Crafting the Cottage

In selecting architects, the Sudlers went with Buckley and Van Brunt, a firm with family roots in Kansas City. 

A rear view of the Sudler house. This is what Dr. Sudler would have seen walking to his house from the garage.
A rear view of the Sudler house. This is what Dr. Sudler would have seen walking to his house from the garage.

One of the firm’s architects, Courtlandt Van Brunt, first came to Kansas City with his famous father. The elder Van Brunt made a name for himself by designing buildings such as Harvard’s Memorial Hall, the Cambridge Public Library, and the electricity building at the Chicago World’s Fair. After receiving a contract to build Union Pacific Railroad stations across the Midwest, Henry Van Brunt moved his firm and family from Boston to Kansas City. He became known for designing homes for the wealthy as well as larger spaces including the Union Pacific Railroad Depot (1889) and Spooner Hall (1894) in Lawrence.

Courtlandt followed in his father’s footsteps. He graduated from Harvard University and began practicing in Boston. In 1911, he moved to Kansas City to pick up where his father left off. 

Not all decisions about the Sudlers’ home were left to the professionals. Dr. Sudler was instrumental in building his home. He wanted a foundation twice as strong as was typical for a house of its size. In the yard Dr. Sudler planted copper beech and pecan trees. 

When Dr. Sudler passed in 1956, he donated his property to the University. By hosting occupants from a campus radio station to the Max Kade Center, the house has continued Dr. Sudler’s legacy. Sudler House represents his impact on  Lawrence, the University of Kansas, and the state of Kansas. 

Spooner Hall on the University of Kansas Lawrence campus exhibits several characteristics of the English Revival Style including the steep roof and half-rounded doors. Photo courtesy of University of Kansas Archives.
Spooner Hall on the University of Kansas Lawrence campus exhibits several characteristics of the English Revival Style including the steep roof and half-rounded doors. Photo courtesy of University of Kansas Archives.

Identify the architectural features

The Tudor Revival style was initially a sign of wealth before being adopted by the masses. A number of characteristics define the English Cottage Style, including irregularly-shaped rooms, French doors, and hidden garages. Look for these other common attributes around the Sudler home:

Multi-light windows in bands
Multi-light windows in bands
Half-round doors
Half-round doors
Decorative Hardware
Decorative Hardware
Large Chimneys
Large Chimneys
Asymmetrical design
Asymmetrical design
Steep roof slants
Steep roof slants