Opting for a decidedly more urban lifestyle, the couple says they’re living a dream at Block 42, a loft-style condo. Stepping inside their light, airy threelevel home, the space’s appeal is obvious.

Fabulous floor-to-ceiling windows dominate the main floor, providing perfect city views.

The former Yukon residents’ decision to move roughly 17 miles east was spurred initially by a desire to downsize. They found the in-town location quite attractive, given metro OKC’s ongoing renaissance. It also helped that they had become accustomed to spending a lot of time in the Bricktown area to dine and attend sports and cultural events.

“At this stage [in our lives], we didn’t want to spend the time on the yard that was needed to keep an outside looking nice,” says Gary McCurdy, a Canadian County district judge.

So the journey began. With two adult children out of the house, the pair purchased a former model home that had never been occupied and began the buildout process.

Shortly thereafter, they put their traditional Yukon home on the market. Luckily, it sold in a matter of days. Next came the sale of virtually all their furniture, allowing them to branch out to a new design scheme in their new digs.

“We sold everything but a bench,” says Janie McCurdy, an American Fidelity Assurance employee. “This gave us an opportunity to go to a different style and stretch our imagination.”

THIS IS LIVING
Enter interior designer Janis Bevers of Living in Style. She helped the McCurdys decorate their new 2,700-square-foot space that includes a rooftop terrace. Not only did Bevers sketch out all of the furniture designs, but assisted with the fabric and wood selection for each piece. To create these custom-made items, she used a variety of artists.

“Now more than ever, it is crucial to support our local craftsmen,” says Bevers, whose business is based in Oklahoma City. “That’s what a true designer does.”

Evidence of the couple embracing Bevers’ creative spirit can be seen in the massive bookcase, the living area’s hallmark. Custom-made in linear-grain white oak, it includes a long, central shelf for the television. The side shelves contain specially chosen Murano art pieces, with LED lights installed in the top.

“The lights are beautiful at night,” says Gary McCurdy, who can kick back on the room’s plush, transitional-style sofa or lounge chairs covered in dark cherry mohair. “They give such an ambience and gleam [to the room].”

Beyond this cozy area is the dining room, anchored by a large table with a stainless-steel base and white marble top that comfortably seats eight guests. Farther back is the small, but efficient kitchen that completes the contemporary scene, just right for an intimate breakfast or quick lunch.

SOUNDS OF SILENCE
Beside a full social calendar, the McCurdys have discovered that city life is much quieter than expected. Although Block 42 stands near the Interstate 235 on-ramp, the building’s walls are so well-insulated that the McCurdys say they hear no traffic noise from the busy thoroughfare — just an occasional soft whistle from the nearby train tracks, which they find calming.

They have noticed only one flaw: There isn’t a supermarket in sight.

“The grocery shopping is a bit of a challenge,” says Gary McCurdy.

Still, the not-complete renovation of Oklahoma City remains one of the nation’s biggest success stories over the last decade, and the couple is excited to be a part of it.

“We love it down here,” says Janie McCurdy. “The vitality of it is great.”

Photos by Shannon Cornman