021
M I N N E A P OL I S C IT Y L AK ES
ON THE COVER LAKESIDE SPLENDOR PHOTO BY LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHER KAREN T. STOECKEL GRAPHIC DESIGN SHEBA CONCEPT & DESIGN, INC. ART DIRECTION KAREN T. STOECKEL MANAGING EDITOR ELLEN OLSON SOCIAL MEDIA JACOB PIERRE LOUIS III CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CARTER AVERBECK ANDRÉA DIXON ANDREW FLESHER ANDREW J RAMIREZ SUSAN THAYER JEN ZIEMER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS CHELSIE LOPEZ PRODUCTION LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL RAESIDE SPACECRAFTING
770 Lake St E, Wayzata MN | (952) 746-5826 www.highcrofthome.com
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Lakesocietymagazine.com Lakesocietymagazine@gmail.com @lsm_magazine lake society magazine
Innovative, respectful & contemporary solutions for your home, old or new. dhdstudio.com
| info@dhdstudio.com | 612.337.5060 AUTUMN 2021
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Letter from the Editor Once again, Mother Nature’s show is about to begin. The vast array of vibrant colors, crystal clear blue skies, cool mornings, and warm afternoons will soon be upon us. For many of us, this is a favorite season. In this issue, we continue our quest for finding beautiful homes and giving you a glimpse of what’s inside. Many of the homes around the City Lakes are steeped in history and are full of incredible craftsmanship and detail. Bruce Birkeland’s listing on East Lake of the Isles Parkway is no exception. It’s an extraordinary home set on an expansive lot that will transport you to another time and place. In one of our local neighborhoods, an ultramodern penthouse is perched upon the roof of a rather nondescript brick office building. Christine Frisk, ASID, founder of InUnison Design, has created interiors that interplay hard and soft, and integrate the incredible, ever-changing views. Matt Tyson collaborated with his client, now a friend, on the transformation of a Mediterranean-style home in an Edina neighborhood. The home is now light and bright, full of elegant details and finishes that reflect the homeowner’s personality. A remarkable property on Mount Curve once housed the Locksley Shea Gallery and in 1975 was the scene of a lavish party and art exhibition for Andy Warhol. We dug through the archives at the University of Minnesota to unearth some fantastic photos of that evening. Kathy Ehrmann took a brave leap of faith when she recently
moved her well-known Wayzata chocolate shop to the corner of 13th and Hennepin. L’More Chocolat offers a wide range of experiences for the chocolate connoisseur and feels a bit like stepping into a Parisian café. Our regular contributors have once again assembled a beautiful collection of finds. Carter encourages us to stock up on all things warm to prepare for the chilly weather ahead. Jen and Andréa of Fiddlehead Design are ready for fall’s cooler weather and burst of color. Susan Thayer explores the timelessness of equestrian influences on interior design. She selects some favorite pieces from her Rabbit Creek showroom to help you achieve the look. Many of us have experienced frustration with the availability of items for the home, including appliances and furniture. Andrew Flesher shares some of his strategies for “making it work” in a time when you can’t always get what you want. As we shift towards cooler weather, a palette of deep, jewel tones from Benjamin Moore takes center stage at Hirshfield’s, an incredible resource for paints, wallcoverings, blinds, and shades. It’s now been four years since we began this publication. We strive to bring you the finest that the City Lakes and surrounding communities have to offer. We are grateful for the support of builders, architects, designers, artisans, homeowners, and business owners, as well as our readers. We hope you continue to find inspiration within these pages.
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651.332.9609 lake society magazine
612.454.5637 | purcellquality.com AUTUMN 2021
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CONTENTS AUTUMN 2021
24 A LETTER FROM the editor 30 SUSTAINABLY CHIC
Carter encourages us to stock up on all things warm as a way to prepare for the winter chill.
32 EXQUISITE SPACES
Susan Thayer of Rabbit Creek explores the timelessness of equestrian influences on interior design.
34 HOME
A stunning Mediterranean-style villa, set on a lush, expansive lakeside parcel, is waiting for a new owner to write a new chapter in the home’s history.
44 ASK ANDREW
Andrew shares his ideas on dealing with supply chain challenges that impact delivery times for furniture, appliances, and materials.
