Photography by Carly Mylander Photography
Above, the handmade leather chandelier from South Africa that was procured for the home.
Above, the handmade leather chandelier from South Africa that was procured for the home.
Welcome to 652 City Park Avenue
Meet Ashley, Jon-Paul and a sweet Saluki, Qupe
Ever since moving to Columbus from New York in 1997, Ashley found German Village to be a special place. Like many before her, she was enchanted by the historically preserved neighborhood, greenspaces and convivial atmosphere. When Jon-Paul joined her in Columbus in 2015, they began to hone their collective aesthetic: relaxed sophistication inspired by nature and traveling.
In late 2018, Ashley and Jon-Paul were looking to move from Victorian Village to German Village, and they found 652 City Park right around Christmas time. It seemed kismet that the move to their new home would be right after the New Year!
The original structure at 652 City Park was built in 1900, and among the previous residents were a teacher and broom maker. Fittingly, the family keeps books front and center as both design elements and entertainment in the living room. In the wintertime, Ashley loves to read a good book by the fire, and in the warmer months she enjoys entertaining family and friends.
The majority of the changes were made on the interior of the home, including opening up the entire first floor by removing a wood partition, completely renovating the kitchen, redesigning the owner’s suite, adding a third bedroom, reconfiguring a staircase, and updating a full bathroom.
Fortunately, Ashley and Jon-Paul found Stephanie Buss and Ashley Lundberg of SURROUND interior design to help fulfill their aesthetic vision. SURROUND’s cultivated yet approachable perspective, coupled with directional, one-of-a-kind pieces, truly was a perfect match. With respect for the historical bones of the home, Ashley and Stephanie helped to curate a timeless update for this modern family.
Ashley’s background is in global health and epidemiology. She currently works at the Cleveland Clinic where she develops enterprise strategies and leads strategic initiatives.
Jon-Paul is a city planner who recently opened a studio and consulting firm, Unpredictable City, focusing on renewable energy design and analysis.
In 2020, a sweet Saluki, Qupe, joined the family. Whenever possible, Qupe tags along on hiking adventures and family visits to New York. She is an excellent traveler and expert napper.
In 2020, a sweet Saluki, Qupe, joined the family. Whenever possible, Qupe tags along on hiking adventures and family visits to New York. She is an excellent traveler and expert napper.
If he’s not working, you can usually find Jon-Paul in the kitchen testing new recipes and keeping an eye on the plants.
When at home, the teenage boys’ favorite spot is the “Sky Cave,” their endearing nickname for the third-floor loft that is simultaneously an entertainment, gaming and flexible workspace.
Translating the family’s refined aesthetic to the exterior included expanding and repairing an extensive brick paver patio and pathway in the backyard, clearing overgrown landscaping, adding gem boxwood hedges around the perimeter of the home and the backyard, and creating space for the family’s growing collection of citrus trees that Jon-Paul cultivates from seed.
Working full time and raising three teenage sons (Luc, 19 – sophomore at St. Lawrence University; Ryder, 15; Rafael, 13 - 9th/8th grade respectively at New Albany) does not leave much free time, but family meals and travel adventures to Canada, Costa Rica, Italy and elsewhere provide plenty of laughs and memories for the family of five.
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HOUSE 652 City Park Avenue ISSUE XXII