Inside Blu Dot Cofounder John Christakos’s Midcentury Minneapolis Home

Shawn Gilliam
·2 min read

Originally designed for a sculptor by Elizabeth "Lisl" Close, the gallery-like residence makes space for family, grand gatherings, and creative growth.

Although many kitchen redesigns aim for more openness, in John and Debby’s case, it made more sense to section off their sprawling kitchen into a smaller cooking area, a sizable butler’s pantry, and a snug TV room. The sculptural island and backsplash are made from Cararra marble.
Although many kitchen redesigns aim for more openness, in John and Debby’s case, it made more sense to section off their sprawling kitchen into a smaller cooking area, a sizable butler’s pantry, and a snug TV room. The sculptural island and backsplash are made from Cararra marble.

By most measures, economics and studio art make for a curious double major in college. But for John Christakos, cofounder and CEO of Blu Dot, the combination made complete sense. "Blu Dot is half art and half business, so it seemed natural" he says. And while the economics side suits the company’s balance sheet, it’s studio art—specifically sculpture—that has always fueled his creative pursuits.

Except for new cedar siding, the home’s original exterior by architect Elizabeth
Except for new cedar siding, the home’s original exterior by architect Elizabeth

So, it was fortuitous when John and his wife, Debby, discovered and later purchased a 1949 home—commissioned by sculptor John Rood, who taught at the University of Minnesota—just down the street from their previous residence near downtown Minneapolis. Equally compelling was the fact that the home was designed by Elizabeth "Lisl" Close—one of Minnesota’s first female architects, whose midcentury-modern works continue to be among the most highly regarded in the state.

The unusual floor plan includes a long gallery that wraps a grassy courtyard. The family commissioned an aluminum sculpture by Los Angeles–based artist Evan Holloway for the space.
The unusual floor plan includes a long gallery that wraps a grassy courtyard. The family commissioned an aluminum sculpture by Los Angeles–based artist Evan Holloway for the space.

Much of what drew John and Debby to this particular design was its peculiar floor plan, which includes a long gallery hallway connecting the newer 1949 structure to a late-19th-century carriage house—the only remnant left from the property’s original estate. "You can tell Close reworked the carriage house a little bit, because the interior feels like it’s from 1949," John says.

Although John and Debby ditched the home’s acoustic ceiling tiles, they kept the living room’s original handmade windows for their vintage quality. The grouping of art above the fireplace is by Minneapolis-based artist Jay Heikes.
Although John and Debby ditched the home’s acoustic ceiling tiles, they kept the living room’s original handmade windows for their vintage quality. The grouping of art above the fireplace is by Minneapolis-based artist Jay Heikes.

See the full story on Dwell.com: Inside Blu Dot Cofounder John Christakos’s Midcentury Minneapolis Home
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