The midcentury-modern country home just off the interstate.Tony Valainis
Don Langebartels was one of the most prominent local architects of his era, but he built just one private home—for himself and his family. Bathed in natural light and immersed in nature, the dwelling looks as sleek and stylish today as it did when completed in 1963. Its midcentury lines drew current owners Joe Bridwell and Rhonda Breman to the property in 2015. Breman and her two children had already lived on the same street in the northeastside neighborhood for 12 years, so they knew what a great area it is: seemingly tucked away from it all, but right smack in the middle of civilization when you need it.
Inside Story
A sunken living room, hardwood floors, two fireplaces, a renovated kitchen with glossy gray cabinetry and shiny white subway tiles juxtaposed against original wood beams—the interior of the home has plenty to savor. Like many homes of its era, the five bedrooms aren’t especially huge, leaving more space for the common areas. There’s also a separate guest studio with its own updated bathroom and kitchen. But Bridwell and Breman especially relish being outside, usually on one of the three distinct decks or the screened-in porch. There’s plenty of room on the three-quarter acre for backyard movie nights and other neighborly get-togethers. “The place lends itself very well to entertaining,” says Bridwell. “We are minutes from I-465, but at times it feels like we have a private home in the country, particularly when the trees are covered in leaves.”