48 HOME
Matt Tyson and his client’s design collaboration returned this Mediterranean home to its elegant origins.
58 SPOTLIGHT
“Let the celebration begin!” is Kathy Ehrmann’s mantra for life and her business, L’More Chocolat.
62 HOME
An ultra-modern Uptown penthouse features panoramic views of the city and clean, modern interior finishes.
70 LIFESTYLE
Pop art icon Andy Warhol brought the New York City art scene to Minneapolis.
74 COLOR STORY
Benjamin Moore’s rich, saturated, wine-colored tones are luxurious and anchor interior spaces with sophistication.
46 THE TASTEMAKER DIARIES
Jen and Andréa share what they are falling in love with as summer fades to autumn.
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photo by spacecrafting
remodeling & design
DESIGN EXCELLENCE, DETAILED PROCESS MN License BC001428 SylvestreMN.com | 612-861-0188 AUTUMN 2021
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SUSTAINABLY
Chic
THE CRISP BEFORE THE CHILL Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dance on a crisp breeze, showering the earth like a heroic patchwork quilt and preparing the ground for the inevitable chill. Yes, Autumn is here, and in MN, it’s usually a short, vibrant run. Nevertheless, it’s an inspiring one, especially if you’ve ever driven around the lakes or in rural areas enough to see the glorious blaze of reds, oranges, and golden yellows. They ignite the scenery as if one last hurrah is in order before the deep sleep begins. As our long winter creeps into range, what better way to get ready for the chill than to stock up on all things warm during the great MN hibernation. Handmade Pakistani rugs from Green Front Rugs are made of the softest wool yet wear like iron underfoot. Having a library is essential if you’re an avid reader, especially if it’s filled with items such as a wood-burning fireplace or woodsy, yet elegant, furnishings such as the vintage chair or coffee table from Omforme Design. Amazing Threads, a local favorite, has an enormous stock of specialty yarns, classes for the knitter, along with the ability to make custom blankets for the discerning individual. Finally, who doesn’t associate pinecones with the turning of the s e a sons?
This stunning wood-carved light fixture will do the trick to keep things illuminated in a unique way. Hygge is upon us! 30
Grosfeld House Chair Circa 1920s, Omforme Design | Hand Knitted Blankets, Amazing-Threads.com Wood Burning Fireplace, Woodlandstoves.com | Pinecone Wood Light Fixture, Omforme Design lake society magazine
Pakistani Rug, wool, GreenFrontRugs.com Mile Baughman Brustalist Table Cica 1972, Omforme Design
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Photo Credit: Jake Armour, armourphoto.com
Carter Averbeck is an interior designer specializing in stylish, sustainable design. For More Information: Info@omformedesign.com.
EXQUISITE SPAC
Susan Thayer is the founder and owner of Rabbit Creek, an exceptionally curated showroom of the industry’s finest furnishings, lighting and accessories. Available at International Market Square, to the trade. rabbitcreekmn.com
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ES talla skogmo interior design | michels homes builder | scott amundson photographer
The timeless look of Equestrian style home décor has been around since the horse-mad great estates of England first hosted fox hunts and played polo. It also has been a staple in areas of horse country in the US; a mix of family tradition and sophistication while catering to an equestrian lifestyle. Rich wall colors, a mix of rich leathers and worn oriental rugs with treasured antiques and of course, a cut crystal glass of fine Kentucky bourbon all can be found in this inspired home.
Today we are slipping on our favorite jodhpurs and well-worn riding boots to show you some of our favorite pieces in the showroom to create this classic look in your home.
