“It was a vacation cottage for a local
a unique place to display Damon’s
physician,” explained Damon. “An
ever-growing collection of pop art
early owner had the first pheasant
and urban street art, too.
farm in South Dakota, which was on the big Sioux River on this property. He was also an amature arborist, so some of the trees you’ll see around here are more exotic. Lots of variation on pine trees.” Over the subsequent century, owners added to the structure, as neighbors grew closer. And although the “cottage” is now a 2,700 square foot, three bedroom, two bathroom home, it maintains much of its original architectural character. Beamed ceilings and expansive windows provide picturesque panoramic views of the surrounding woods, which one would never guess is just a stone’s throw from busy Minnesota Avenue. “We get a lot of deer coming back in this area,” said Jessica, gesturing out at the front yard.
“It’s fun sitting down, eating dinner at the table, and watching the deer.”
Some of his favorite pieces in the living room include a Warhol-esque “Marilyn Monroe Spock” by French artist Mr. Brainwash, and the first work he ever had commissioned - a piece of ledger art by Rapid Citybased Jim Yellowhawk. “The piece of paper was originally from 1912 and it’s a Montana treasurer registry,” said Damon, pointing to the tiny, faded cursive behind the bold overlaying imagery. “I like motorcycles and bought my own about a year and a half ago. My dad rode motorcycles when I was growing up, so he threw in my current motorcycle and my dad’s and a couple of vintage Indian motorcycles. I think it’s a cool piece.” While the bright colors emanating from the artwork catch a visitor’s immediate attention, it doesn’t take long to appreciate the subtle, stylish lines of the furniture’s midcentury aesthetic. “Kyle at Modtro has been a great resource for me the last three or four years,” said Damon. “Even before we moved back to Sioux Falls, I got a couple pieces from him. I saw him post this Eames-style lounge chair on his Facebook, which I think is the coolest piece of furniture I have. There’s something very sexy about furniture design of this era.” The dining room is populated by more midcentury pieces, like a
Libby, their 1 1/2 year-old pup
gleaming white-topped oval table,
procured from the Oglala Pet Project
surrounded by artfully mismatched
enjoys watching the wildlife, too.
chairs. Above, hangs a chandelier
The country-in-the-city setting is
made from a variation of white
what first drew the couple, who work
cones, which was purchased
in the dental field, to the house when
from Zing.
they moved from Milwaukee, Wis. But they knew it would also serve as
The first changes the couple made after moving into the house were