1981 Norfolk Avenue

A block off the prestigious Mississippi River Blvd the neighborhood quickly becomes fairly common place. But at the top of a little rise stands this house that seems to have decided it is not content to be a neo-this or revival-that. It doesn’t even proclaim its mid-century modern heritage very loudly actually. It just sits on its hill looking content to be what it is. Although, when I consider its yellow doors we can’t help but think it wears just a little sly smile. Regrettably we have been unable to discover the architect responsible.

1630 Edgecumbe Place

Tucked away down a little side street off Edgecumbe Road is a bucolic niche carved right out of the heart of Saint Paul’s Highland Park area. While very close to all the wonderful things the city has to offer approaching this spot is like leaving it all behind. The house itself is unique and handsomely designed but not ostentatious the way well funded homes often feel the need to be. It nestles into the side of the hill like it grew there years ago. What’s growing right next to the house is a big part of what makes it so special. A full lot worth of Japanese style garden plays out in a myriad, tranquil shades of green. Backing up against a park allows the garden to take full advantage of the borrowed landscape.

The garage is a recent (2009) edition. It creates a little pocket garden and almost total privacy for the entry to the house. A feature that makes the fact that the owners have generously shared unobstructed views of their garden even more of a gift.

4800 Folwell Drive

Few houses that sit on a corner lot seem to take advantage of their particular situation. This house by Thorshov & Thorson in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis on the other hand manages a number of clever feats at once. No matter the time of day one side folds forward to embrace the sun while the other creates a niche of cool shade. Also, instead of just looking across the street like most houses the angle at which it is set on the lot allows the big windows in the front a full view of the trees that line the West River Road’s boulevard strip at the end of the block. There are several nice touches too – like the benches that surround the patio off the side door and the opposing angles of the chimney caps. There are also two interesting houses next door including one designed by Ralph Rapson.

1316 Bohland Place

The home at 1316 Bohland Avenue in Saint Paul’s Highland Park area is called the Donald Haarstick House. Mr. Haarstick was one of the first architects to embrace modernism after WWII and this home he designed for himself dates to 1955. It is different, almost radical compared to adjacent houses yet looks much more interesting to live in.