Eye candy of the week

Befitting a state defined by two distinct peninsulas, Michigan maintains two separate governor’s residences. The first is a summer house overlooking Mackinac Island and the other is sited in the Country Club of Lansing neighborhood. This house was built for trucking executive Howard Sober and his wife Letha in 1957. The Sobers donated the home to the state in 1969, when it was occupied by then Gov. William Milliken.

Architect Wallace Frost, who relocated to Michigan in 1919 to join the Detroit-based architect Albert Kahn, designed the home. Frost’s firm, which was formed in 1926, is best known for its traditional design preferences. In the Sober house, Frost — matching Khan — bridged the divide between traditional and contemporary architecture. The building’s wings spread out to establish a strong horizontal emphasis, reinforced by broad eaves appropriate to Michigan’s cold, wet climate. Within, the floor plan allows for movement between spaces and an easy transition to the gardens.

The house is appointed with Michigan-made materials and products, including the walnut floors in the great room and the garden room ceilings, which are made from Upper Peninsula cedar. The dining room features Pewabic tile inserts depicting Michigan’s history and the kitchen is appointed with Michiganmade appliances.

— Daniel E. Bollman, AIA

“Eye candy of the Week” is our weekly look at some of the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates each with Eyesore of the Week. If you have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@lansingcitypulse.com or call Andy Balaskovitz at 999-5064.