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Showhouse Options:
Group tours:
groups of eight
or more can
take guided
tours for $10
per person.
Available any
day of the week.
Public tours: the house is open to the public for general tours Tuesday through Sunday. Regular admission is S12 in advance and S15 at the door.
For complete hours, advance tickets or to schedule a group tour or private party, call (785) 840-1604.
P. Baxx
story by derek prater* photos by christina neff
The Ludington-Thatcher home was on the verge of falling apart until a team of designers stepped in to save history.
They just don't build them like this anymore.
Stepping through the front door of the newly renovated Ludington Thacher home, 1613 Tennessee St., is like stepping into a bygone era.
The mansion, built in 1861 by Rueben Ludington, was on the verge of becoming nothing more than an historic memory, when Terry and Elaine Riordan bought it in 1995.
Engineers told the Riordans that if the house wasn't fixed within three or four years, it would have been unsalvageable. The house was livable but needed foundation and structural work.
Four years later, the three-story brick Victorian Italianate mansion has been restored to its original splendor and
Someone suggested that a designers' showcase would be a good way to renovate the inside of the home, so the Riordans contacted Cottonwood Inc. with the idea. Cottonwood, a community developmental disabilities organization for Douglas
will be on display to the public as a Designers' Showhouse until Oct.17.
In 1996, the Riordans received a $60,000 grant from the Kansas State Historical Society's Heritage Trust Fund. Terry Riordan said the money went toward engineering fees and restabilizing the foundation.
and Jefferson counties, will receive proceeds from the showhouse tours.
Julee Travis, communications coordinator for Cottonwood, said show organizers hoped to raise $100,000 to help people with disabilities shape their futures by funding ventures such as work programs.
Terry Riordan, a local pediatrician, said the that idea of a designers' showcase appealed to his family for several reasons.
"It would allow us to share the house with the city," Riordan said. "We thought that it would help the house and, more importantly, it would help Cottonwood."
Kesha Larson, director of community relations at Cottonwood, said that before the renovation, the interior of the house was in a state of disrepair.
"Everything was really dark and it felt unhappy." Larson said.
Travis said that Cottonwood sent out 550 invitations for bids to area designers. Designers placed bids on individual rooms as well as the front yard, swimming pool and back porch.
Starting in July, more than 20 designers, painters and artisans donated their time and labor. Larson said designers lightened up the house and made it come alive again.
Deb King, of Creative Design in Lawrence, designed the third floor loft as a cozy sanctuary, with textured and glazed walls and an early 1900s fainting couch. She said that the chance to work in such a beautiful house drew her into the project.
"I've always driven by it and wondered what it looked like inside," King said. "It was quite an honor to be able to do it."
Travis said that the showhouse allowed designers more freedom than they would normally have had and was reflected in the diversity of styles.
"Each room is done by a different designer with different talents and a different vision." Travis said.
The result is an eclectic mix that features styles ranging from Old World to British West Indies.
Right. Ironically, the funeral room is a sunny place to rest.
Markie Bieri, of Imagine That Designs in Lawrence, designed the grand entrance and the formal dining room. She said that she wanted the dining room to reflect the architectural style of the house. Ruby red walls lead up to a glazed gold ceiling. A folding screen depicting a European street scene adds international flair to the room.
"The house is very grand, and I wanted the dining room to be in keeping with the grand style," Bieri said.
those who have been involved with the project from the outset said they were amazed at the degree to which the arandeur had been restored.
Jill Baker, administrator of services for Cottonwood, said that it had taken a tremendous effort on everyone's part.
"It's just gorgeous," Baker said. "If you would have seen it before, you wouldn't believe how beautiful it is."