2024 Lake County Dream House: It’s back—and bigger and better than ever before
By Patricia Nugent
It’s back! After five years of waiting, the hotly anticipated Lake County YMCA Dream House is once again on top of everyone’s summer to-do list. All the interior design must-have majesty behind the magnificent doors, is open to tours on Thursday, June 27, and run through early August.
Designed and built by ProBuilt Homes, the 2,992-square-foot home is located within the new Andrews Ridge development off Route 84 in Willoughby. Worth more than $700,000, it features a luxurious first-floor master suite and three bedrooms upstairs.
The Wow Factor
Throughout every inch of the Dream House are novel design approaches and fresh appeal with a transitional-modern flavor. After Mimi took an early VIP tour, a few things jumped out:
• The never-ending aquarium built into a wall on the lower level is a conversation piece that makes you feel like Jacques Cousteau.
• A live-edge counter slab and hammered copper sink in the deep gray wet bar on the lower level.
• Iconic iterations of “Sputnik”-inspired chandeliers are seen throughout the rooms, bringing a modern punch to mid-century style.
• The herringbone tile treatment on the soaring fireplace surround in the great room, with cascading shades of gray blue and deep blue, is a focal point on the first floor’s open design.
Since last fall, when ground was broken, the construction team and designers have worked together to make it happen. This year the designers worked collaboratively as a team instead of individually.
Katie Ryan, who acted as ProBuilt’s interior designer and selections coordinator, oversaw every step.
“I’m honored to be on the YMCA Dream House design team for the second time,” she says. “I’ve enjoyed collaborating with the rest of the team on such a great project. We have really been able to mix our individual design concepts and put together some fun and unique ideas for this house.”
Vigorous Support
That fact that the Lake County YMCA is one of a handful in the country to throw an annual fundraiser of this scale speaks volumes to the amount of volunteer support to man the tours, creative support from the designers and builder, and community support from those who tour the home and buy tickets to win it.
According to Lake County YMCA CEO Dick Bennett, “The Lake County Y Dream House project has been a cornerstone of our community for more than 25 years. It plays a vital role in raising essential funds for the Y while supporting our charitable mission of welcoming all, regardless of a person’s ability to pay for membership and program services.”
Funds from the Dream House also enable the Y to introduce new initiatives, enhance existing programs and elevate facilities to better serve its members and the community.
“Thanks to the unwavering generosity of our supporters, the Dream House has been our most successful and far-reaching endeavor, bolstering the YMCA’s mission of support and assistance to others,” says Dick.
Local Dollars, Local Reach
In 2023, the Lake County Y served a total of 41,517 individuals, 13,274 of whom were children.
“Our members, participants and guests are vital members of our community,” says Dick. “The funds raised by the Dream House directly support all four Y branches in Lake County, ensuring that every dollar stays within our community to advance our mission of service to all. With more we can do more. Our goal is to raise as much as our community is willing to contribute. Because it is all invested back into the Y, those purchasing tickets are investing in our community.”
Dream Car Giveaway
During the pandemic pause, to keep up its necessary fundraising efforts, the Y pivoted the Dream House to become the Dream Car fundraiser, thanks to the generosity of Classic Chevrolet in Mentor and the Chevy Network Dealers. That generosity continues.
This year the Y is giving away a loaded 2024 Chevy Blazer. Valued at more than $51,000, the all-wheel-drive Blazer is a premier model, loaded with safety and luxury features.
“We appreciate the opportunity to help because of the fine work the Y does in the community,” says John McCurdy of Classic Chevrolet. “We like the idea that the Y is a local, Lake County Organization…just like Classic Chevrolet. The people of Lake County have been tremendously loyal to Classic Chevrolet for 45 years, and we appreciate the opportunity to give back to the people who have supported us.”
Dick reports the donation of the Blazer marks the 12th year of the dealership’s involvement.
“Our gratitude runs deep to this outstanding local business for its unwavering support of our community,” he says.
A Full-Circle Story
ProBuilt Homes has been the builder of three other prior Dream Houses. Owner George Davis has a sweet full-circle story about his relationship with the YMCA.
“I learned how to swim as a 6-month-old at the East End YMCA in Madison and in two instances in my life, when there was danger on the water, I didn’t panic because of my experience. That saved my life,” he says. “I also spent my teenage years at teen nights on Saturdays, which made sports an integral part of my upbringing. Today, I take my 8-month-old daughter to swim classes at the Central YMCA, just like my mom did. I want to be involved with supporting the Y because mine is one of the lives it has impacted in a positive way.”
Meet the Designers
Tour the 2024 Lake County YMCA Dream House for leading-edge inspiration
from some of the region’s top designers who volunteered their titanic talents. This year, for the first time, the group worked together on the whole house instead of each designing several rooms.
Kyle Baker
Kyle began her career in New York working with several distinguished design firms as an associate designer. After moving back to Ohio, she founded Kyle L. Baker Interiors in 2013. She has a great sense of space planning, construction documentation and project management.
- Her favorite part of the DH: “The lighting. This is mid-century modern at its best. The lighting reflects an interesting mix of finishes, from black metal to leather, wood and exposed bulbs.”
