June/July 2012 - Coulee Region Women Magazine

Left: Stansfield and Mickelson’s light-filled landing accommodates river views and a grand piano. Right: The user-friendly kitchen has a
“house of tomorrow” feel.
other people, started their own families and began careers. Later in
life, when both were again available, they connected through mutual
friends, and have been together for the last 12 years.
The correct flow
When building was ready to begin, Stansfield decided on Kirchner
Custom Builders, Inc. Kirchner Custom Builders is owned and operated
by brothers Marty and Tony Kirchner. Together they have built many
custom homes in the La Crosse area, but at the time, they did not have
experience specifically building Modernist homes, especially the likes
of Weiss’s design. The Kirchner brothers’ firm is also relatively young.
Marty, 35, and Tony, 30, knew the chance to build a house like the
one Weiss and Stansfield designed was possibly a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity. The Kirchners wanted to help with this vision, and took
the initiative by drafting a letter detailing their abilities and willingness
to help Stansfield complete his home. Their motivation was the deciding
factor for Stansfield to hire them as his builders, and he says without a
doubt in his voice, “I would hire them again in a heartbeat.”
The interior of the house speaks just as much to Stansfield’s and
Mickelson’s personalities as the exterior. Several of the walls were built
specifically to showcase large paintings Stansfield admires, works by
David Dornan, Ben Steele and Alexandra Nechita. Stansfield and
Mickelson rely on their whimsical and sometimes eccentric taste to
inspire them. Other walls of the home are hung with commemorative
posters for antique car shows from around the world and other
mementos from trips the couple has taken. The posters are matted
and framed, reflecting the value in the memories they invoke for
the couple. The round garage is large enough for three cars, another
of Stansfield’s passions, but could house six with the aid of lifts.
Equally interesting to the décor is how the space is used. The rooms
are unique—not box shaped, but built with curves and angles that
make living in the house an experience. Jennifer Nordeen of Nordeen
Design Gallery was instrumental in ensuring the interior of this
unique home had the correct flow.
The floor plan is open, with the living rooms, kitchen and master
suite on the main floor. Bay windows let in an abundance of natural
light. The second floor is accessed by a circular staircase; when
installed, it had to be threaded through a large window like an auger,
guided by the Kirchners every step of the way. The second floor has
two guest bedrooms, but also a landing showcasing a Samick piano
for Mickelson to play. Off the landing is a second-floor patio with a
wide view of the river.
valuing the talents of others
Jim Stansfield operated his family business of Stansfield Vending
for many years, an experience allowing him to explore his passions.
Presently, his two daughters own and operate Stansfield Vending, and
he could not be more proud of their accomplishments. Stansfield
himself is living testament to what happens when people are willing
to put forth hard work and creativity, but also are willing to cooperate
and value the gifts and talents others have to offer. This super-modern
home is one of a kind, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the
outstanding team Stansfield organized—he’s truly a man of vision;
one look at this house, and you know it to be true. crw
Maura Henn has been proud to write for Coulee region Women
since 2008. She is relocating to Rochester, Minn., to expand her career
with People’s Food Co-op. She thanks you for reading her stories.
www.crwmagazine.com JUNE/JULY 2012 41