Wednesday, September 12, 2007

One Mans Trash Is Another Mans Treasured Home


Everyone has heard the cliché one mans trash is another mans treasure. How about one city’s trash incinerator is another man’s treasured home. For one celebrated artist this could not be more true.

Built in 1939 just on the out skirts of what was then the city limits was the city’s trash incinerator. For about $50,000 the building was constructed with 6" and 17” brick walls and if examined it would unveil bricks stamps from factories all over North America and Mexico. As the city grew to new size, the city limits were reestablished. Ordinances prohibiting trash disposal within the city limits was cause for the incinerator to be relocated. The abandoned structure remained filled with ashes for years.

While scouting for a separate project, renowned wood turner, Ron Fleming discovered the building. Much in the same way Pablo Picasso famously transformed bike handles into horns for his work The Bull, the native Oklahoman’s vision of a smoke stacked spiraled into a four-story lookout tower. Literally digging into this passion, shovel by shovel, Ron and his family reinvented a city’s forgotten incinerator into a conceptual piece of art.

Designed for a private home and studio workshop http://www.heartstonestudios.com/ for him and wife Carolyn the house is as unique and personal as their artwork. Just behind the two, 8’ hand carved arched walnut doors that stand salute at entrance is a two-story atrium, which is the focal point of the house. Meandering walls showcasing works of art lead you through the distinctive floor plan and open to an east sunroom and observation deck. Gardens abundant with wildlife make good use of a sixty-foot city easement adjacent to the property. This house isn’t void of many modern conveniences.
Today, Tulsans can be proud of the contribution made by the visionary artist and be appreciative that one mans creativity and inspiration for a home, fashioned a treasure for our entire city. For a complete property details go to http://darrylbaskin.com/luxury_homes

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