My Experience on Summit Ave.

On the Summit Ave. Tour we saw many big and extravagant houses! Here I will be explain the trip and giving you all the info on how you can take the tour yourself, or learn a couple things about the homes. I will also list the houses you MUST see and know about.

The James J. Hill house was the first place that we stopped and the people that work there (Summit Ave. Walking Tour) gave us the tour. The James J. Hill house was the biggest house on Summit Ave.

The second house we were introduced to was the house to the right of The James J. Hill House was The Louis Hill House. This house used to belong to one of James' sons. You can learn more about Louis W. Hill by clicking the link I have embedded in his name.

The Italian Beaux Arts Mansion was one of my favorite houses that we saw on the tour. I believe it was modern for it's time, and it is very pretty. I also like how it has a side entrance, it gives it an interesting feel.

The James J. Hill House Carriage House is a beautiful remodel. It's rustic and modern. It was on of the most interesting things I saw on the trip. The house is actually for sale right now. 

The Summit Ave. Walking Tour is a must do/see. It has amazing history (which you can find here) and it's just really interesting to look at these beautiful, but historic homes. I had a lot of fun looking at the homes and learning about them because I love to look at homes, and interior designs of them. I think that anyone, like me, who likes to look at or just learn about homes should take this tour. I also believe if you live in Minnesota it's a must.

Cass Gilbert vs. Clarence Johnston

   In this post I will be comparing the building styles, and personal lives, of Cass Gilbert and Clarence Johnston. They are both famous architects of their time, and still are recognized today in many ways.

  This (left) is Cass Gilbert, and he was born in Zanesville, Ohio in 1859. He has built many Capitals, Universities, and even more important buildings. He also has built 30+ structures in his life time. Cass' most historical builds are skyscrapers. He was named the Skyscraper Pioneer because his designs were so modern in his time. The reason his skyscrapers were so modern is because he used technique of cladding a steel frame. His technique was used for decades. Gilbert was one of the first celebrity architects in America. Modernists absolutely loved his work! John Morin Painted his buildings, and Frank Llyod Wright adored the lines on his skyscraper. Cass Gilbert did everything he wanted. When he designed he would be like,"This is the way I am going to do this and you will like it." I mean he didn't exactly what he would say, but it's what he did.

 This is the Woolworth Building in New York. It is Cass' most famous Skyscraper in New York.

This is Clarence H. Johnston, he was an American Architect. Minnesota claimed him as the State Architect in 1901. He built a lot of Universities, schools, homes, and he built the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand. He only has builds in Minnesota. Clarence was also more of a selfless architect, and he did everything to please his clients.

These are old Images of the Grandstand. The one on the left is a drawing of it.

Comparison Of Architecture:

Gilbert and Johnston both studied at Massachusetts Institute of Technology for their Architectural degrees. This is partially why their builds are so similar.

Cass Gilbert's build on Summit Ave.

Clarence Johnston's build on Summit Ave.

    Both of the houses that they built on Summit Ave. both have a symmetry to it. They both used almost the same materials, and windows. they also both put detail into their designs. Both of these architects are very skilled, and were worthy of their titles. If I were to say witch one won in fame would be Cass Gilbert, but in personality it would be Clarence Johnston. So they both win, but in different ways.

Exploring Summit Ave.

     On the Summit Ave. Tour we saw many beautiful houses and learned so much about them and their history. My favorite house on Summit Ave. is the Louis and Rose Silverstein House. It isn't much of my taste on the outside, but inside is quite beautiful.

The Owners had the house built during the roaring twenties, 1924 to be exact. Louis Silverstein was president of a women's wear wholesale company, and his wife convinced Mr. Silverstien to get the house built. The house was built so there would be to living quarters, so Rose's Russian mother had her own living space, but still lived with them. The architect was the Minnesota Architect Peter J. Linhoff, and he designed the home for the Silverstein's. The home is a Colonial Revival/ Mediterranean Revival. The house is now owned by The Olson's and Amy Olson's parents. When they fist viewed it they knew it was big enough for everything they need (tennis court and two living spaces), but it had a couple problems. It was dark, it had a leaky roof, and the walls were rotting. the house needed an immediate renovation to make it safe and healthy to live in. With the renovation they tried to preserve as much of the original build as they possibly could. They made the home for modern standard living, but kept many of the historic character to it. Below I will have pictures of what the home looks like now.

