2008
Home & Garden Tour
2000 Carey Place
In the early 1920’s the Interurban Railway Company, led by John Shartel, planned an extension from Linwood Boulevard to north of NW 23rd Street, and the Gatewood Addition plat of 1922, included a 160 foot wide, diagonal strip for a rail line from NW 16th to 23rd Streets. A single track line was built up to 16th Street but not farther north. In 1930 the Gatewood section from NW 17th to 21st Street was sold as 30 lots with a narrow lane in the center. There were 10 properties built in 1930 and 1932, but as the effects of the Great Depression were felt more in Oklahoma City, building stopped.
Jess Woolf, who had been a salesman for Carey Lumber Company (the initial developer), bought most of the remaining lots and built at least 12 properties beginning in 1936. By 1938 Jess Woolf had already designed and built several homes on Carey Place (including his own at 1901) when Charles and Ruth Carey commissioned him to build on their lot at 2000. All of Woolf’s structures here were influenced by the “Mission/Spanish Colonial Revival” style popular in California at the time, though this interior was “moderne” relying on plaster detailing rather than crown moldings and other layered wood trim. The Carey’s made several modifications during their years, including enclosure of the garage (now the utility room) adding a detached two car garage at the right rear and a “Florida Room” behind the living room.
Only the second owners, the Johnstons bought the house from Ruth Stack Carey’s estate in 1974 as newlyweds. There have only been minor structural changes in the house since Jason, a state cerjpgied Interior Designer and Edwina, Reservation Co-ordinator for the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, moved in. Most of the home’s rooms are on their third or fourth design scheme.
The distinguishing tower “turret” detail on the front of the house has a new roof as of last year, the first since the original 1938 cedar shingles were cut by hand. Fashioned again one by one, the French made copper-clad, rubber-backed shingles should last as long as the first — the curved rain guttering is original. Removing the home’s 38 original canvas awnings has brightened up the interior considerably; “E” glass storm windows, shutters, and large trees now serve the same purpose.
Last year, blowing rain from what was left of hurricane Katrina caused leaks in the wall between the living and dining rooms that brought about major changes, starting with the new distressed maple floor. Two opposing five foot wide cased openings were created that have opened up the kitchen to the main gathering space, the dining room/gallery. The living room was built with a “tray” ceiling, but the beam detail and lighting have been added. The Rialto Media Room with its Moorish dome and “Movie Palace” details were in place before this home’s first time on the Gatewood Home tour in 1999.
The kitchen/breakfast area has new ceiling decor and lighting, but the “hidden” bath (originally the back porch) behind the panty door is what visitors often find most memorable. Watch your step on the tower stairway, it is interesting but very narrow!
On the second floor, the master bedroom’s ceiling has been removed to give more “visual space”, with newly installed built-in cabinetry easing storage needs. The upstairs bath, master and guest bedrooms have been redecorated in the past few years. Outside, a swimming pool and deck were removed to make way for several levels of decking and the lattice summerhouse, more compatible with the couple’s desire for outdoor entertaining. Please exit the house through the back yard and 3 Sister’s steel gate..
1701 NW 16th
This commercial building was built in 1927 and was the, "New State Ice Company." This warehouse has been vacant, vandalized, and minimally used for commercial property for many years. Estrella Evans had an exciting vision to bring new life to this once dilipated structure and make this her home and location for the newest Velvet Monkey Salon. She hired Jeff Struble, contractor, and Architects, Kenneth Fitzsimmons, of TASK design , inc. and Brian Fitzsimmons of Fitzsimmons Architects to help transform this broken down warehouse into a modern masterpiece.
The existing structure consists of masonry, concrete and steel. Although it appears to be a two story with a missing roof it is actually a one story with a tall parapet which was originally used to screen roof top mounted ice making equipment. The facade has been restored to maintain its historic character while any new buildout on the inside is modern and clean. Not only is this warehouse a beaujpgul New York style loft home, but the front facing 16th street is the future home of the Velvet Monkey Salon.
Jeff Struble and Kenneth Fitzsimmons are in the process of designing and building the 2,500 square foot salon. It will consist of ten stations, spa services, vintage clothing and local designer sales. In addition, an art gallery will be available for local artists to display and sell their artwork. Estrella hopes to have the space completely finished within the next six months. The excitement generated by the new Velvet Monkey Salon combined with the building's unique facades will become a welcoming gateway to those entering the Plaza district from the east.
1901 NW 17th
In 1928, the year before the stock market crash brought an abrupt close to the Roaring 20’s, locally renowned builder G. A. Nichols erected this two-story brick Tudor revival home. Randy and Sandra Cassimus fell in love with the house at first sight and purchased it in September, 2004. “My husband is of Greek heritage so we now like to call it ”Kasimatica,” meaning “Land of the Cassimuses,” after the small Greek island village that was home to Randy’s great-grandfather,” said Sandra.
