Photograph courtesy Hugues Bertrand
Address: 144 Lafayette Ln., Clifton
Price: $995,000
In the early 1960s, a Big Apple architect brought his vision for modern living to a densely wooded lot in Clifton. Stanley Prowler was a noted architect (and avid photographer) who designed art galleries, retail spaces, nonprofit institutions, and the occasional home. He was a childhood friend of Norman Gordon, Cincinnati’s urban planner at the time. Considered a ‘visionary,’ Gordon had unique ideas for the home he wanted to create for his young family, and he knew Prowler possessed the expertise to bring them to fruition.
Photograph courtesy Hugues Bertrand
144 Lafayette Ln.’s modern design is spectacular and has been known to stop many passersby (including a film crew) in their tracks to admire it. Constructed in the International Style—a subset of Modernism—defining architectural features can be seen in its glass, brick, and steel construction, boxy shape with flat roof, and lack of ornamentation.
Open interiors are a key characteristic of International Style, but this home takes it to another level. The aptly named ‘great room’ possesses 24-foot ceilings with glass walls on three sides. The amount of natural light is breathtaking, though the golden glow is only part of a greater immersive experience created by the room.
Photograph courtesy Hugues Bertrand
“It’s just exquisite,” says current homeowner Maria Bertrand. “Every season is a delight in our main room. In fall, the colors of the leaves are stunning, and in the winter, you can watch the snow fall. Spring brings wildflowers budding up on the forest floor and summer is awash in green.”
Feeling unity amongst the lush surroundings was an intentional decision made by Gordon when he purchased the land. He loved the sizable lot (more than an acre) because it was surrounded by undeveloped woods ripe with mature, lofty trees. Even now, more than 60 years later, Bertrand is happy to report that there’s always wildlife to watch and enjoy, from squirrels climbing in the trees to the deer grazing below. “When you walk in, it’s just a space of zen,” she says.
Photograph courtesy Hugues Bertrand
Another delight in the great room can be found in the three-dimensional, decorative tile above the fireplace. Designed by Lee Rosen for Design-Technics, the tile is exceptionally rare. After World War II, Design-Technics was nationally known for its art objects, tile, and lamps. Because the company often worked with architects and builders, and was founded in Greenwich Village, New York, the connection to Prowler makes sense. Nowadays, it’s nearly impossible to find, and is highly desired by collectors of mid-century materials.
Off the great room, there’s a large, screened porch with easy access to the updated kitchen. Through their renovation, the Bertrands were careful to maintain the integrity of the design without disrupting the flow. While they’re only the fifth owners, the home has been extremely fortunate to receive such dutiful preservation from each of its previous caretakers.
“The property has its own identity,” Bertrand says. “We all have a belief in retaining its character, the original idea behind the design, its purpose, and its minimalism.” Each time 144 Lafayette changes hands, a binder—filled with interesting history and fabulous old photos of the home— is handed down to the new owner.
Many of its original features have been preserved or are in a position where they could be accessed and restored by the next owner. Another fun possibility is discovering hidden details from the architect. One of Prowler’s trademarks was to create clever little hideaway spaces. Here, he added a hatch door on the side of the house for milk deliveries and unloading groceries.
Within the 2,862 square footprint, there are four large, light-filled bedrooms and four full bathrooms. There’s a carport that can accommodate six vehicles, and a partially finished basement with ample storage.
“Being in a home like this comes with a lot of stories, because it was so intentionally done and intentionally created,” Bertrand says. “So, when you’re in a space like that, you feel like you’re part of something really special.”
She believes the home was designed to accommodate numerous familial configurations, from empty nesters to large families and all those in between. While they have greatly enjoyed their tenure with this fabulous, unique property, Bertrand says, “I’m glad for whoever will get to enjoy it next. It’s a very special place.”
Photograph courtesy Hugues Bertrand
Facebook Comments