Midgaard (Lautner Cabin), Marquette, Michigan

Few people realize this, but noted California architect John Lautner was born and educated in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (before enrolling at Taliesin).  Perhaps best known as the architect of Chemosphere, Lautner’s architectural career began much, much earlier. 

As a young boy he helped his parents, John & Vida Cathleen Lautner construct a cabin in Marquette, Michigan.  Known as Midgaard, the cabin and the experience of constructing it were both a significant influence for the junior Lautner.  He has referred to it as “the start of my architecture.”

Midgaard was presented to the Michigan State Historic Preservation Review Board on Friday, September 14 for their approval to forward the nomination to the National Park Service for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

The approved nomination will be available in a few months, but the Midgaard Presentation photographs presented to the Review Board can be downloaded as a PDF.