April 13, 2010

'Green' home brings modern design to historic district

1761 Main St. 

With a passing glance, Robert Osborne and Vera Scekic's new home just off of Wisconsin Avenue doesn't appear to fit the surrounding historic neighborhood on the city's near south side.

The colorful, cube-shaped house at 1761 Main St., known as the OS House, is enclosed in a glass design that's so transparent the house appears little more than a window looking out onto Lake Michigan. It's a clear contrast to the area's classically designed homes, many dating back over 100 years.


But it's the home's modern design that allows it to fit in with the neighborhood's diverse architecture, Osborne said.

"To us a historic district is something that continues to evolve over time," he said. "The district features over 150 years of housing designs. To us it's adding in the 21st Century modern design to the district."

Osborne said they've received some criticism, but lots of positive responses, as well.

"We've heard all kinds of feedback," he said. "A number of people who will just come up and tell us they like it. We try to remind people when the Frank Lloyd Wright houses were being built, they weren't so popular either."

"As people get used to it, they'll start to appreciate it," Osborne added.

There's a lot to appreciate. Beyond its modern design, the home is one of the most energy-efficient houses in the world. Osborne and Scekic hired Johnsen Schmaling Architects out of Milwaukee to design the house, which will be the second home in Wisconsin to receive the highest possible certification for green construction - call LEED Platinum - and one of about 800 homes in the country to receive the designation.

The house is heated with geothermal wells and uses solar-powered hot-water and electricity. It also includes rain barrels to collect stormwater runoff, and is built from a host of recycled and renewable materials.

A remarkable feature of the home are insets, overhangs and room designs that maximize shading on summer days, to keep the house cool, and maximize sunlight in the winter, to help warm the house. Schematics show the architects actually account for the angle of sunlight at different times of the day during different times of the year to naturally moderate the home's temperature.

"It's a very complicated house," Osborne said.

Construction on the home started in late summer of 2008, and it should be ready to move into within the next month or two, Osborne said.

The lengthy construction time was largely caused by the novel building materials and systems used in the house. Osborne and Scekic were committed to hiring local contractors to build the house. Beggi Construction, of Racine, was the lead contractor, and several local subcontractors were also hired.

"They're certainly capable," he said of the local companies, "it's just something they haven't done before. It's taking awhile to figure out how to do things."

But the construction process is part of Osborne and Scekic's goal of creating a sustainable, environmentally house that will inspire other Racine residents to pursue green building.

"We wanted people to see you can do these things in a city like Racine," Osborne said. "People may not want to build exactly that house, but there are things they can incorporate into construction."

Even more unusual than home's design may be its location. Often people build "green" homes out in the country where few people see the designs. Osborne said they chose an urban neighborhood so more people could see, and hopefully appreciate, the house.

The 1,950-square-foot home is a relatively small house, but the modern design creates more space than people expect, Osborne said.

"We wanted to build a sustainable house, not one that's overly big," Osborne said, adding the size "fits the scale of the neighborhood."

Osborne and Scekic now live in Evanston, Ill. Racine is Scekic's hometown and her mother still lives here, so they visit often. They bought the lot at 1761 Wisconsin Ave. from the previous owner who had used the space as a side yard to his house. When he decided to sell it gave Osborne and Scekic an opportunity to buy a lakefront property without having to tear down an existing house.

According to a city building permit, construction costs on the home were estimated at $476,000, which doesn't include design fees and other new home expenses. The lot was assessed at about $180,000 before construction began.

Osborne said they hope the one-of-a-kind home helps spur others in an environmentally responsible direction.

"We're believers in Downtown Racine," Osborne said. "We try to support the city by pointing it to other possibilites - green possibilites.

"We've seen lots of people driving by, looking at the house. The more people do that, the more they'll see the possibilities."

"We both think Racine has a lot of potential," Osborne said.

Update: The home won a 2010 award from the American Institute of Architects. It was given the "Merit Award" for excellence in particular aspects of project design.

