Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > September > 01
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
AIA Home Tour Preview Party at Enfield Home
Traditional is sexy. That’s the judgment of any number of consummate modernists who viewed an Enfield home gloriously revealed during a preview party for the American Institute of Architects-Austin’s home tour, sponsored by Austin Monthly Home.
Aaron and Elizabeth Stanley
The house is soaked in history. It once belonged to late banker, power broker and social bon vivant Ruben Johnson, disgraced before the law but pardoned by President Bill Clinton. In fact, just about every party guest over a certain age shared a private story about a mad party there — or more. Almighty University of Texas leader Frank Erwin once lived across the street in this River Oaks of Austin. Imagine the concentration of influence!
Harriett Sakin and Mimi Rosenthal
Architect Paul Lamb altered the labyrinthine 1930s house with reserved taste from roof to basement. Interior designer Fern Santini synthesized every aspect of the rooms for adults, children and guests. Dick Clark designed the playful guest house.
Weston Lipscomb, and Jeff Taylor
The party guests — smart, sophisticated, informed — couldn’t get enough of the antique golf clubs, glowing aquarium, crystal chandeliers, wine cellar made of rescued wood, historical photographs of musicians, and, especially, a calf-hide carpet and plastered niche in the master bathroom.
Helen Thompson, Paul Lamb and Fern Santini
Movie blogger and music videographer Cole Dabney accompanied me, making new friends of all the swells. For those who could not make this prime party, the AIA tour is coming up Oct. 2-3.
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Open House at the Parish
Music lovers love the Parish. The upstairs venue on East Sixth Street molds sound almost to perfection. Only a half dozen Central Texas clubs compete in its class.
Amanda DeLeon and Susan Menta
The Parish leadership has not always matched its audio quality. Indifferent upkeep and marketing dampened consistent attraction for tourists and locals. Unkempt was equated with funky, which, in Austin, meant authentic. So why bother with the comforts of musicians or fans?
Kassie and James Purpura (Catering with a Twist)
Since Doug Guller purchased the spot, he and his management team have carefully refurbished the place. The changes did no damage to the sound. Now, the look reflects the street below’s New Orleans heritage with darkened woods, lighter brocades and even brighter mirrors. The unmentionables no longer need mentioning.
Scott Standley, Chris Saad and Danny Yirgou (Jungleset)
A pleased crowd of unfussy party planners — caterers, music bookers, managers, etc. — scanned the product on Tuesday at an open house. Everyone we spoke to joined the chorus of praise. It is now an ambassador for Austin.
During the open house, I wondered for a long time about the identity of the lovely singer onstage. Turns out Corrine had been one of my students at St. Edward’s! Absolutely gorgeous, papery, jazz voice. The next Kat Edmundson?
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