Project 555

In the Fall of 2006, I purchased a small house with an adjoining one acre lot in Kent, Ohio, located near Kent State University where I have taught for many years. The original idea was to eventually build on the lot. As it turned out, things went in another direction.

The 1935 house was very solid and sturdily built; at times making it difficult to properly drive a screw into some of the older studs or joist members. The interior fittings, however were a different matter: Walls were constructed of thin paper board behind which existed no insulation. Along with leaking windows, this made for a pretty drafty interior. At inspection, the main electrical panel was deemed a fire hazard. Much of the existing electrical conduit lines would also need to be replaced.

So with an eager spirit and an energetic heart, that spring I began, what would turn out to be, a ten–year long renovation project. An extended design and construction process allowed for the consideration of details which may not have come to fruition, had I not been living on the site. Given the unique address of 555, whenever possible I tried to incorporate quantities and rhythms of five. For instance, ceiling cans in three of the main rooms are arranged in pairs of five, ten per room.

My father, Harry Ransom, was a modernist architect who taught at Rice University in Houston
for many years. We both shared a deep love of Modernism and would frequently have great exchanges on the subject of any given project at hand. Much to my deep sadness, he died shortly after I purchased the house. (At the time, I was living in the upstairs of the garage, as we had just gutted the entire interior). To him and to my mom, Frankie I express my heartfelt love and gratitude.

Although there is much more to tell about that tumultuous and trying time, I thought that you might enjoy seeing the fruits of our effort at 555 Deidrick Road. (Dad and I nicknamed the house Marlena).

The following photographs attempt to document the process and result of that long voyage.

Extra special thanks to my dear Patty for her enormous support and love
during this entire project.