Through the years, the home has enjoyed several owners. Robert and Dena Baade added flower beds and the flagstone patio in the backyard in the 1980’s. Dr. Byron Williams owned the house in the late 1990s and contributed the handsomely remodeled gourmet kitchen with its functional island. When Shannon and Damon Stone purchased the home in 2002, they upgraded the electrical system to code and added reproduction light fixtures for the entry way and dining room, as well as decorator paint colors throughout the house. Other improvements through the years include removing an alternate set of stairs off the main staircase that once landed in the kitchen, as well as adding the window seat and display shelves that flank the front living room window, a full bath adjoining the master suite, and a half-bath in the space that previously served as the rear entryway of the first floor. The brick carriage house, constructed in 1933, was originally the servant’s quarters and now functions as a two-car garage with an occupied studio apartment up the stairs. A large storage building was erected about 20 years ago at the rear of the property. It now features the home’s most recent update, a just-completed fitness room that includes cushioned flooring and an array of workout equipment.
However, it is the home’s original amenities that fascinate its owners. “There is an old buzzer mounted on what was once a laundry chute which supposedly was used for calling the maid upstairs! No maids to call these days, so the laundry chute now works well as a cable chase,” said Sandra. You will also notice handsomely crafted woodwork throughout the home, as well as two working gas fireplaces. The fireplace in the library, which is part of the second floor master suite, is styled of Frankoma tile. A beaujpgul arbor of yaupon branches shaded the front entryway for years but regrettably was lost to the December, 2007 ice storm. However, the trees, which are original to the house, remain standing. Because of the storm, Randy has made landscaping a priority in recent months.
Ultimately, it is the lifestyle of living in this old house that captivates the couple. “We can enjoy our evening libations on the covered side porch or on the backyard patio beneath the shade of our old pecan tree. The bells of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church ring each day at dusk and the lights on the church steeple illuminate our backyard at nightfall. We can often hear the comforting sound of distant train whistles in the night,E2 said Sandra. Randy added, “The neighborhood has this sort of ambience and rhythm to it that seems almost European. There are well-trafficked sidewalks throughout the neighborhood so we can wave to all the walkers. Our area’s resident celebrity musician, Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips, even waves to us when he occasionally rides his bicycle or jogs right past our house. And, of course, everyone knows what an event Halloween is around here!”
The Cassimuses agree, “This house has welcomed us home and we really feel like its caretakers, not just its owners. It is a privilege to be able to add our own happy memories to the long history of this fine home.”
1937 NW 17th
When we were looking for our first home, we began our search in the historic neighborhoods of Oklahoma City. After looking at several houses, our realtor suggested the Gatewood neighborhood because of its historical beauty, charming homes, and proximity to Oklahoma City University, where Tommy is a first year law student.
This 1927 colonial-revival style home was recently renovated by Jeff Struble of Struble Construction after many years of the home being vacant. What we love most about our house is the combination of old and new, with an old staircase and wood floors, along with an updated kitchen that is three times the size of the previous kitchen, and a large master bathroom. The house is 2700 sq. ft. and includes 3 bedrooms, an upstairs living room and office, 2 ½ bathrooms, large utility room, and large living room and kitchen.
We are new to the Gatewood community, and have loved every minute of it. It has been such a pleasure meeting our great neighbors and beginning the next chapter in our marriage, as well, as hosting dinner parties, law school study sessions, and OU football watch parties.
1940 NW 21st
I purchased my home in 2003 and have since made many improvement from refurbishing the interior to completely landscaping. I restored the original hardwood floors, replaced windows, replaced many of the bathroom fixtures (except the original tub), painted the exterior/interior, poured a new patio and driveway, replaced the fencing, new awnings, repaired the garage and opened up the back of the house to the patio. In the dining room one of the previous owners painted the faux marble.
In furnishings I have elected to incorporate many different style elements by including classic contemporary to antiques. Please notice much of the glassware, books, etc. were inherited from y great-great grandparents to my parents.
My passion is the landscaping as I am a landscaping designer. I had the huge boluder delivered from Asher, OK and with just assistant Bobcat I designed the exterior. I love to experiment with plant materials so you will see a wide range of plants from trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, to MOL 40 different varieties of roses. There is always activity in the garden.
Future projects include an additional entertaining space, orchard and an herb/vegetable garden in what I call the “back-back” yard just south of the garage.
1328 NW 21st
When we first moved into the house in 1985 the backyard needed a lot of work. It was an area of dirt with some weeds, two large Pecan trees, and a broken concrete slab that served as the foundation for a long ago demolished structure. The plan was to create a mini version of formal famous gardens that we had seen in magazines or while on vacations. We wanted to create a space that would serve as an escape from the concrete of Oklahoma City . The layout came very easily as the existing concrete area was transformed into a slate patio with fountain. The elevated back door called for a raised stamped concrete patio. Walkways connected the two areas as well as provided access to the gated exit and other areas of the backyard.
Once the layout was complete and a sprinkler system installed it became a matter of planting vegetation. We both agreed that a more wild rather than formal look appealed to us and with that concept in mind as well as much experimentation, the garden evolved over many years to it current appearance.
