Eye candy of the week

Although this structure (which is for sale for $279,000) is used as a law office, it was constructed at the turn of the 19th century as a church. Its strong siting at the corner of Saginaw and Seymour streets undoubtedly created a solid earthly presence to complement the spiritual power within. Durable brick and stone cladding establish a solid physical foundation, firmly anchored by a dominant central tower. Reaching skyward, the composition of roofs is capped with flared eaves, along with pyramid and cone forms punctuated by decorative roof finials.

Stone details and stacked brick courses emphasize the arched openings that define the Richardsonian Romanesque style. The arches spring from stone imposts, classifying them as true Romanesque arches. The related Syrian arch is also semi-circular, but it begins at the ground level.

The style takes its name from Henry Hobson Richardson, who with Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan is recognized as one of the three greatest American-born architects of the era. Born in Louisiana in 1838, Richardson’s studies at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris were cut short during the United States Civil War. Following his death at just 47 in 1886, the style gained widespread popularity as Richardson’s contemporaries adopted his signature forms.

“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 Berl Schwartz at 999-5061.