Thiessen Design + Construction | BUILDING THE MCVICAR HOUSE

Photos by JENNIFER GOETZ

Tammy Thiessen, designer, and Daniel Carlson, general contractor and Thiessen’s brother and business partner, will oversee every aspect of the project, from construction and contractors to furnishings and fixtures. The home’s traditional colonial style with a circle drive and limestone exterior will complement other campus buildings while retaining its stature as a welcoming residence.

Thiessen and Carlson began their business as remodelers before expanding into custom home construction and acquiring Home at Last, a furniture and home goods store in Fairlawn Plaza Mall.

“We want to convey a timeless feel so that the home will look as though it could have been here for 100 years and will still be here for another 100 years,” Thiessen said. “We spent a lot of time on design. We didn’t want to replicate a historic home in Westboro, but we wanted to nod to some of those neighborhood elements.”

Thiessen said a few of those features include white woodwork and millwork with historical details.

“Inside we’re creating classically styled spaces that can be used for gatherings of different sizes with all the modern elements the president will need for constant hosting,” she said.

The home’s first floor will include a spacious great room with lots of windows, a full kitchen with prep and catering stations and large ADA-compliant restrooms. The area will open to an expansive covered patio and an outdoor entertainment area. A wood-paneled study will provide a warm, intimate setting for small groups, and a bedroom suite on the main floor will accommodate special guests staying with the president.

“We’re being very conscientious about anticipating a lot of different family configurations for the future since every president will use the home differently,” Thiessen said. “Washburn University will have the first floor for entertaining, while the second floor will have private space for the family to retreat to. We’re adding access points and side exits so that family members will be able to enter and leave the home without disrupting events.”

The private residential space will include a living room, kitchenette and four bedrooms, all with connected bathrooms.

Thiessen estimates the project will be completed in August 2024 in time for a new school year.

“I love helping people achieve their vision for their home and having this opportunity to create a landmark residence in our region from start to finish is such a special opportunity for us,” Thiessen said. “The McVicar House is a tremendous investment in the university and the community and we’re grateful to participate.”

With Thiessen Design + Construction’s participation comes a commitment to local business as they utilize the craftsmanship and skills of many local subcontractors.

“Topeka has such a talented pool of craftsmen and trades people. One of the areas we feel extremely excited about in managing the design and building of this landmark home is how we get to showcase the spectacular crafts from our local subcontractors.”