These are the two kitchens in the two separate condos.

One of the bathrooms in the home.

This is what both of the living spaces look like in each condo. They each have their own style of decor, but both of the rooms are designed the same.

This is the main hallway on the lower level.

        This house is very beautiful in my opinion, and I really do believe they mixed the right amount of modern and history in this home. Even though I didn't get to see the house in person, it is nice to learn about other historic, and amazing homes, on the ave.

The James J. Hill House

On the 6th of October my Interior Design Class was able to venture out to Summit Ave. Our first stop was the James J. Hill House and it is the biggest house on the street.

             James J. Hill is the owner of this magnificent home. He was born in Ontario, Canada September 16th, 1838. He Grew up in a quite poor home with only his Parents, but sadly later on (age 14) only his mother. James had gone to a very nice school and got high education at Rockwood Academy. After his father's death he had to drop out of school and begin working. He worked as a grocer while Reverend William Wetherald taught him English and Mathematics. Later at 17 he moved to the United states to find a better job than Fur Trading. He settled in Kentucky for a couple years as a bookkeeper, and later on moved to St. Paul, Minnesota. He then took up working for a steam boat company. James did not take part in The Civil War because he had no sight in his right eye from an archery incident when he was young. Instead he helped with book keeping and handling freight for his many employers. He learned about trading and shipping from this experience. James had a keen eye with opportunities, he knew he had to go after them. One of the business opportunities, that would change his life, was basically the unfortunate of others. People needed jobs so he decided that people would get more jobs if they helped expand railroads, and this would help new towns get started; where more jobs would be needed. He was the president of his company "Northern Railway Company." Later on he had competition with E.H Harriman's Union Pacific Railroad, but they eventually allied. James J. Hill was married to Mary Theresa Mehgan. They ended up having ten children, and when James felt it was right he gave the company to his son in 1901. He still worked for his company until his death on May 29th, 1916.

This huge home's head architect was Mark Fitzpatrick. The house is now worth 2.5 billion dollars. It is now owned by the Minnesota Historical Society, and they hold tours of the house, and of Summit Ave. The James J. Hill House is considered a National Historic Landmark.

This a picture of what the house used to look like. It was much brighter than it is now. The pollution of coal in the air turned the bricks of the house black or a darker shade of brown. (The coal really gave me a "Batman" feeling for some reason.)

This house really is enormous! The field trip allowed me to see how big, and beautiful, this house really is.

Roof Styles and Housing Characteristics You Need to Know

When you become an Interior Designer, Architect, and maybe just a home owner there are a few things you should know about homes. In this post I will be giving you examples of roofs and other characteristics of homes. Knowing all of this information will help you become more knowledgeable in what you want in your home.

Styles of Roofs:

1. Gable Roof:

A gable roof is defined as "A roof with two sloping sides, forming a triangle at one or both ends." There are two different types of this roof: A Side Gable, and a Front Gable. A Front Gable is when the triangle of the roof is facing toward you, and it is on the front of the house. A Side Gable is facing away from you when you are looking at the front of a home. I put two different examples below. Types of houses that have these roofs could be Colonial Revivals-Cape Cod Cottages, Neo-Electics, Greek Revivals, Ranch, and Tudors.

Contemporary Exterior by Toronto Photographers Peter A. Sellar - Architectural Photographer

Modern Exterior by Seattle Architects & Building Designers David Vandervort Architects

2. Gambrel roof: 

A Gambrel roof is defined as "A roof with two angels of a slope on each of the two sides, the lower slope steeper than the upper slope." You could basically just call this the "Barn Roof" because that's really what the style looks like. Below I put an example I found off of Houzz. Houses that would be most likely to have these types of roofs would be Colonial Revival- Dutch.