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LAKESIDE
Splendor
A stunning Mediterranean-style villa is waiting for a new owner to write a new chapter in the home’s history. written by ellen olson, photography by landmark photography
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Many of the homes around Lake of the Isles are regal and grand and tell an important part of the history of Minneapolis. Built by titans of business in the early 1900s, they feature incredible craftsmanship and have their own stories. The home at 2201 East Lake of the Isles Parkway is one of those legendary properties. “The grounds are simply spectacular,” remarked Bruce Birkeland, Bruce Birkeland Group at Coldwell Banker. “The property transports you to another time and place. It has an ancient, authentic quality that exudes European romanticism. It’s magical.” The lot is one of the largest parcels on Lake of the Isles but is very private, as it is surrounded by a large stone wall. The landscaping features 100-year-old vines surrounding the pergola. The original home was an English Tudor built in 1911 for Norman B. Kerr, a sales manager for the Northwestern Knitting Company (Munsingwear). Edward Backus purchased the house in 1922. He commissioned an extensive makeover of the home, which transformed it into an Italian-style villa. He bought an adjacent lot to extend the gardens and make room for a pool and pool house. Backus was a lumber and paper-milling magnate who made and lost his fortune in the Northwoods. Stanley and Peggy Hawkes owned the home during the 1930s. They were known for their lavish entertaining and extensive collection of antiques. The fourth owner, Dr. Virgil T. Fallon, was a radiation oncologist who practiced at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and was instrumental in founding the Willmar Cancer Center. A bachelor, Dr. Fallon enjoyed the home until his death in 2010. He left the property to Tim Barber, who managed the property, along with the doctor’s real estate holdings. He knew that Mr. Barber would continue to care and protect the home’s legacy and history and keep it in excellent repair. When Mr. Barber moved into the home, he made several changes and updates to the property. He had a growing family, and it had been some time since the laughter of children had echoed throughout the hallways of the home. Under his watchful eye, aspects of the house were updated and improved, like the kitchen, which now features a center island and granite countertops. Many of the home’s original details remain intact, including the foyer with the grand, sweeping staircase and wrought iron railing with twisted spindles. The checkerboard marble floors were preserved. The sunken music room is one of the “stars” of the space, with the grand piano and tall casement windows. The home is filled with old-world craftsmanship that would be nearly impossible to recreate today: carved wood, curved walls and ceilings, wrought iron details, and beautiful stonework. Stone steps lead to a medieval-style room on the lower level that features heavily plastered walls, wood beams, a massive stone fireplace, and a wine cellar. The European-style pool house is wrapped in windows and features a turret and a roof deck, with a commanding view of Lake of the Isles. A charming carriage house with its two-car garage, formerly the chauffer’s quarters, is another quiet respite. The garden is lush and filled with small private spaces, including a shuffleboard court and an outdoor pizza oven. Bruce Birkeland has been selling real estate for 33 years. He specializes in luxury properties around the City Lakes and has a deep knowledge of their history. “I have a deep appreciation for the antiquity qualities of properties like this one,” he commented. “The estate is a piece of history but also a calming oasis on the edge of a bustling city, full of energy. Owning this home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Bruce Birkeland of Bruce Birkeland Group at Coldwell Banker Realty has the $4.5 million listing. Call Bruce at 612.414.3957 or email: BBirkeland@CBBurnet.com brucebirkelandgroup.com AUTUMN 2021
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LIFESTYLE
“The property
transports you to another time and place.” – BRUCE BIRKELAND 42
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ASK ANDREW
Andrew shares his ideas on dealing with supply chain challenges that impact delivery times for furniture, appliances, and materials. photography by paul raeside
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Q.
I am working on a small remodel project and am finding that the lead times for everything, from appliances to furniture, are incredibly long. Any suggestions for coping?
