Lantern on the Lake

Myriad customizations and a sky lounge elevate this Golden Valley bachelor pad—made complete with unobstructed lake and skyline views of the surrounding city

Photos by Spacecrafting

A study in form, function, and fashion, this modern abode—situated on one of the best corner lots in town—overlooks Sweeney Lake. Panoramic views of the Minneapolis skyline draw “oohs” and “ahhs” from the top-floor lounge deck.

The bachelor, business owner, and empty nester for whom this spectacular yet right-size modern home was created works hard and loves to exercise—then celebrates by entertaining. Collaborating closely with the client, Align Building & Remodeling and Chisel Architecture shaped this 2,950-square-foot three-level home to support how the homeowner moves through his day and evenings. 

Flaunting a Midwest twist on California living, the open kitchen and dining spaces feature custom cabinets in a dark gray enamel and bright white countertops and accents that balance the largely neutral color scheme.
Composed of steel and white oak, a sculptural staircase leads down to the main floor.

The ground level includes two bedrooms, a bath, and an exercise studio decked out with the client’s state-of-the-art equipment. On the open-plan main floor, the kitchen, dining, and living areas flow seamlessly together beneath alder beams. A home office near the kitchen is hidden behind custom cabinetry awash in a dark gray enamel, while the master suite (also boasting custom built-in cabinetry) is also on the main floor for one-level living. 

A sculptural staircase composed of a steel beam and solid white oak treads floats up to the third level or “sky lounge”—a glass box that opens to a 500-square-foot roof deck and panoramic views of Sweeney Lake and the Minneapolis skyline. This entertainment area includes a bar with more custom cabinetry and refrigerators.

A “sky lounge” on the top floor features a full bar and 500-square-foot roof deck for ultimate entertaining.

Situated on a corner lot, the home offers unobstructed views through expanses of glass on its two primary façades—creating a lantern effect in the evening. Clad in stucco and thermally treated siding, the home is as much a showcase from the outside as it is on the inside. The interior décor includes mural wallpaper, prints on various media that convey the home’s dynamic connections to the city and lake, colorful glass pieces, and a handsome color palette rooted in neutrals and dark shades of gray. 

“Designing and building this unique home involved a high level of collaboration,” says Tim O’Connor, owner and principal of Align Building & Remodeling. “[The owner] was very involved in the design, from concept through completion. Collaboratively is really how we prefer to work, with a team approach that ensures everyone understands the client’s goals right from the start.” 

The master bedroom stuns with its black slat accent wall and direct deck access.
The nearby master bathroom is equally jaw-dropping with its freestanding tub, lake views, and luxury finishes.

While construction was put on hold during the pandemic, O’Connor was able to fast-track the build so the client could move into the new bachelor pad at his earliest convenience. Not only does the home support a sense of reinvention for the client’s new phase of life, but the design, artwork, finishes, and décor also reflect how he envisions the home to inspire him—in both his work and personal life—every day.


Home Details

  • Builder: Align Building & Remodeling
  • Home Location: Golden Valley
  • Square Footage: 2,950
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 4
  • Style: Midwest twist on California modern

Experience this home via virtual tour here.

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