Tannenbaum Inspired Split-Level Mid-Century Modern Landscape - Fox Point, WI

This landscape redesign for this mid‑century split‑level home brings the architecture’s dramatic geometry into the outdoor spaces. A new angular concrete walkway, expanded patio, and fire pit area work together to modernize the property while honoring its mid‑century roots. Cohesive plantings and low‑voltage lighting complete the transformation.

This mid‑century split‑level home in Fox Point, Wisconsin, originally designed by Abe Tannenbaum and remodeled by Racinowski Design Studio, offered an exciting opportunity to create a landscape that respected its architectural heritage while giving the exterior a fresh, contemporary update. The homeowner—already familiar with our work through his parents—wanted a design that celebrated the home’s mid‑century character and improved the functionality of the outdoor spaces. Our scope included both hardscape design and all new plantings.

Because the home sits on a corner lot, the new front walkway needed to connect seamlessly to both the driveway and the street. We designed a concrete walkway using angles inspired by the home’s dramatic roofline, allowing the hardscape to echo the architecture. Two beach‑pebble cutouts were incorporated into the upper landing to mirror a similar detail in the existing front porch, creating a subtle but intentional visual connection.

A failing concrete block retaining wall was replaced with a dry‑stacked Lannon stone wall that better complements the home’s materials and era. Lannon stone inlays were added to the walkway to reinforce its geometry and tie the hardscape elements together.

The planting design continues the angled theme with linear groupings of boxwoods, flowering shrubs, and ornamental grasses, while long‑blooming perennials provide seasonal color and soften the strong architectural lines.

The original patio was undersized for modern entertaining, so we replaced it with a larger concrete patio that coordinates with the angled front walkway and includes matching Lannon stone inlays. A separate fire pit area was added, anchored by a simple planting bed that helps define the space within the lawn.

As part of the home remodel, an additional garage bay created a small exterior nook visible from the living room. Rather than leave this space unused, we transformed it into a shaded Zen garden anchored by a Japanese maple. The plant palette mirrors the selections used in the front yard, creating continuity throughout the property.

Low‑voltage landscape lighting highlights the architecture, plantings, and key outdoor spaces, extending the landscape’s impact into the evening. The result is a cohesive, modern landscape that honors the home’s mid‑century design while providing functional, beautiful outdoor spaces for contemporary living.