Victorian Exterior by Stillwater Architects & Building Designers Ron Brenner Architects

3. Hipped Roof: 

A Hipped Roof is defined as " A roof with all four sides of this roof slope inward to meet at a peak, or a ridge." The type of house that could have theses type of roofs could be on a Prairie style home. Below I have an Example of a Hipped roof.

Traditional Exterior by Minneapolis Architects & Building Designers TEA2 Architects

4. Saltbox: 

A Salt Box is defined as " A variation of the Gable Roof, originally created when a low lean-to addition was buiolt onto the back wall of a house." So how I would explain it is a Gabble Roof with one side of the roof being longer than the other. Common types of houses you would see this on is a ranch style of home.

Contemporary Exterior by Orlando Architects & Building Designers Ryan Young, AIA

5. Mansard Roof:

A Mansard Roof is defined as "All four sides of this roof has two slopes, the lower four are steeper than the upper four." I would describe it as a Hipped Roof with another layer of roof under it that slopes steeper. You would find this type of roof on a  Colonial Revival-Georgian, or Tudor. 

Traditional Exterior by Other Metro General Contractors RDM General Contractors

6. Shed Roof:

A Shed Roof is defined as "A simple, one-slope roof; also called a lean-to roof" I believe it is called a "lean to roof" because most of these types you would see on the side of a home, leaning on it. I also believe that the type of house you would see this on, by it's self, is on a more Modern home. 

Contemporary Exterior by Grand Rapids Architects & Building Designers Lucid Architecture

Housing Characteristics:

1. Bay Window:

A Bay Window is defined as "A set of two or more windows that protrude out from the wall." The type of houses that have this characteristic most commonly would be Tudors.

Traditional Landscape by Centerville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Elaine M. Johnson

2. Casement window:

A Casement Window is defined as "A window that opens by swinging inward or outward much like a door." Most of the time you will find these windows in groups on a home. You will find these type of windows on a Prairie Style home.

Mediterranean Kitchen by Palo Alto Architects & Building Designers FGY Architects

3. Clapboard:

Clapboard is defined as "Long, narrow boards overlapped to cover the outer walls of a home." Clapboard is basically siding. You will find clapboard on Colonial styles of homes. The image I selected has two different types of clapboard. There is the most common "plastic" clapboard, and then the wood clapboard.

Rustic Exterior by Saratoga Springs Design-Build Firms Witt Construction

4. Dormer:

Dormer is defined as "The setting for a vertical window in the roof." A Dormer in my words would be a window in the middle of a roof. There are other kinds of Dormers as well. A Gable Dormer is when it has it's own gable. There is also a Shed Dormer if there is a flat roof. You will find dormers most commonly on Bungalows.

Beach Style Exterior by Bend Architects & Building Designers Christian Gladu Design

5. Eaves:

An Eave is defined as " The portion of the roof that projects beyond the wall." In my words I would say it is an overhang off of your house. Prairie and Bungalow styled homes will have them most commonly.

Craftsman Exterior by Bend Architects & Building Designers Christian Gladu Design

6. Fanlight:

A Fanlight is defined as "A semicircular or arched window above a door." A lot of different styles of houses tend to have these.

Traditional Entry by New Canaan Architects & Building Designers Brooks and Falotico Associates, Inc.

7. Palladian Window
:A Palladian Window is defined as "A three part window featuring a large arched center and flanking rectangular sidelights." In the image I chose there is one over the house and one over the garage.

Traditional Exterior by Annapolis Home Builders Riley Custom Homes & Renovations

8. Pediment:
A pediment is defined as "A triangular crown used over doors, windows, or porches." In my words would be something like a small roof over a door, window, or porch. This is usually on classical houses. A house style like Greek Revival would definitely have one of these.