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The pandemic has created a number of supply chain issues that are impacting all of us. You can create a great design, but it quickly comes undone if you can’t source the products you want. I have made some changes in the way I work. One of my strategies is to buy vintage. Minneapolis and St. Paul have several wonderful resources for antique and vintage items. It’s a great way to fill in small pieces, like tables, lamps, and chairs. Often a trip to an upholsterer will have a chair looking as good as new, especially if it’s a quality item. Remember my mantra: “Buy once. Buy quality.” Several online marketplaces are excellent resources, although the competition can be stiff on the best merchandise. Occasionally I use retailers to fill in items. But, at times, they show something item as being “in stock,” and once ordered, they will push the delivery date by several months and indicate the status as delayed, delayed, delayed. It can be very frustrating, so make sure you can deal with waiting for an item to ship. If you are buying custom pieces, look for items made in the US. The shipping from some international design centers like Italy and France is a big wild card now. I have had furniture that arrived in port but then took several months to clear customs. It’s not really a workable alternative at this time unless you have an open-ended timeline. Also, realize that manufacturers are not carrying a lot of inventory, so many items are made-to-order, extending timelines. Although this all sounds very challenging, there are a lot of things you can do. Be realistic about schedules. Be flexible and expect that things may change. Don’t swing the hammer until you have the critical elements of your project in hand. I often stage items until we get everything we need. It will save you a lot of headaches and help to keep the project moving along. If you are undertaking a large project, having a design professional manage the project can alleviate the stress of managing all of these items. They will help manage expectations and suggest alternatives if things go awry. In the end, this situation is an exercise in patience. Good clear communication and a sense of humor are of paramount importance. Have realistic expectations and know that money won’t necessarily solve the problem. Even with the challenges of this environment, I’m installing beautiful projects every single day, and you can, too. If you have a design question that you’d like me to address, please send it to editor@lakesocietymagazine and I’ll do my best to answer it. A portfolio of my work is available on my website: andrewflesher.com. AUTUMN 2021
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THE
TASTEMAKER Diaries
Interior designers Jen Ziemer and Andrea Dixon of award-winning Fiddlehead Design Group share what they are falling in love with as summer fades into autumn.
The Great Cover Up Touch up your grays on the go. It will be our little secret. Madisonreed.com Penny for your thoughts Update your prep school uniform with this reimagined loafer from Freda Salvador. Grethenhouse.com Mad for Plaid Osbourne and Little’s new collection puts a modern spin on a classic. Not your grandma’s plaid. AjMaison.com
Heads up Make a statement with this beautiful piece showcasing the artistic colab between Rubinksi Works and Celina Kane. Rubinksiworks.com 46
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Dangle it Owner and designer Madison Holler creates wearable art from glass and metal seed beads on thread. Statement jewelry that will turn heads.
Happy Hour The brand new O’Shaughnessy Distillery is the perfect place to sip and socialize with its cozy vibe and standout interiors. Osdistilling.com
Carry On Classic Handbag. Killer color. Enough Said. Pumpzco.com
Pumpkin Spice This time of year, is about layers. We love this pop over coat for its versatility and unexpected Fall palette. Grethenhouse.com AUTUMN 2021
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NEW BEGINNINGS
Matt Tyson and his client’s design collaboration returned this Mediterranean home to its elegant origins. written by ellen olson, photography by chelsie lopez production 48
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“From the beginning,
my client had a vision of a lacquered dining room.” –MATT TYSON, OWNER, RESTOR HOMES
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Although Restor Homes, Matt Tyson’s boutique design-build firm, focuses on remodeling and renovation, he often assists clients with their purchase decisions. When a client moved back to Minneapolis in 2020, after unthinkable tragedy struck her family, he provided guidance as to which property, once renovated, would command a value that would leave his client ahead of the game if she decided to sell. Together, they located a 1928 Mediterranean home in the Edina Country Club neighborhood that had great bones and showed amazing promise. The house had been through an Italian-inspired renovation with dark interiors and distressed millwork. But, an expansive three-story addition to the home, with a two-car attached garage, set it apart, and soon the deal was done. “Our original plan was to just update the kitchen and make some cosmetic changes, but before long, we were into a whole home remodel,” said Matt. “My client grew up in Country Club, so both the house and the neighborhood felt safe and truly felt like home to her. She has a love for all things traditional, with a touch of glam, but mostly she desired a ‘happy home’ so we started with making the interiors feel light and bright.” The home features some beautiful arched doorways, enhanced with moldings to make them even more dramatic. The stone façade on the great room fireplace and surrounding the stove in the kitchen were original features that were preserved. The kitchen cabinets were of excellent quality, so where possible, they were refaced. Some were rebuilt to accommodate new high-end appliances. A creamy white enamel finish, along with an expansive kitchen island featuring white quartz countertops, brought the room to life. The black granite was honed and polished, another feature from the previous remodel that was preserved. Chunky ceiling beams were added in the kitchen, great room and living room to add architectural authenticity to the Mediterranean