Integrating the old

The following is a compilation of select old posts I had previously made on our first, and now retired blog.  I thought some of them worthy for architectural and historical value.  

The first post I also, wanted to include because of the way this historic bungalow was remodeled and how layout problems were solved.  If a home has a functional problem it can be corrected with a little imagination and passion!  It is no longer for sale as it was at the time I wrote the following post:  

  

1001 Sheridan- A gem just waiting to be snatched up! (It was sold- no longer on the market)

There is a home on 10th and Sheridan that I am sure many have passed and even perhaps taken a tour to view: 1001 Sheridan. This home has been given an incredible renovation by its owners! The integrity of the Bungalow style home has been maintained while transforming the living space into a modern, spacious and logical layout plan perfect for any family of today.

One of the most notable features of this home was actually a remarkable adjustment and re-remodel made by the owners. After hearing much feedback from potential home buyers about the infeasibility of the master bath and closet space being separated from the master bedroom by a spiral staircase a solution was borne. They corrected the problem with an incredible and innovative dormer addition. See photo below.

Now the master bedroom/master bath and closet space are all one. (In addition there are now two bedrooms on the main living space perfect for guests or small children.) Below is an interior shot of the master bedroom. The space is simply stunning! I was completely taken aback on how the addition of this cohesive master bedroom/bath and closet system added fluidity and function to the home. Just beautiful! A dream master bedroom!

The following is a photo of the master bath. No details were left undone and no cuts made on modern amenities!

The closet space was also carefully designed and built. This photo does not do it complete justice. Feel free to go to the following link for an expansive array of pictures and further details about all the quality materials used, excellent appliances included and other remarkable renovations made throughout the home: Raving Real Estate

This home is just waiting for the perfect people to fall in love with all this home offers. The location of the home is prime. The renovations make this home unique and beautiful! Every square inch has been thoughtfully revived! In addition the sale of the home includes materials for a brand new porch which will extend the full length of the front of the home. This will contribute much value with a beautiful entrance and added curb appeal!

1001 Sheridan may be just the home for you! I believe so strongly in this home and its potential to provide its buyer much enjoyment! One would be hard pressed to find such a home in the tree area, truly a one of a kind!

The Bath Row building in Laramie, Wyoming!

Laramie has many historical gems which can give the passerby a momentary feel for early pioneer days in this wild and forlorn place. The above drawing is such an example. The Wyoming Historic Preservation Office cites quite eloquently the history of this architectural structure:

“The Bath Row Historic District includes four buildings constructed in 1883. These structures were built by the Bath family, important contributors to Laramie's early settlement period. Known for their fine stone buildings and business activities, the Baths were involved in merchandising, hotel ownership, early ranching, and the construction and rental of housing for railroad workers. This, in a town with a population of only 2,000 at that time, makes it easy to understand just how much power they wielded. These buildings are excellent examples of a type, period, and method of construction used in Laramie's early settlement period, which was in large part determined by the Baths who set the standards upon which much of the local building traditions were based. Constructed as rental units for railroad workers, the stone structures are representative of the arrival and continuing influence of the transcontinental railroad in Wyoming. Though nine houses and a barn were initially constructed, only four retain integrity and serve to provide a clear example of Laramie's early stone buildings. The others along the row demonstrate the personal tastes and trends which later became popular.” Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office-National Register Site

I had the great pleasure of drawing BATH ROW. So quaint and yet so beautiful! I found myself wanting to live in this home, once again as a college student walking past this structure numerous times. I find the buildings constructed from the early founding people of this city so fascinating. What a hard and yet exciting time!

Craftsman Bungalow Home in Laramie, Wyoming!


This month’s home is a stunning example of a bungalow or craftsman bungalow architectural style house. The bungalow seems to be widely misidentified. Most bungalow’s built in America are not true to their original orgin which was in India. Initially, these homes were one story homes with surrounding porches with a broad roof, which did not include dormers. America adapted different characteristics to the style. The bungalow was a physical manifestation of Americans desire to move away from the intricate, formal and machined style of the Victorian. By the early 1920’s bungalows were very popular. Additionally, since the climate is not as hot a second story could easily be added and dormers were constructed to provide light to this second story. A long porch along the entire front face of the home is more true to the style, but many homes with partial porches are still identified as a bungalow.


