The concrete veneered structure at 1721 Jackson Street was built in 1912 for C. C. Thelander, a prominent Sioux City druggist. Thelander occupied the structure until 1944 when the home was purchased by MR. and Mrs. Joseph McGuill who lived in the house for nearly forty years.
In the summer of 1983, while in Sacramento, California, Thomas and Barabara Vakulskas observed renovation being done in the downtown area of that city. The old Victorian style homes near the central business district were being revived by various professionals for offices. It seemed like a innovative idea and a dream that would work. The couple purchased the home on Jackson Street in September of that year with the intention of relocating Vakulskas Law Firm from downtown Sioux City. In February of 1984, the firm moved into the “Law House”.
Attempting to preserve its original design and character, minimal renovation of the structure was undertaken. The first floor secretarial area has been modernized with a lowered ceiling and recessed lighting, thus converting a former kitchen to office space.
The main floor front room: early 1900s.
The natural beauty of the oak woodwork on all floors of the three story structure was retained in its original state. The fireplace hearth was retiled as the original tile of white porcelain was badly cracked.
The original architectural drawings and specifications were found in the attic studio. The library has an oak beamed ceiling. During the renovation, the ceiling in the adjoining conference room was also beamed to match the library ceiling.
The window treatments in the main floor rooms were kept simple to highlight both the woodwork and the leaded glass. The leaded glass was originally imported by Mr. Thelander from France.
The creation of the “Law House” culminates a fond dream of Mr. Thomas Vakulskas. Toms’ children have followed in his footsteps and now all three practice law in the house, continuing the family business.