Wright Chat

[SDR]

Exactly. As it is, after 33 years in the same unit my rent just topped $900 -- more than half of my base monthly income -- thanks to rent control. I'm going nowhere,
unless it's somewhere far out of town (or out of state), and considering my level of ambition that's highly unlikely, short of a major revelation, opportunity, or upset . . .

SDR

[Windhaven]

SDR, I'm still here and still guarding my mentor's reputation (that is if you were speaking of me, of course). Good to see this house brought back to a bit of life, it was really in rough shape for quite a while. Year's after John's passing, Josephine McDonald (John's wife) still considered this home her favorite. Sadly, she is gone, too...Tom

[SDR]

Thanks, Tom -- glad you're watching. We need you ! I hope all is well . . .

Peter is getting us some interesting photos of this early house; I think we'll see those shortly. Your data and comments will be much appreciated.

SDR

[peterm]

Tom- sdr will be posting some vintage photos that I received. Would you have access to any of the architectural drawings?

Did you by any chance work at McDonald’s firm?

[SDR]

[Windhaven]

Peter and SDR, I was John's last apprentice from 1998 until his death in 2003. At that time there was really no "architectural firm" but rather John doing the designs and me completing the construction drawings. John was in Florida and I was in Wisconsin. Boy did that "fax machine" hum in those days. We did all work by hand (and I still do). I have copies of the original drawings for this home...Tom

[peterm]

Wow!

Welcome to Wright Chat...

[Roderick Grant]

The period photos seem to indicate that the odd 'fireplace' is a wall-through contraption facing both the living room and kitchen? And the floor detail becomes logical as a design element.

Those early photos make the house look wonderful, complete with a woodie in the driveway.

[SDR]

So -- the fireplace is elevated above a "mantel," making it a standing-height feature (with room below for a wall-mount flat-screen TV ?), while in the kitchen there's a corresponding . . . what, indoor barbecue ?

The colors are so nice in those photos. Do we imaging those are McDonald's furnishings ? The floor in one image is vanilla-custard yellow -- but of what material ? And the angled lines are visible -- but what are them made of, or on ? Dutch oven ? Franklin stove ?

Answers, please ! It will take more study to correlate those interior shots with the ones we have in the new realtor's set . . .

SDR

[Windhaven]

SDR, The drawings for this house do not indicate any of the finishes you are questioning. The fireplace "cover" is original but not on the plans. John did a number of drawings for the fireplace but "the budget" always wins. There are also drawings for a number of the "built-ins", some executed faithfully and some not. This house, as many of John's early designs, was built out of next to nothing. I know this first hand after having to design additions and modifications for a number of them. It was only after deeper pocket clients came along that the elements of John's designs became more structurally substantial, for lack of a better term...Tom

[SDR]

Heh-heh. Thanks, Tom. I imagine this story has been repeated a number of times, to young architects of all persuasions (but, particularly, to avant-garde designers ?) . . .

SDR

[Windhaven]

That's funny, because even at 54, I still consider myself a young architect. At 80+ years old, John Randal would jump around a jobsite like he was a teenager. It was all about the excitement of beginning a new project. That feeling never really leaves you if you truly care about each project.

[SDR]

At 75, I can agree completely. Work (i.e., play), when you're invested in it, is a life force . . .

SDR

[Tim]

Great house. I'll happen to be in Racine tomorrow. I'll swing by it and take photos if I think it can add any perspective.

[SDR]

Thanks, Tim -- that would be helpful. Have a pleasant weekend !

SDR