Right Lot, Right View, Right Time. for Mike and Cheryl Abramson

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HOME TOUCHES photos by LePage Photography Right Lot, Right View, Right Time for Mike and Cheryl Abramson by Sheryl Jensen t this point in our lives, we wanted Ato build a home in Duluth with exactly

There aren t many lots in town with the view that we were looking for, so we were very lucky when Frank and Debbie Messina made us aware of the availability of this one, says Mike Abramson.

1 HOME TOUCHES photos by LePage Photography Right Lot, Right View, Right Time for Mike and Cheryl Abramson by Sheryl Jensen t this point in our lives, we wanted Ato build a home in Duluth with exactly what we wanted. And we wanted a lot with a view of Lake Superior. There aren t many lots in town with the view that we were looking for, so we were very lucky when Frank and Debbie Messina made us aware of the availability of this one, says Mike Abramson. Mike is a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, and his wife Cheryl is a second grade teacher at Lester Park Elementary School. The couple did purchase the choice lot in Northland Estates and were able to build their stately brick house with the floor plan to their specifications with contractors who knew precisely how to meet the standards they were looking for, Ed and Dennis Bruckelmyer. Contractors Top-Notch Both Mike and Cheryl are enthusiastic about how much working with the Bruckelmyers meant to the completed 58 AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2007 Top: The brick exterior of the Abramsons Northland Estates home gives it a stately and elegant appearance. Above: Two decks on two levels and the sunroom in the back of the home were all planned to take advantage of the majestic view of Lake Superior. project. We know if we were building again, they would be our only choice, says Mike. Their choice of sub-contractors is also first-rate. We were always happy at how organized they were and their ability to keep on schedule, adds Cheryl. The Abramsons noted that Dennis Bruckelmyer, the on-site manager, was always available and cooperative whenever they asked for changes. Mike and Cheryl were also especially impressed with the finishing and carpentry details throughout the home. Ed Bruckelmyer also enjoyed working

Above: Warm, natural color choices in the flooring, the chairs upholstery and the granite countertops are accented by the richness of the custom cherry wood cabinetry and the copper hood range.

The octagonal design of the space is echoed with a framing of the table with the floor tiles. with the Abramsons. Mike and Cheryl are truly gracious folks to work with.

2 Above: Warm, natural color choices in the flooring, the chairs upholstery and the granite countertops are accented by the richness of the custom cherry wood cabinetry and the copper hood range. Left: From the windows of the kitchen eating area, the Abramsons also have a spectacular vista of the Lake. The octagonal design of the space is echoed with a framing of the table with the floor tiles. with the Abramsons. Mike and Cheryl are truly gracious folks to work with. We enjoyed them a great deal throughout the process of construction. Being this was their third home building project, they were quite knowledgeable about the process, and had many great ideas along the way. We feel like we have become friends. The Bruckelmyers do all of their own custom cabinetry work. Our custom cabinetry/wood workshop really shines in this project. From the custom columns, stairways, kitchen cabinetry, closet systems, custom millwork to the pet sills on windows and matching pet stairs, this project really shows the diversity and truly custom pieces that our craftsmen are able to produce, says Ed. The Abramsons choice of a completely brick home provided a few challenges, but Bruckelmyer says, It is sometimes difficult to make a complete brick home look attractive. The selection of windows, colors, touches of stucco, and wood all blended to create not only a very practical, but also a very beautiful exterior. Continued on page 60 THE WOMAN TODAY 59

With its rich butterscotch paint color, the dining room is an inviting space to entertain friends and family.

