By Jack Houvouras
HQ 55 | SPRING 2005
“The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.” — Frank Lloyd Wright
This edition of the Huntington Quarterly marks the beginning of a three-part series involving a staff project that we began in September – building our vision of the quintessential Huntington dream home. For more than 15 years we have featured some of the finest homes in the region, and this recurring section of the magazine has become the most popular among both men and women. Inspired by that knowledge as well as other dream home articles in publications around the country, we set out to design and build a home that incorporated the principles that are the foundation of this publication: quality materials, classic design, attention to detail and a true love for the natural beauty that abounds in Huntington.
The process actually began two years ago when we started searching for a suitable lot. We had hoped to find property overlooking something distinctly Huntington such as the Ohio River or Ritter Park, but those plans never materialized due to monetary restraints. Believe it or not, even “dream homes” have budgets. Ultimately we found something more affordable yet equally inspiring in a scenic and secluded wooded lot that offered breathtaking views of the Huntington hills.
While that was an important decision in the dream home odyssey, it was the design phase that had a profound impact on me personally. While working with our talented architect, Todd Mitchell, I slowly began to cultivate a respect and appreciation for an art form I had unwittingly neglected over the years – architecture.
While my first in-depth exposure to architecture came while working with Mitchell on our dream home plans, my love for the craft was strongly reinforced throughout the nine-month construction phase. During this time I visited the home site daily, watching the structure take shape and evolve. I cherished those moments at the end of the day when I was alone in the home, walking from room to room soaking up all of the clean lines and perfectly defined angles that had been forged by gifted craftsman. Immersed in total silence, it was as if my soul was at peace as I studied the structure with a new vision.
At the same time I began taking notice of other structures around town in my daily travels. Some inspired me such as the old Carnegie Library, Tom Wolfe’s Victorian office building on Fifth Avenue, the Ibrahim home on High Drive, the former Huntington High School, the East End Bridge, Marshall’s James E. Morrow Library and, of course, the Keith-Albee Theatre. Others disappointed including many of the vinyl-clad homes popping up in sub-divisions across the region, the endless parade of stucco office buildings in downtown and the ghastly City Hall annex building.
Of course like any other art form, architecture is highly subjective. In the end all that really matters is what you like. I’ve always been nostalgic and drawn to quality craftsmanship from a bygone era. I prefer authentic materials such as real wood and real stone over aluminum siding and cultured stone. I recognize advances in materials such as 40 year asphalt shingles, but would rather spend the time and money to maintain the distinctive look of a slate or cedar shingle roof. I think that will be evident as you watch our dream home unfold.
Until then, if you aren’t already an aficionado, I highly recommend a slow drive around Huntington to find out what structures speak to you. When you have the time, go inside and look around to take in the smallest details. In doing so, I am confident you will discover why inspired architecture can be so powerful, spiritual and uplifting.