Traditional Entry by Atlanta Architects & Building Designers Historical Concepts

9. Portico:
A Portico is defined as "A large porch usually with a pedimented roof supported by classical columns or pillars." In my opinion it is a lot like a Pediment. It is also found on Greek Revivals.

Exterior by Chicago Building Supplies James Hardie Building Products

10. Rafter:
 A Rafter is defined as "A roof beam sloping from the ridge to the wall." They are usually found where the Attic is located. The house that is most likely to have one of these is a Bungalow style.

Contemporary Living Room

11. Sidelight:

A sidelight is defined as "Windows on either side of a door."

Traditional Entry by New Canaan Architects & Building Designers James Schettino Architects

12. Turret:

A Turret is defined as "A small tower, often on the corner of a building." This is what we call a "Rapunzel Tower" or "Princesses Tower." This is most commonly found on a Queen Anne style of home. 

Traditional Exterior by Edmond Architects & Building Designers Brent Gibson Classic Home Design

There are so many different ways to style your home. With all of these basic styles, and characteristics we are able to design a home, or pick a home, of our own. 

Life Cycle Project

This past week in Interior Design we learned about housing needs, and how through out your life you will move multiple times. We also learned that in an house you have Physical and Psychological needs. These needs are essential to have a healthy home environment.

The four Physical Needs:

1. Food: In a house you need a kitchen, so you can store and cook food. A kitchen can also be used to socialize.

2. Safety: The safety factor is knowing that you can lock your doors from the outside dangers. Your home is also the place where you can, and should be able to express how you feel safely.

3. Shelter: Your home provides protection from storms and the dangerous climates.

4. Storage: Storage like closets, drawers, and other furniture store all of your possessions and keep everything organized. You also need enough space to accommodate for the amount of people you have living in your home.

The Four Psychological Needs:

1. Identity: Your identity in the community does seem to effect some people. It reflects your values and shows your life style.

2. Creativity: Your creativity flows through your house with your Interior Design skills. You get to express your creativity by decorating your house and designing rooms. You also get to create your own style.

3. Safety: You know you have privacy, and this allows you to daydream and work in peace.

4. Love and Belonging: Humans are wired to want to feel excepted and loved. So in our communities we want to feel that way, and be apart of the community. We also need interaction with other people.

The Life Cycle:
The Life Cycle is the stages you go through life as you grow older. In Interior Design we learned about the Housing Life Cycle. We learned about three different ages: 22, 33, and 42.

Housing at 22:
At 22 I have a budget of 138,000 to spend on a house. So if I was 22 I would probably be living in an apartment by myself because I would have just graduated college and started my own life. I would want to live in the cities because I'm young and would like to be able to get to event's in town easier. I would also like to be in the cities because I won't have to drive too much, or far, to get to my job and save money. I would also need 1 bedroom, 1 bath, kitchen, and enough space to entertain a few people. I am a social person, and I want to be able to have my family over or a couple friends. The house I chose was this apartment in Minneapolis and it basically has everything I need. It has a big open space for entertaining, and a bar in the kitchen. The island in the kitchen really does help when you have guests over and you are preparing a meal because you can interact and not be shunned to the kitchen. It also has 1 bath and 1 bed which is enough because it's only me living there.

Housing at 33: 

At 33 in our class we were told that would be the age that we would get married, and so now my husband and mine's budget is 365,900. Now that I am married I would need 3 bed, two bath, a kitchen, and living space. I need more space now because I will be planning to have kids and need to be ready for enough space in the future. I will need space for toys and more people of course. I will most likely still want to entertain so I will also need space for that. I also would like a yard so my kids can play. The house I chose is in great location because it has a yard, enough room, in a community, and has a community pool! 

Housing at 42:

At 42 my budget would be 673,000. At this age I will be thinking about how my body has to deal with moving around and what not. I need a home where I don't need to go up and down stairs and everything is easy access for me when I get even older. I need at least 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, and living space. The house I chose does have a basement, but most houses in Minnesota have them for safety reasons. It has 4 beds which will be nice to have, just in case my kid's and their families decide to stay over or something.