- Why she wanted to join this project: “I’ve always participated in charitable projects for local groups in the community. The restructuring of the design as a collaboration, from the early construction to establishing color schemes and making selections, was intriguing to me.”
440-525-5323, KyleLBaker.com
Samantha Bryan
Samantha started researching the impact implementing organization can have on our physical and mental well-being. Along with her creative team, in 2022 she tapped into her experience as a home stager for a luxury Realtor to launch a professional organizing service. They help homeowners achieve a space that’s more functional and fits in with their current styles reducing stress and saving time and money.
- Her favorite part of the DH: “The accent wall behind the bed in the master bedroom features 3D vertical slats that are monochromatic with the wall. It’s a sophisticated and unique effect that adds subtle movement and texture to the space.”
- Why she wanted to join this project: “I grew up in Lake County, swimming at the Perry YMCA. My family would always go to the Dream House when I was growing up. To be a part of the design team has been a cool and amazing opportunity.”
440-521-5378, DecorganizeIt.com
Maria Perossa
Armed with a business degree from John Carroll University, an interior design degree from Cuyahoga Community College and years in the corporate world, Maria’s worked for builders and renovators including Karr Craftsmanship, where she’s currently a lead designer and project manager.
- Her favorite part of the DH: “The powder room. It’s a tiny-yet-mighty space where we went very expressive, wallpapering the walls in a strong, metallic, abstract, large-print floral, and we painted the ceiling to pick up the charcoal gray.”
- Why she wanted to join this project: “I remember touring the Dream Houses with my parents when I was a little girl and being mesmerized by them. Now my parents will be touring it and seeing my work, which is pretty cool. Since the designers all have such different backgrounds, it was exciting to see the collaboration unfold.” maperossa.interiors@gmail.com
Kelly Velikonya-Patel
As founder and lead designer at Bold Interiors CLE, a design and home styling studio, Kelly has a rich background in residential and commercial design, honed through executive roles at renowned fashion houses Christian Dior and Kate Spade. Her passion for design, cultivated by a global educational journey spanning Paris, Milan and New York, infuses her work with a unique perspective.
- Her favorite part of the DH: “The master bathroom. In the 4-by-4-foot shower, there’s this fantastic tile effect in shades of light and dark blues with white veining. We painted the space light and neutral to let the tile have its moment.”
- Why she wanted to join this project: “I was born in Willoughby and am now back living here, so it’s essential to give to the community I love while showcasing my passion for design. It’s been an incredible experience working with these designers in a collaborative fashion.”
216-202-0456, BoldInteriorsCLE.com
Katie Ryan
Katie is the Sales Manager, Interior Designer and Selections Coordinator for ProBuilt Homes. She earned her Bachelor in Science in Interior Design and an Associate’s in Marketing from Bowling Green State University.
- Her favorite part of the DH: “All the extra trim details throughout, such as the mudroom locker bench and wood beams in the dinette and study.”
- Why she wanted to join this project: “I have always enjoyed touring the Dream House and supported the project,” she says. “ Having the opportunity to be on the design team for the second year has been an honor. It was a great new experience collaborating with the other designers on this house.”
440-255-6535
Dream House Tour Tickets
• What: 2024 Lake County YMCA Dream House
• When: Thursdays through Sundays, June 27- August 4
• Time: 12-7 p.m.
• Where: Andrews Ridge off Route 84 in Willoughby
Tickets: Purchase $25 tickets to win the Dream House (or a $275,000 cash option) at the Dream House during tour hours, at all Lake County YMCA branches, or online at LakeCountyYMCA.org/dreamhouse. You can also buy tickets by mail. Check the website for details. Ticket packages are available.
Details: The semifinal drawing is set for 6 p.m., on Wednesday, August 7. Twenty semifinalists will be chosen from the ticket stubs for the house. They will each be given a key to the home at the final drawing at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 11. One lucky winner’s key will open the front door.
There is also a separate drawing for a 2024 Chevy Blazer Premier (a $51,000 value) provided by The Chevy Network Dealers and Classic Chevrolet in Mentor. There is no cash option for the car. Proceeds from this fundraiser help the Lake County YMCA branches in Painesville, Willoughby, Madison, and the Outdoor Family Center, which serve about 1 in 4 children, families and seniors in the county, providing opportunities to be healthy, confident and connected.
Buy Online: You don’t have to live in Lake County to participate in the 2024 Dream House giveaway. In fact, because tickets are available online (LakeCountyYCMA.org/dreamhouse), participants come from all over the country.
The 2024 Lake County YMCA Dream House Giveaway ends with a semifinal drawing on Wednesday, August 7, and final drawing on Sunday, August 11. Both events will be streamed live on Facebook. The winner of the house or car is responsible for paying taxes. Proceeds from this fundraiser help the YMCA, one of the area’s largest nonprofits focused on engaging individuals and families in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With generous support from community partners and donors, the Y gives children, families and individuals the support and resources needed to help them achieve goals, make friends and find a true sense of belonging. It ensures these opportunities are available to everyone no matter their ability to pay. For more information about the Y, call 440-579-4729 or visit LakeCountyYMCA.org/dreamhouse.