3 Far right: Guests to the home enter the elegant foyer space with its unusual wood inlaid compass point an eyecatching element. Right: A mission and arts and craft style of furniture, fixtures, glass, and decorator pieces are a unifying element in much of the home s decor. With its rich butterscotch paint color, the dining room is an inviting space to entertain friends and family. Right Lot, Right View, Right Time continued from page 59 Ed Bruckelmyer speaks proudly of the overall project. This home has so many quality features; it is hard to choose any favorites. The rich dark woodwork, cherry cabinetry, hardwood floors, home theatre (complete with raised seating area), and two fireplaces are just a few of the great details in this comfortable home. Also the second story deck off the master bedroom, with its awesome views, is a great spot to take a break. With Pets in Mind The Abramsons had Troy Grohsman of Miller Creek Garden Center put in a lovely landscaped and fenced-in backyard so the couple s half collie/half lab dog Bailey would have a place to run and to enjoy the outdoors. Miller Creek also provided the lawn, underground sprinklers, brick paver patios, and brick paver driveway. The mudroom, just off of the garage, is also affectionately known as the pets dining room where there is ample space for the litter box for Lily the cat, both pets food and water bowls, and storage for their food and treats. Some of the home s other features were built with the pets in mind, for example, a little polished cherry wood mini-staircase for Lily on the side of the kitchen counter. To avoid Bailey s scratching the wood floors in the foyer, elegant built-in pet gates were included in two hallways to block the dog in and keep her from being overly enthusiastic when guests arrive. The Bruckelmyers thoughtfully, however, put a small 872 Stanley Road, Two Harbors, MN opening at the bottom of each of the pet door gates, so Lily can still get through. A few of the windows have wider inside sills to accommodate a place for Lily to sit and look outside as well. Custom Kitchen and Dramatic Porch View The richness of the ample custom cherry wood cabinetry makes the kitchen an elegant room as well as a functional living space. A copper hood over the range, polished nickel sink fixtures from Fergusons, and the granite countertops also add to the tasteful style of the room. The dominant center island with its built-in wine cooler and additional storage space offers a convenient eating niche with the pull-up high chairs, also a logical place for guests to gather. Cheryl is happy with the pantry off the kitchen to allow for easy and visible 60 AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2007

storage of food. A frosted glass door leading to the pantry is another nice designer touch.

on the other side of the fenced-in backyard.

Cozy Living Areas With Dramatic Touches We wanted to use warm and natural colors throughout the home, says Cheryl.

The couple especially likes artist Cheng-Khee Chee s work, with three original Chee watercolors and many of his prints throughout their

4 storage of food. A frosted glass door leading to the pantry is another nice designer touch. An arched opening over the sink allows for a wide view through to the sunroom and the gorgeous vista of the North Shore landscape out of its windows. The sunroom is the perfect place for lake watching, stargazing, and enjoying nature, with deer as regular visitors to the natural habitat on the other side of the fenced-in backyard. Decks from this level of the home allow access to the backyard down the steps and offer a wonderful place to enjoy warm, sunny afternoons. Cozy Living Areas With Dramatic Touches We wanted to use warm and natural colors throughout the home, says Cheryl. We wanted a cozy feeling. An influence of arts and crafts and mission styles are evident in furniture, lighting, and decorator items. The couple especially likes artist Cheng-Khee Chee s work, with three original Chee watercolors and many of his prints throughout their home. An unusual collection of whimsical animals Continued on page 62 Proud Supplier of the Electronic Technology in the Featured Home. Lee Ann & David Thornton Security Systems Whole House Music Systems Custom Home Theater Automated Homes Call for a free technology consultation in our design center Office: E Central Entrance Upstairs Suite 2A sales@circuitsplus.net THE WOMAN TODAY 61

Right Lot, Right View, Right Time continued from page 61 from giraffes to flamingos is also a fun decorator touch in various spots in the home.

room to the left and an elegant dining room on the right.

The couple worked closely with Joe Perfetti at Schneiderman s Furniture whose creativity can be seen throughout the home.

5 Right Lot, Right View, Right Time continued from page 61 from giraffes to flamingos is also a fun decorator touch in various spots in the home. The home s front entryway is inviting with its inlaid wood compass point in the home s wood flooring from Riverside 62 AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2007 Flooring, leading to a four chair conversation-pit sitting room to the left and an elegant dining room on the right. Rugs, prints, decorator items, and original artwork throughout the house all blend expertly with the choice of building materials and architectural style. The couple worked closely with Joe Perfetti at Schneiderman s Furniture whose creativity can be seen throughout the home. Because they sold their previous house to a buyer who needed furniture and liked and purchased theirs, the Abramsons were able to buy all new furniture exactly to suit their spacious, new 6,000 square foot home. High ceilings and a dominant dry stack ledge stone rock fireplace with a cherry mantelpiece add drama to the family room. One of the home s eight televisions, a flat screen mounted across from the couch, also makes this an ideal place for the couple to relax after work. The Abramsons worked with Phil Martinen at Bruckelmyers to create the drama of the powder room on the first level of the home. Bronze, silver, and platinum tiles put in place with glitter grout are an unusual and eye-catching combination. Martinen s help was instrumental in selecting the final look of the home s millwork and cabinetry. Sandy

Far left: Dramatic bronze, silver, and platinum colored metallic tiles in the upstairs powder room give the space an elegance that is accented by the luster of the room s custom cherry cabinetry.