93 comments:

  1. Uglier than a mud fence.

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  2. Uglier that Frank Lloyd Wright if that's possible. Probably just a flawed in design

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  3. This home is an exciting response to former cornfields filled with unsustainable McMansions. Small and smart is the way of future homebuilding. Welcome!

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  4. isnt there a reason they say people in glass houses shouldnt throw stones? (it looks kinda cool, but i sure hope one of those old trees doesnt fall on it) i sure wouldnt want to live there!

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  5. FAAAAAAAAABUUUUUUUUUUUULOUUUUUSSSSS!!!

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  6. Owning this home might conflict with my life choice of being a full time nudist.

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  7. "Look at us! Look how much we care! Our Prius fits right in that single car garage. Now if only they build that commuter rail we've been promised we can take the train back to Evanston whenever we want to soak up some culture".

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  8. Nice house....bad location. It should not have been allowed in an established neighborhood.

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  9. Interesting house - wrong neighborhood.

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  10. What ever turns them on I guess. Not my type of home, kind of cold looing.

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  11. It looks pitiful in that district!

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  12. Have fun shoveling and raking the roof!!! Morons!

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  13. Global warming is a lie.

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  14. 2:23 - Not Global Warming - it's now Climate Change since they could not sell the first label - Al Gore where are you and your millions you made on this made up story.

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  15. Hiddeous is the best word to describe this place.

    Looks like an aquarium which is fine if you are a fish?

    I would be really offended if this sort of structure was in my neighborhood.

    Pathetic at best IMO!

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  16. Ugly - does NOT belong in a historic neighborhood. The concept is fine, but why did they feel the need to build that ugly thing there where it stands out like a huge sore thumb?

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  17. Dirty hippy house. PEACE!!! You can grow your weed on the green roof man.

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  18. Ugly! Probably brought doen home values for al least a block around. An embarassment!

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  19. I suggest someone buy it so it can be torn doen.

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  20. Whatever turns people on - the only folks who have to like it are the ones who paid for it and live there. However, it is a good thing that neighborhood historic district thing died or the Politburo would have said no to this -

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  21. Your article needs a good proofreader. The house needs a few more walls.....

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  22. Heather in Caledonia4/13/2010 7:40 PM

    Anon 2:22 - I was thinking the same thing about the roof. I have never met someone who was happy to have a flat roof in Wisconsin. And that house does look very out of place in that neighborhood. However, I'm all for letting people build what they want, paint their house what they want and drive what they want. I'm hoping they used that bullet-proof glass on the walls to keep out the burglars. They may be pleased that people are driving by to take a look, but they might change their minds once they're living there and all of their possessions are on display.

    Anon 1:00 - That's funny. :)

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  23. Looks like @$*^, and that's being polite!

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  24. I see it as an investment in my neighborhood. I don't think its bringing down property values -- that happens with all the owners that are not upkeeping their homes in the area.

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  25. I see that house after the first turn on my three minute commute every morning. Glad to see that there is a virtuous reason behind building it, but it still looks wholly out of place. It's true that every neighbor of every house Wright ever built complained about them, but Wright typically built with space between his house and the neighbors. This house is not only close, but it's box design makes it loom over the surrounding houses.

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  26. Looks better than the proposed gas station and convenient store proposed for west racine.

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  27. I think it is great that these people are making efforts to build a green home and commend there efforts in that regard. With that said, I live in the area and do not think the home looks right at all. It looks flat out of place. I also do not agree with the owners idea that "a historic area is...one that evolves......and includes 21st century designs." Modern is the opposite of historic. It would have been better suited to a different area of town, perhap off Sheridan road where that other home of similair design exists.

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  28. I am happy these homeowners have chosen to live in Racine. Although the house is 'different', at the same time it's awesome, unique and cutting edge. The individuality is notable. Welcome (back) to Racine - glad to have you here!

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  29. Great story Racine Post...

    I often wondered what the hell that was.

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  30. Is this the Dickert Gang's Swinger Clubhouse?

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  31. It certainly could be--the place is a perfect venue for voyeurs!