structure. “From the beginning, my client had a vision of a lacquered dining room,” said Matt. “A bold blue seemed like a natural color choice. All of the walls had been skip-troweled, so our first order of business was to smooth them out and then add some of the panel and molding details. We finished with 6 coats of Benjamin Moore’s Prussian Blue lacquer.” The result is stunning. Although much of the home’s finishes are white, blue accents can be found throughout. The home was fitted with new windows and doors, and the original wood floors were refinished. Tile floors in both the kitchen and mudroom were removed. Red oak flooring was installed in the kitchen to match the rest of the home. In the mudroom, a tumbled red brick was selected. That entrance adds bonafide charm and delight. The owner’s bath was one of the more challenging aspects of the remodel. An arched opening frames the soaking tub. Marble tile was used throughout with a shiny metal schluter inlay around the edge of the room and on the shower’s ceiling. “I wasn’t convinced,” remarked Matt, “but my client insisted on using metal. She was right. It creates a beautiful juxtaposition between the basket weave pattern on the floor and the linear marble used on the walls and the shower.” The remodel reflects the homeowner’s personality and features many aspects that her heart desired. Her background in interior design is evident in those choices. “To a large extent, we added back the points that the house was lacking — the rustic beams, the trim, and the arched cased entryways, it feels cohesive and complete,” Matt said, “and the best compliment I received was from my client.” She stated, ”Matt, you gave me details that I didn’t even know I wanted. This truly is a happy home for new beginnings!” restorhomesllc.com 56
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HOME “We added back the details that
the house was asking for – the rustic beams, the trim, and the arched cased openings.” –MATT TYSON, OWNER, RESTOR HOMES
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“Let the celebration begin!” is Kathy Ehrmann’s mantra for life and her business, lake society magazine
LET’S
Celebrate
L’More Chocolat. written by ellen olson, photography by chelsie lopez production
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SPOTLIGHT
“It’s a place where people can be safe, get dressed up, and
‘go’ to Paris!”
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–KATHY EHRMANN, OWNER, L’MORE CHOCOLAT
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Five years ago, Kathy Ehrmann opened a cute little chocolate shop in Wayzata. The store was decorated in pinks and whites, and her signature product was heart-shaped truffles. Today she has an enviable list of national clients, as well as local individuals who rely on her creativity to develop beautiful signature gifts for holidays, special events, and personal milestones. She finds herself filling orders for 400 chocolate Porsche cars for the Ritz Carlton and hundreds of large holiday boxes for local corporate businesses. L’More Chocolat has also become a destination, requiring more space for larger corporate team building events. When COVID arrived and shutdowns were mandated, Kathy briefly considered shuttering her business altogether for a period of time. But, it soon became clear growth was possible in spite of COVID by creating chocolate experiences to ship and experience remotely via Zoom, and creating unique seasonal shopping experiences for her loyal customers. Orders continued as chocolate became a joyful gift of choice when everyone needed it most. In addition to needing more production capacity to repeat making 25,000 holiday truffles, a pivotal goal in the move was to create a place to enhance the chocolate experience. What better way than virtually transporting them to Paris in downtown Minneapolis! She took a giant leap of faith and settled on moving her shop to the highly visible corner at 13th and Hennepin, in the city’s second-oldest building. It is located a couple of blocks east of the stately Basilica and on the western edge of downtown’s upscale residential area. The building features beautiful arched windows, not unlike those of Angelina’s in Paris, one of the venues that have inspired Kathy over the years. The interiors feature black, white, and gold tones to recreate the elegance of Paris. Gold flocked wallpapers, antique chocolate posters, and hand-carved chairs upholstered in silk set the stage “for the love of the Parisian Chocolate Experience.” The space now features a café, gift shop, large kitchen, an event venue accommodating up to 35 people, and an area dedicated to shipping her products all over the United States. Chocolate tastings and classes are a key part of the business and the community. She has hosted bridal showers, girlfriend reunions, family celebrations, business meetings, and team building for her corporate clients. “My business has evolved from being a chocolate shop to a chocolate event center,” said Kathy. “I strive to create an unforgettable experience for my guests. It’s all about the celebration of life, love, and chocolate!” Kathy’s unique, handmade truffle product has evolved to include six signature lines of more than 50 flavors. She uses chocolate from France and Belgium almost exclusively, allowing her to create exceptionally well-formed, intricate shapes of chocolate. “The consistency is perfect for my product,” said Kathy, “and I purchase my chocolate from a local importer.” Kathy loves to use tiered packaging, which resembles a surprise box. It’s another way to customize the experience as customers work their way through the layers of deliciousness. She sources beautiful silk ribbon from France, including the one emblazoned with her motto “Que la fête commence!” or “Let the Celebration Begin!” Custom packaging with business logos and wax seals is part of her offering. Even after the chocolates are gone, the boxes become a keepsake. In her new location, Kathy feels a part of the energy of the city. “It’s a place where people can be safe, get dressed up, and ‘go’ to Paris!” she remarked. “Chocolate evokes a passion in young and old, male and female, and I love creating memorable experiences for all.” lmorechocolate.com
Your local real estate experts,
providing an unwavering
dedication to service
and superior results.