A Chee original painting is one of the home s many lovely art works.

Looking down to the natural area just below their fenced yard, the Abramsons often see deer and other wildlife.

Oasis With a View Entering Mike and Cheryl s master suite on the third level of the home is a breathtaking experience because of the truly magnificent view of Lake Superior, framed by the trees and

Taking advantage of the view even more, the Abramsons built a large deck off of their master bedroom to give them their own private panorama of the city and lake they both love.

6 Far left: Dramatic bronze, silver, and platinum colored metallic tiles in the upstairs powder room give the space an elegance that is accented by the luster of the room s custom cherry cabinetry. Left: To the left of the foyer entrance is a sitting room, made for easy conversation with a four chair setting. The beauty of the room is enhanced by the crown molding. A Chee original painting is one of the home s many lovely art works. Below: Unusual bamboo accented furniture provides a casual and comfortable place to sit and enjoy the Lake view from the sunroom, located off to the right of the kitchen eating space. Looking down to the natural area just below their fenced yard, the Abramsons often see deer and other wildlife. Blom from Ferguson Enterprises was a valued partner in selecting all of the home s plumbing fixtures. Oasis With a View Entering Mike and Cheryl s master suite on the third level of the home is a breathtaking experience because of the truly magnificent view of Lake Superior, framed by the trees and green landscape in the back of their property. Taking advantage of the view even more, the Abramsons built a large deck off of their master bedroom to give them their own private panorama of the city and lake they both love. The room s contemporary furnishings create a totally different ambiance from the rest of the house, making it even more unique. The master bath has double sink/vanity spaces and a jacuzzi tub, as well as a large walk-in shower. Continued on page 64 Wood Flooring SALES, SANDING & REFINISHING CUSTOM DESIGN AND INSTALLATION Beautiful Area Rugs proud installer of hardwood floors National Wood Flooring Association Featured Home General Contracting since 1988 Complete to your Specs Lismore Road Lic Riverside Flooring Free estimates Energy analysis In-house designer 1814 W Superior St Specializing in highefficiency plumbing and heating systems in new or existing homes. State-ofthe-art highefficiency radiant infloor heat West 1st Street Duluth, MN Your plumbing and heating specialists! THE WOMAN TODAY 63

Left and below: Dominated by the mammoth dry-stack ledge stone fireplace, the living room is an elegant space, yet warm and comfortable at the same time.

Right Lot, Right View, Right Time continued from page 63 Also on this third level of the home are Cheryl s home office, a guest room and bath, and the conveniently-located laundry room.

7 Left and below: Dominated by the mammoth dry-stack ledge stone fireplace, the living room is an elegant space, yet warm and comfortable at the same time. The couple has a collection of whimsical animals displayed throughout the house, including the giraffes pictured here. This room is a favorite space of the couple s to relax and to watch television. Right Lot, Right View, Right Time continued from page 63 Also on this third level of the home are Cheryl s home office, a guest room and bath, and the conveniently-located laundry room. Bonus Living Space The spacious home has some additional living space due to the inclusion of 64 AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2007 a sunroom, decks off two levels of the home, and an exercise room, storage space, bedroom, and bath, on the home s lower level. One unusual feature to accommodate the home s three-level living space is an elevator, allowing easy access to all of the floors. As Bruckelmyer explains, We had several plan modifications along the way to accommodate the site. The finished basement area, under the three car garage, came about due to the large amount of fill needed to bring the garage level with the road. It made for some very cost-effective added square footage. The downstairs has the equivalent of a small apartment with a large bedroom and bath. A spacious exercise room in the center of the downstairs is bright and airy and has doors leading out to the backyard. A large area for a pool table and guest seating, a cozy seating space around the downstairs fireplace, a wetbar/mini-kitchen, and a huge walk-in storage room with shelves are also on this lower level. The crowning jewel of this part of the home, however, is the 18 X 22 foot home theater room. Expert Security System, Wiring, and Home Theater Mike speaks highly of Dave Thornton at Circuits Plus for his expertise in wiring the home s electronics and providing Mike with one of his pride and joy spaces, the home theater. It comes down to proper preparation by wiring correctly for technology, providing homeowners with all of the options that they want now and in the future, says Thornton. Circuits Plus provided the communication system (telephone, television, com-