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  32. And Spanky thinks a Groecery store is a bad fit for West Racine?

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  33. Wow. So many warm and open people here in Racine!

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  34. Is it a beauty mark or a blemish THAT IS THE QUESTION

    I hope they plant some really big evergreens that will hide this awful creature from view.

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  35. Mr. Osborne's arrogance as exemplified in the quote about FL Wright is amazing. He must truly believe he knows better than the rest of us poor schlubs. For him to think what he's built is anything Wright-like just oozes pure elitism.

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  36. I recently moved to Mount Pleasant and can't believe how bitter and ugly the posts are on this page and on the RJT's page.
    I hope I made the right choice to live in this area...

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  37. Building a house of that nature in a historic district is out right bitter and ugly. There is a place for everything in this world and Racine. But to build a structure like that among English Tudor and classical homes was a totally wrong.

    I've lived here my whole life and I've seen people move here that were assets to our community. If you feel we're bitter and ugly maybe you should leave. If you think that house belongs there it's doubtful you'd be happy here.

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  38. Last time I looked we had a Historic Preservation Commission at City Hall.

    May I ask what do they do? Doesn't anybody review the building plans?

    All this weird attention to a gas station in West Racine and they allow this half cooked house to be built. This city is confusing.

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  39. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  40. Wow. Reading these comments makes me ashamed to tell people I'm from the city of Racine. Nearly every one demonstrates an irrational fear of, and resistance to, the new and the innovative. Just the kind of mindset you need to compete and succeed in a 21st century economy. No wonder Racine is only steps behind Gary, Indiana in the race to the bottom.

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  41. Opinions aside...I hope people realize that a home does not need to be designed like that to be green. It also does not require additional money to add green elements and green elements can save on operations costs.

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  42. Anon 2:15

    I couldn't have said it better. People are way too critical on this website. I give this couple credit for stepping out and building their dream home. They are living environmentally conscious, like the rest of us should be. Perhaps in time, the technology will catch up and we will learn to build more normal looking homes, but until that time arrives, kudos to our Evanston replants !!

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  43. Enough with some of the nasty, negative comments! Vera and Rob are two wonderful people who believe in the city of Racine. It's great to have you guys here!!:)

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  44. I'm sure glad Roy Case isn't still around to see this Popular Science exhibitionism.

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  45. It looks like Dickert's positive comment force is out in force. Here is a hint guys, space out your comments a little more and change up the language. It is a little to obvious. Shouldn't you guys be working on the taxpayer time anyway, and not be surfing the internet.

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  46. People in Racine are some of the least classiest people anywhere. You cant even appreciate a house that besides being energy efficient, also has a unique design. Most of you just live in sheds. Ive driven all over the city and am appalled by the neighborhoods. This house is a good addition to the city of racine. It may be too modern for its area...which features mostly dark, gloomy homes..but its perfect the way it is.

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  47. U..G..L..Y, yu ain't got no alibi you ugly..you ugly.

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  48. I don't know much about architectural styles, but it seems to me there was already a pretty extreme mix of styles on that block. I think it's sort of neat that there is a progression from faux Tudor to 60's ranch to 21st century eco-house in those three houses in the middle of the block. What isn't neat is how nasty people can be. It's sad and depressing.

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  49. So if we don't agree with you we're nasty. Any opinion on the matter would be considered nasty.

    You have to understand nobody is picking on the folks who built the house. I'm sure their wonderful people. We just think the house is ugly. Period!

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  50. 4/14/2010 2:15 PM

    If your ashamed and don't like it here there is a simple cure -LEAVE!

    If you don't like what your reading about this subject move on to another. Save yourself all the sadness and depression.

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  51. Pete and Dustin time for one of your voting polls.

    I like the house

    I don't like the house

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  52. It was pointed out to me a while ago that Racine is probably the only city in the country that has just about every example of american architecture on its main street: gothic, italianate, classic revival, victorian.......
    even wright and now we enter the 21st century....How cool is that. It's also my understanding that some architecual schools actually talk about our truly outstanding main street. From some of the 1st houses built in the 1830's to the first in the 2010's what a treasure. We should cherish them.

