An aerial view of the Redd residence in New Albany.
THE REDD HOUSE
Writen by Amelia Jeffers Photography by James Henthorn and daniel.feldkamp16@gmail.com It was February of 2020 when I met Michael Redd for the first time. I can’t recall who had suggested I profile him in Sophisticated Living Columbus, but his name had come up several times over the years. As a home-grown, world-class athlete and successful businessman, Michael definitely fit the criteria we seek for a feature story - and then some: former NBA All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist, and visionary venture capitalist. If those attributes weren’t amazing enough, Michael represented an opportunity to inject diversity into our line-up, which is a priority to which we are absolutely committed. Though Michael had agreed to be highlighted in our “10 Things I Cannot Live Without” feature, after a 45 minute interview at Starbucks that cold winter morning, two things became clear: (1) it would be impossible to capture Michael’s wisdom, luminescence, and relevance in our community and beyond in a 200 word bio and (2) I had to meet his wife, Achea. 16 slmag.net
Achea and Michael graciously agreed to switch the focus of the article to them, their family and residence in New Albany. A date for me to visit was set, and I headed out on a brisk fall afternoon. My gps guided me to my old neighborhood in the New Albany Country Club community, where I was surprised to find an inconspicuous marker between two familiar homes on a street I had run through hundreds of times over the years. The long drive progresses past the signature brick walls and white fences of the distinctive community to a dense forest that opens to reveal a breathtaking, modernist structure designed by renowned Columbus architect George Acock in the manner of Frank Lloyd Wright. Sheathed in stone, stucco, and glass, the massive home is impressive without overwhelming the natural landscape. Sitting on more than 8 secluded acres, the entire site is peaceful and welcoming - a hint of the warmth and graciousness of the interior and its inhabitants.
