The Sauntry Gymnasium

I would like to dedicate this post to a good friend of mine who I have known for many years.  This is one of his stunning restoration projects and one of my favorites.  I want to share with you the amazing job he did on this building.  The Sauntry Mansion was built in 1891 for a wealthy lumber baron in Stillwater MN.  In 1902 Sauntry built a beautiful gymnasium connected via a skyway so that he and his family could not only exercise in style, but also have lots of room to entertain friends.   The home's exterior really does give no indication as to the Moorish style jewel box that awaits inside.  The space was converted into apartments in the 1920s and remained so until 1999 when the present owners purchased it and decided to undertake the 6 year renovation.  The home has 20 foot ceilings and 14 foot mirrors weighing 250 pounds each which had to be silvered in Chicago as no local tradesman could be found to do it according to the Stillwater Gazette. The owners choose my friend, Edward Hawksford of Hawksford Design to undertake the restoration.  Based off only a few black and white photos of the house when it was built and a few elements hidden in the walls and "attic" the restoration process was to say the least breathtaking.  The building is a private residence and is not open to the public.

Mansion and newly built Gymnasium c. 1906

Ballroom 1919

Ballroom then

Ballroom now.

The Ballroom c. 2004 with lowered ceiling and divided into two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Ballroom today

Look at that detail!!!

Original chandelier which apparently takes 46 light bulbs and a lift to reach these 20 ft ceilings!

Reception Hall

Reception hall prior to restoration gave the clues as to what this place looked like.

 Reception hall with inappropriate stairway removed to give back the space

Hidden in the walls showing the paint colors and shadow lines. What a find!

Reception Hall now.

Congrats to the owners and Ed Hawksford of Hawksford Designs for his truly magnificent restoration.  You have done a wonderful service and left a treasure to the City of Stillwater, Minnesota. BRAVO!!! 

If you like what you read and want to see this blog and projects keep going PLEASE feel free to donate something, even if it's only a little bit.  Every little bit helps on this restoration project. Thanks again!