Jerome D’Alessandro Realtor®
763-458-7321 jerome@fazhomes.com
James Paddon Realtor®
612-868-3814 james@fazhomes.com
Fazendin Realtors Voted Minnesota’s Best Luxury Real Estate Brokerage
@fazhomes
www.fazhomes.com
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ROOFTOP REVERIE
An ultra-modern Uptown penthouse features panoramic views of the city and clean, modern interior finishes. written by ellen olson, photography by spacecrafting
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project credits: architect: christian dean architecture interior design: inunison design • christine frisk, asid; jessica tschida kitchen design: belle kitchen 64
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“The entire project is a
constant play back and forth between the hard and the soft.” –CHRISTINE FRISK, ASID, INUNISON DESIGN, INC. AUTUMN 2021
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The ultra-modern penthouse, designed by Christian Dean Architecture, is perched on the top of an unassuming red brick office building in an Uptown neighborhood is a well-kept secret. It is wrapped in insulated panels of sheet aluminum rainscreen, but most people don’t know that it’s there. The expanses of glass give the homeowner a panoramic 360 view of the city and beyond, and the views change with the seasons. “Creating the indoor/outdoor experience was one of my favorite aspects of this project,” remarked Christine Frisk, ASID, owner, and founder of InUnison Design, the firm responsible for the penthouse interiors. “During the summer and fall, the exposure and extension invite the outside in, and the dizzying palette of Mother Nature’s colors are nothing short of spectacular, even in the dead of winter.” “My client likes edgy and modern spaces, and he wanted to create a warehouse/loft aesthetic with this space,” said Christine. “He likes urban living, and the space was always intended to lean a bit more toward the masculine. We softened the hard edges with furniture and textiles.” Christine began her career in the commercial design business. The discipline of that business is rigorous. Decades ago, she was a trailblazer, blending commercial and residential design, and she loves how the two complement one another. Her use of commercial manufacturers and products in residential projects is a defining aspect of her work. “Commercial manufacturers are ahead of the curve in their use of materials, with a forward look toward their environmental footprint and use of sustainable materials,” she remarked. “Commercial products are designed for heavy use and high traffic, and they are engineered with precision and good design, as well as function.” The penthouse condominium is about 2900 square feet. The floors throughout the unit are polished concrete with a warm grey patina. The walls are quiet and create a museum-quality structure for the owner’s art collection, which brings his personality and passion into the space. The dining room features a unique light fixture. “My client has a very independent streak, and he loves the expression of movement that it conveys,” commented Christine. “It’s ‘freedom’ – like you are floating on top of the world. It was so unique from what others would do, and my client loved it!” The dining room artwork, painted by the homeowner’s daughter, portrays female movement in dance and water. The custom Italian dining table grounds the space with a heavily grained oak top featuring a refined live edge and espresso stain. The dining chairs are from a Spanish designer; clean, simple, and modern. The living room features a large sectional with a curved corner. “The sectional completes the loft experience,” said Christine. “The swivel chairs allow a full view of the condo as well as the outdoor spaces. The leather back and soft fabric interiors accentuate the form.” The Italian coffee table is made from compressed/laminated glass. When you look through it, you can see the different layers, which bring another element of texture to the space. The living room rug is shot with blue and warms the space. The goal of the sleek kitchen design was to hide its inner workings. Christine and the homeowner worked with Belle Kitchen on the design. The counters and island are quartz, and the cabinetry is streamlined but functional. A butler pantry adjacent to the space serves as storage for everyday items. “The entire project is a constant play back and forth between the hard and the soft,” remarked Christine. “The views are part of the canvas of the condo and inform the palette that we chose for the primary living areas. The space continues to evolve, delight, and surprise.” inunisondesign.com • deanarch.com AUTUMN 2021
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ART HISTORY Pop art icon Andy Warhol brought the New York City art scene to Minneapolis in the ‘60s and ‘70s. written by andrew j. ramirez
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photography credits: Star Tribune via Getty Images
photo credit: copyright john hustad. used with permission. tretter collection in glbt studies at u of m.