The identifying features of the bungalow are as follows: low-pitched gable roof, wide overhanging eaves, exposed rafters, decorative brackets, porch in line with the main roof over the house, tapered or square columns, hand-crafted stone or woodwork and use of mixed materials. Craftsman Bungalow Architecture


Thank you to to the Woelk’s for allowing me to draw your beautiful home!

Introducing my sketches of local homes in Laramie!


Introducing my sketches for Raving Real Estate! I love to draw. I love architecture and the stories of the people who inhabit these homes both past and present. What better way to combine these interests?! This is the third drawing I have done of houses around Laramie. This is the home of Dr. Harold and Dr. Annie Bergman located on 8th Street. When I was attending the University of Wyoming, I used to admire this house as I walked to and from school. When we later moved to a home on the same block I found out it was the home of my Environmental Natural Resource Studies professor, Dr. Harold Bergman. What a lovely family! They have a beautiful and bright daughter who Amelia, my first daughter enjoyed playing with on occasion.

It is a stunningly beautiful example of a Tudor style house. The curved gable and high pitch roof give it away easily. The house was built in 1936 by the family who owned the local brick yard in West Laramie at the time. Many of the homes in the area were built by this family. I will have to track down the name of the family. I do know however, the owner had 4 sons (all brick layers by trade) and a daughter. This particular house was built for the daughter and her husband. I could not depict quite definitively the very interesting misshapen nature of the bricks used in the decorative wall in front and used in the bottom four feet of the home. This brick is called slag: brick that did not procure hot enough or burned too hot and became twisted and melted together as a result. It makes for quite an appealing building material! (Information attained from Dr. Bergman. Thank you for the knowledge you have of your home!)

If you happen to be interested in learning more about how to recognize Tudor Style Architecture here is a great link!

A sketch will appear every month for Raving Real Estate's one page advertisement in the local Home Guide of listings for sale. If you are interested in having a sketch done of your home. Please feel free to contact me! I hope in the future to compile information on all the homes I sketch and publish them in a book.

Diamond in the rough

As no surprise, spring and warmer weather has not yet come to our high altitude plain. We had family come and visit last week and the kids were dying to get out and play in the park.  However, between the cold wind and spitting snow this was not the most desirable option.  I decided to stop by the Laramie Plains Civic Center.  I remember coming over from Wheatland to play basketball when I was in Junior High School and later frequented the gyms in college as a volunteer 5th and 6th grade basketball coach.  


I asked about the possibility of using one of the gyms as a place for the kids to run, play and bounce balls.  The staff was quite welcoming and accommodating.  There happened to be unreserved time open for this opportunity.  The kids were delighted to be turned loose in the north gym.  
  

Don't forget about this wonderful resource!  The gyms and some of the rooms are available for rent.  There are also open gym hours.  Summer will be here before we know it, and "fun in the sun" will prevail, but this building is a great option when weather proves less than cooperative.


Furthermore, if history is to your liking here is a bit of information about this beautiful historical gem:

"The historic Laramie Plains Civic Center (LPCC) is an impressive building located in the heart of Laramie, Wyoming. The LPCC is the oldest school building in the state, originally built as the East Side School in 1878. In addition, the LPCC was also the first stone building in the Wyoming Territory. Following the original construction, the building had two major additions completed in 1928 and 1939. The building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since March 17, 1981. 

The LPCC began making significant contributions to the city of Laramie from its inception. The largest contribution of the building was made through educating the community's youth for 100 years until 1979, as well as providing a meeting place for the local members of the community. As a point of comparison, the LPCC has a longer history than the University of Wyoming, which was established in 1886. These historic pasts demonstrate that the LPCC is one of Laramie's irreplaceable treasures.

The LPCC has continued to grow and adapt to the needs of the Laramie community, serving to fulfill the role of education, recreation, retail, entertainment, and workplace."  Laramie Plains Civic Center, History

In addition, there is a rich and interesting line up of acts scheduled in the exquisite auditorium ranging from Baxter Black and ballet performances to burlesque shows and didgeridoo music and story.   Take a look at the schedule of events planned at this historic place:  Events  

710 E. Garfield

745-8000

This "diamond in the rough" has opportunities for community members to donate, sponsor and volunteer.  


Due to my fortuitous reintroduction with The Laramie Plains Civic Center, I have a renewed interest in the building and all that it offers and all of its potential.  What a true gem located right here in Laramie!