Rochester couple aims to preserve architectural vision - Post Bulletin

Nestled in Northeast Rochester, Brian and Gabrielle Hess, along with their teenage son, live in a midcentury home designed by architect John Polivka.

Since purchasing the property in 2007, they’ve approached caring for it with both respect and intention, balancing preservation with gentle modernization. Each update, from refinishing original woodwork to integrating subtle functional improvements, reflects a steady commitment to Polivka’s harmonization of architecture and the natural world.

The result is a home that continues to evolve while remaining true to its setting and spirit.

Describe your house.

Built in 1967, the home was designed prairie-style by architect John Polivka, a follower of Frank Lloyd Wright. The house is one with nature — there is even a birch tree growing through a cantilever. Fun fact: Polivka, who also designed the original highway cloverleaf and worked for General Electric, built two other prairie-style homes in the Twin Cities area.

Home Style - Hess Family

A pair of birch trees have room to grow outside the Hess family’s home Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Rochester.

Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin

Three words to sum up the interior.

Organic, natural, artistic.

What aspects of the home best reflect the architect’s vision?

The lot was chosen specifically by Polivka for Dr. Maurice Martin and his family. The front of the home appears intentionally understated, with a partially hidden entryway typical of Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence. The northwest carport was designed to prevent snow from blowing in — a simple yet practical reflection of Wright’s philosophy, as he didn’t believe in garages or attics.

Which original elements have you worked to preserve or highlight?

Original details include the beams running the length of the upstairs sourced from a farm in Iowa and the use of local materials like limestone and cedar. The limestone fireplaces are especially notable — the upstairs fireplace was redone at the request of the original owner, Mrs. Ada Martin, so that the stones would protrude rather than sit flush. This design detail has become a beloved feature, creating natural ledges that add warmth and texture. The master suite also retains its original grass cloth wallpaper, cabinetry with Japanese hardware, and a step-down Japanese-style bath surrounded by small tiles and recessed space for plants.

Anything particularly notable about the layout?

The open-concept living and dining areas are perfect for entertaining. On the other side of the living room fireplace is the music room, which still houses a working Fischer radio and turntable with large speakers. Music can be enjoyed throughout the living room, basement family room and game room.

Home Style - Hess Family

A built-in radio is pictured in the Hess family’s home Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Rochester.

Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin

Outdoor items to speak to?

The walkway to the front door is winding and lush, with original ferns from 1967 and a limestone wall softly lit by indirect lighting. The entryway reflects Wright’s concept of contraction and expansion where tension builds in the narrow approach, then the space opens dramatically as you step inside. Nearly a full wall of south-facing windows floods the living space with natural light and creates a seamless connection to the surrounding grove of trees.

Other features that stand out as especially unique or unexpected?

Floating stairs leading to the basement resemble those from The Brady Bunch home. Downstairs, the large copper hood above the limestone fireplace has developed a beautiful patina over time. Built-in seating doubles as storage beneath the cushions, and a Herman Miller light fixture hangs over the game table near a wet bar. In the northwest corner sits a large storage room affectionately known as the “bomb shelter.”

Share a favored update you have made since moving in.

The kitchen is a galley design. We created a custom backsplash featuring Monet’s water lilies, purchasing the tiles from a company in Colorado and framing them with ocean-blue border tiles from a local shop.

Home Style - Hess Family

Colorful backsplash is pictured in the kitchen of the Hess family’s home Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Rochester.

Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin

What personal touches help make the home feel complete?

Frank Lloyd Wright floor lamps, Taliesin-stained glass and Oriental and Persian rugs add warmth and continuity throughout. African slate floors and natural textures tie back to the original vision for a timeless, nature-inspired design.

What’s something unexpected you’ve come to love about the house?

The hidden door in the library. Behind it is a large storage room that’s nearly soundproof when closed. A window offers a sightline through to the dining room, and another looks all the way to the carport.

What’s your favorite part of living here?

The southern exposure and the feeling of being surrounded by nature. The back of the home features an almost full wall of south-facing windows. A large deck wraps from the back to the west side, creating a seamless connection with the surrounding grove of trees. Wildlife sightings are common and it feels like being in the countryside, yet when the leaves fall, a spectacular city view emerges.

Do you know someone with a fantastic, fun or funky home? Send nominations to

life@postbulletin.com

with “Home Style” in the subject line.

Home Style - Hess Family