LIFESTYLE
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A stately residence on Mount Curve in Minneapolis sits on one of the highest vantage points in the city. Over the decades, this remarkable property has seen a lot. Built in1903 for Charles J. Martin, one of the original founders of General Mills, the home is no stranger to opulence. Behind that extravagantly formal brick Italian Renaissance façade lies a rich and storied past. From Gilded Age soirees to modern mixers, the home was built for entertainment. One of the home’s most infamous party guests was New York City pop art luminary Andy Warhol. Notable Minneapolis businessmen Gordon Locksley and George Shea owned the home in the 1970s. The couple enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle and threw many glamourous parties. Their upscale downtown Minneapolis hair salon, Red Carpet Salon, catered to chic, wealthy patrons. Shea and Locksley also owned and operated trailblazing Sutton’s Place, Minneapolis’s first official gay bar, in the 1960s. At that time, being openly gay in Minneapolis was illegal. Locksley and Shea’s meteoric rise in the art world began in 1964. A chance conversation with Jan van der Marck, chief curator at the Walker Art Center, advised the couple to showcase modern pop art at their salon. They began dealing pieces by up-and-coming pop artist Andy Warhol for clients to hang on the walls of their Minneapolis homes. Their prominence and influence grew on the Twin Cities and national art scene. Andy Warhol is regarded as the leader of the modern pop art movement. He is renowned for his silkscreen iconography featuring commercial products, most notably Campbell’s Soup Cans and Coca-Cola bottles. His other artistic mediums included sculpture, photography, paint, and film. He especially enjoyed working with celebrities, producing signature works starring Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Elvis Presley. In 1975, Gordon Locksley and George Shea threw a lavish party and art exhibition at their Locksley Shea Gallery for Andy Warhol. “When Andy Warhol came to Minneapolis, it was as if someone had picked up the entire New York art scene and, in the blink of an eye, transported it to Minneapolis. Minneapolis instantly became the center of the world,” remarked the late Gordon Locksley. Socialites sipped champagne, previewed art, and mingled with Andy Warhol. “It was quite a menagerie of people — well-heeled gentlemen, women wearing too much makeup, some outlandish clothing for the time, and a lot of eye candy,” recollected John Hustad, who photographed the event. For more than half a century, Gordon Locksley and George Shea amassed an incredible modern art collection. In addition to numerous Andy Warhol pieces, their collection included Josef Albers’s Homage to the Square, Roy Lichtenstein’s ART, and minimalist canvases by Brice Marden and Robert Mangold. Gordon Locksley has since passed away. The couple will forever be remembered for their generous loans of modern masterpieces, allowing the public to view those works at Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Art. They were instrumental in establishing the contemporary art community in Minnesota. One of Gordon Locksley’s tips for buying art was, “Don’t think about it like you’re studying the Standard and Poor’s Index. Buy what you like.” By the time current owners Robert and Gloria Levine bought the mansion in 1981, it was quite literally falling apart. Over the years, they have undertaken major renovations to restore the home to its original architectural grandeur. They also love to entertain. One of their recent parties featured late-night comedy legend, Conan O’Brien. The couple also enjoys collecting English antiques from London and commissioning art, including garden statues of their children. AUTUMN 2021
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COLOR STORY
Benjamin Moore’s rich, saturated, wine-colored tones are luxurious and bold, yet they read as neutral. They can anchor a space and provide a sophisticated alternative to more conventional colors and tones.
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