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  53. WELL SAID!

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  54. People of Racine, Please be so kind as to run those morons out of town on a rail who cannot appreciate FLW. You have the Johnson Wax building. You are blessed.

    While I can argue with the siting of the house, it is an interesting design. Modern architecture is vastly under appreciated. Don't forget that St. Paul's cathedral in London, the Parthenon, the Pantheon and many other wonderful structures were all once considered modern architecture.

    If that type of structure bothers you, go live in a master planned community where there is no sense of design or proportion.

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  55. anon:9:25 4/13
    Modern is not the opposite of historic. Modern is the future of historic.

    The house looks great.

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  56. Dear 4/15/11:14 AM, People who dislike Wright's pricey monstrosities aren't necessarily "morons." As for the Johnson-owned FLW structures, they're no blessing to Racine. In case you haven't heard, the Waxtrash Corporate Crime Family dodged its property taxes on those hideous buildings. If the government were to order their demolition, many of us wouldn't weep. (By the way, Wright was an evil little man, an elitist who exploited his apprentices as menials and sex slaves for his rich male clients. The day the government seizes and razes Taliesen East and West will be a glorious day for decent people everywhere.)

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  57. Please wake up. Contrary to what the Waxies may tell you, Frank Lloyd Wright wasn't God. In fact, a century hence, Wright will join Marie Antoinette's favorite architect--Richard Mique--in well-deserved oblivion.

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  58. In any event, a pauper pit of a city like Racine has no business playing with architecture. Until the government lifts us out of poverty and gives us a social safety net, we don't need aesthetic nonsense.

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  59. Somebody should divest the John-Swines of their ill-gotten gains. After they'd been deprived of their obscene wealth, they wouldn't be so arty and so obsessed with architecture. What's more, they'd stop ramming their aesthetic preoccupations and quirks down our throats. With two wars and a depression, we need practical help, not arty ballyhoo about avant-garde houses.

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  60. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  61. The richie-poos responsible for that glass house should feel fortunate if working Joes don't chuck some bricks into it. (Back in the sixties, that's what Detroit's laboring class did to a similar building at Wayne State University.)

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  62. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  63. In this low-income town with one of the highest unemployment rates in the Badger State, we should be interested in basic necessities, NOT aesthetics. Until the current economic crisis is over, concern about architecture should be restricted to the Waxtrash oligarchy and the rest of the Marie Antoinette fan club at Wingspread.

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  64. Looks like the moron Mr. Angry is on a roll again.

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  65. 9:40 - You are correct, that is one of the two Mr. Angry's. They've been taking a pretty low profile lately - it's been great without them.

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  66. Yup, the Village Idiot is back and was successfully able to turn a converstion about architechure right back to his spewing obsessive hatefilled rage about the Johnsons.
    BTW: There is nothing wrong with the house - just the wrong neighborhood.

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  67. Mr Angry has his Lawsuit against the Johnsons thrown out of court last week, so he is twice as angry and has time on his hands again to post his venom.

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  68. Who's Mr. Angry? I'm just a guy who'd like this town to have less art and more heart.

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  69. See that ugly mess every day...kept thinking it was an unfinished commercial building.

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  70. Amen! "Ugly mess" is the perfect name for this pricey pile of crap.

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  71. Alas, "ugly mess" is also an excellent name for The Dumbbell City. Seriously speaking, we've been yammering about aesthetics while poverty, misery and the ruthless avarice of the Waxtrash oligarchy are destroying this community.

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  72. Needed: a moratorium on architecture, art and other non-essentials until every American citizen has been freed from poverty.

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  73. Look, art is a way to add enjoyment to our surroundings and place in life, whatever that may be. To make beauty where none exists.

    If it's non-essential to you, fine; then ignore it. Wallow in your misery. Otherwise, leave the rest of us alone.

    Send us a postcard now and then from your Gulag.

