By: Amy Barnes
Photos By: Matt Johnson
Louisville Artist Tom Cannady and Lindy Casebier, Secretary of Kentucky’s Tourism Arts and Heritage Cabinet, had a vision when they bought the sprawling 10 room, 4 ½ bath art deco home overlooking the corner of Newburg and Trevilian, just minutes from several local parks, the Watterson Expressway and Louisville Zoo.
The two had plans to restore the home to its original splendor, adding their own personal touches to the contemporary home. Designed in the 1930’s and completed in 1949, the home, whose design was created by self-taught architect and professional engineer: Leslie V. Abbott, a designer and builder of distilleries, was influenced by trans-Atlantic cruise ships. The interior walls are constructed from concrete and plaster; the structure of the home is steel; the exterior is three-brick. Inside, wood was used for trim only; ceilings and floors are entirely concrete. Even the attic, where Cannady has a studio, has a concrete floor.
The home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. Abbott’s original blueprints are displayed inside the home. While the Belknap home was the only residence he designed, Abbott also designed the (former) UofL Parkway Field.
The home is built in a style known as Moderne. “A lot of folks express that it gives them the vibe of Miami or Palm Springs,” said Cannady.
Linear, geometric lines and shapes lead guests throughout the home, from its curved walls to its diagonal angles and intentionally placed “porthole” windows. Cannady echoed these elements in his remodel, placing the tile in the direction of the diagonals and creating circular elements throughout the house to complement the shape of the windows. There are also several open spaces, mimicking areas where those on a cruise might have gathered at the time.
“The home’s design, we continued to carry the porthole theme,” said Cannady. Examples include circular rugs at the entry; a trio of colorful spots on a second-floor door; a hidden painted design in the roof overhang, circular accents on the patio. Each of the porthole-inspired designs is displayed in groups of threes throughout the home and its exterior.
During the design process, Cannady and Casebier decided to keep several of the home’s original fixtures; some have been relocated to different spaces. For example, a bar built by second owner, St. X graduate, Patrick Gorman with a formica countertop in green and yellow was located from the first-floor to the second floor, adjacent to the sun-room which also features green-tinted paneling that was repurposed to the second floor. The sun-room was previously an open air porch. The original turquoise “boomerang” Formica counter from the kitchen was relocated to the top floor, in Cannady’s art studio.
In true artistic form, Cannady chose the color scheme; a vibrant vintage turquoise is echoed throughout the home’s exterior and interior; four shades of gray also flow throughout the home and the outside, including the brick.
Several sentimental elements are peppered throughout the home. Many of the rooms feature Cannady’s signature Americana influenced paintings, along with numerous works by local & regional artists. Numerous family photos are on display, including some of Tom’s parents’ wedding rehearsal dinner hosted in his grandparent’s home (Cannady’s photos are large reproductions originally captured by his uncle).
Lindy’s mother’s china is featured prominently in the dining room. “As a kid I ‘hated’ it, but when we moved in here it worked perfectly.” Casebier’s piano that occupies the room’s largest open area is often used for entertainment during the holidays.
In the study, aunts and uncles of the Abbott family gathered around a 7” television set with cocktails to watch the Ed Sullivan show. Cannady echoed the lines with new built-ins; Caseier now uses the space as his office.
Architect Abbott and his wife lived only briefly in the home before their death. His daughter, Ann Abbott Stong, now deceased, knocked on the couple’s door and visited Casebier and Cannady while back in Louisville in 2013. As it turns out, her wedding reception was in the home in 1952 and at that time had recently celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary.
Showcased in the master bedroom is a vintage poster from Cannady’s parents’ travels, Picasso prints, and a photograph of Tom’s dad and uncle.
The laundry room includes several American mementos and fixtures. An ironing machine from Cannady’s grandmother and several other original vintage pieces are on display, along with Cannady’s artwork. A “potting” room and wash room are also located on the main floor.
Concrete stairs lead the way to the second floor, where the vintage bar, a half bath and sunroom are located. Another flight leads the way to Cannady’s art studio, where he also stores works not on display in local galleries.
While the home is immaculately kept, its arrangements change from season to season. Storage areas hide additional vintage pieces that are rotated regularly.
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