General Contractor Bruckelmyer Brothers Construction Subcontractors B & H Masonry Calco Painting Circuits Plus Duluth Roofing Company Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery Fireplace Corner

Thornton says, With the communication system, they have the ability to network computers and receive hardwired internet connections throughout the house, along with crystal clear television pictures

Adds Thornton, The security/ automation provides burglar alarm, fire protection, and also interfaces with some of the lighting in the home to provide safety and convenience, such as automatic

8 General Contractor Bruckelmyer Brothers Construction Subcontractors B & H Masonry Calco Painting Circuits Plus Duluth Roofing Company Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery Fireplace Corner Johnston Masonry Miller Creek Landscaping Riverside Flooring Summit Mechanical Tradesmen Building Center puter networking), the security/automation system, and the dedicated home theater system. Thornton says, With the communication system, they have the ability to network computers and receive hardwired internet connections throughout the house, along with crystal clear television pictures via cable or even satellite, since the house was pre-wired to a satellite dish location for future expansion. Adds Thornton, The security/ automation provides burglar alarm, fire protection, and also interfaces with some of the lighting in the home to provide safety and convenience, such as automatic lighting when walking up and down the stairs, lights that turn on when there is a fire to help an escape, or lights that turn on when there is a burglary to scare someone off. This type of technology does not have to be expensive and can be added to most existing homes. The Abramsons state of the art theater is a large, bright, comfortable room for entertaining guests or just to be enjoyed by the couple on quiet nights at home. Thornton says, The home theater provides seating for eight people in leather recliners. The room provides an awesome movie experience with a 103 screen and a 1080P projector for life-like pictures in high definition. The electronic components to the system are hidden behind closed doors to provide a clean installation. The single user interface is a simple to use hand-held remote control where it is as simple as pressing the DVD button to watch a DVD movie. Featured Home Lismore Road Lic Continued on page 67 THE WOMAN TODAY 65

66 AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2007 Above and right: With its dominant windows

couple to enjoy the best of the many views the house has to offer.

leatherrecliners on two levels, is one of Mike s favorite parts of the

for his and hers space and a corner jacuzzi tub.

9 66 AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2007 Above and right: With its dominant windows and deck on this level, the master suite is a private oasis for the couple to enjoy the best of the many views the house has to offer. Left: A home theater, built to accommodate eight movie watchers in leatherrecliners on two levels, is one of Mike s favorite parts of the home. Below and right: The master suite s bathroom has dual vanities for his and hers space and a corner jacuzzi tub. Top Left: Another niche for conversation and quiet contemplation is part of the lower level pool room.

Them The dog Bailey and the cat Lily have settled into their new

envisioned, and the finishing details nearly completed, it seems

10 SHOW YOUR GARDEN A LITTLE SUMMER LOVIN. Right Lot, Right View, Right Time continued from page 65 Made for Them The dog Bailey and the cat Lily have settled into their new digs well, and both seem entirely at home with their needs met so effectively by their thoughtful owners. Both Mike and Cheryl are very relaxed and pleased as they look around at their one-of-a-kind new home. With the view that they longed for, the style of house they envisioned, and the finishing details nearly completed, it seems likely that they will all be enjoying their luxurious house on the hill for a long time to come. S MANY VARIETIES OF TREES, SHRUBS, AND ANNUALS TO CHOOSE FROM. THE WOMAN TODAY 67

Country Living. Jane and Jim Carr knew what they were looking for; they HOME. in the City Limits for Jane & Jim Carr TOUCHES.

Country Living. Jane and Jim Carr knew what they were looking for; they HOME. in the City Limits for Jane & Jim Carr TOUCHES. HOME TOUCHES photos by Studio One Photography by Sheryl Jensen Jane and Jim Carr knew what they were looking for; they just couldn t find it in any of the homes that they looked at on the market. Then,