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  74. As long as society allows the eliteniks to play with art and architecture, they'll blow fortunes on that crap while neglecting the needs of the poor. (Trust me, I know from sad experience how the oligarchic mind works. Although my plutocratic kin couldn't find cash for the Salvation Army or Doctors Without Borders, they could jolly well cut six-figure and even seven-figure checks to architectural foundations, art festivals and museums. If we want the rich to help their suffering fellow-men, we may have to strip all art-related donations of their tax-deductible status.)

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  75. Mr. Angry - I know, isn't it great?

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  76. this house should be bought and bulldozed.

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  77. The only green thing about this hideous house is the money blown on it by hyper-privileged people.

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  78. Regardless of the owners' economic situation, that house and its aesthetic attributes are ridiculous subjects of discussion. When I reflect on the REAL news--a depression together with two unnecessary foreign wars--architectural topics seem downright silly. (Of course, I don't need to remind you that the Waxtrash and their Ivy League degenertwits want us to be obsessed with arty nonsense instead of organizing to dispose of their oppressive corporate capitalist system...)

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  79. Amen! That's why the Waxies and their lackeys promote art and architecture here. In addition to being richie-poo status symbols, art and architecture are dandy for distracting the rest of us from the task of understanding and overthrowing corporate capitalism.

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  80. Eye sore in the historic district.

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  81. We live across the street and love the house! Welcome to Racine - don't listen to the bloggers around here. They are ugly and rude no matter what the topic is.

    Diversity - people or buildings is a great thing for urban Racine. We love it!

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  82. Eye sore? Have you looked around? There are plenty of dilapidated buildings in our neighborhood. Let's be thankful someone is willing to invest in our community.

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  83. What is it about this town that everyone is so negative about everything? No wonder it is going to hell. The people that live here need an attitude check.

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  84. Great a fish bowl for dirty hippies!!!!! Great way to ruin the neighborhood. Go puff some moonbeams and blow rainbows. This would be a fine house in LA land of fruit & nuts but not Racine.

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  85. not a bad design. the black rim with the glass does make it look like a fish tank. the yellow on the glass reminds me of goal posts. the glass area is obviously a less private area of the home. I under stand the glass in the semi-public area of the house on the lower level the glass on the upper level seems pointless. If that glass on the upper area encloses an interior space that is climate controlled it would take on major solar heat gain. Which would not be green. The problem with Leed certifications is they are a bit of a sham. They give points for things you tack onto the house. Not necessarily the actual BTU efficiency.

    You can definitely see the found objects of the neighborhood architecture collaged onto the house. That being said it doesn't belong.

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  86. hopefully there will be a mud slide and it'll fall down the hill

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  88. agree totally with anonymous 7:55 PM 4-14 to see the Tudor, the mid-century modern ranch and this 21st century house all next to each other is a vision in archtectural progression - perfect place for it to be!

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  89. I call it the ice cube. I live in the area and it doesn't fit at all. I'm an enjoy architecture, but this wasn't the place to put it. The homes in this area are not gloomy shacks like some think. People have put tons of money and time into most of them. These homes are standing after 100+ years. They are way better built than new homes.

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  90. What a bunch of narrow-minded people! Never have I been so ashamed of my home town. So glad I'm gone! What will become of Racine if folks didn't introduce fresh ideas? Continue to deteriorate as it's doing so now.
    And global warming not real? OMG...are you for real???

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  91. Imagine how great the world would be if building was green.

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  92. I think the house is innovative and very smart. Many Americans have not been appropriately informed about Global Warming and Climate Change. If you only look at what you see on the news, then you really don't have a clue. Look into it yourself. You will be surprised at all of the factors involved that nobody talks about. The Earth is being destroyed at a rapid pace, and people like this, who, along with a team of designers dedicated to finding real solutions to lessening our impact are making a difference. I think the house is brilliant. I cannot, however, say that I would ever want to live in a community of stuffy single minded, think inside the box naysayers, though. It's amazing how a house can cause people to say such nasty things about their neighbors. Get a life.

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