The Lozier name and homebuilding can be traced back as far as 1776, when the Lozier family first built a home to sell in Midland, N.J.
In the late 1800’s, Todd’s Great-Great Grandfather, Eugene Drummond was a well respected builder. In fact, he was the superintendent of Construction for the Larkin Building. Built in 1904, this was Frank Lloyd Wright’s first major public work, an administrative building for the Larkin Mail Order Co. of Buffalo, New York.
The Larkin Building reveals Wright’s interest in the built environment as a fully-designed work of art. The architect designed desks, chairs, lights and windows specifically for the building, with each part eloquently taking its place within the complete ensemble. The Larkin Building also represents a technological advance. It was one of the first air-conditioned buildings in America. Cooled and filtered air was provided to protect the building’s important documents from the coal soot emitted by nearby rail lines and factories.
Todd’s Great-Great-Uncle, William Drummond, was born in Newark, New Jersey on March 28, 1876. He was admitted to the University of Illinois School of Architecture in 1899, and that same year he worked directly for the renowned architect, Louis Sullivan for several months.
Louis Sullivan is considered to be America’s most influential architects the 19th century.
In 1900, William also joined with Frank Lloyd Wright, but as an draftsman. He became the chief draftsman for several of Wright’s commissions:
Under Wrights direction, in 1910 William Drummond took over as the Superintendent of Construction for the Park Inn Hotel, in Mason City. Today Frank Lloyd Wright is considered to be the most Influential architect of the 20th century.
Drummond later went on to establish his own firm and was best known individually for his proposal to redesign the United States Capital just before his death in 1946.
O.K., big deal, what else have Lozier’s done other than build houses?
How about build fast cars!
In May 1911, on a then little known race track in rural Indiana, Ralph Mulford drove a race inspired Lozier car across the finish line, after leading for 10 laps, finishing second place in the very first Indianapolis 500 race. The Lozier ran an average speed of 74.28 mph and the driver took home a winning purse of $5200.
The history of the Lozier Motor Company begins with the bicycle. In 1880 Henry A. Lozier, Sr. founded the Lozier Manufacturing Company with his son, Jr., all while the Drummonds were constructing and designing buildings.
After 7 years selling bicycles, with his Father, Henry Jr. managed to come up with 4 million dollars cash in 1897 to start manufacturing marine engines and boats in Plattsburg N.Y. Sr. died in 1903 with an estate worth over $10,000,000.
In 1904 Henry Jr.’s interest turned to automobiles. The cars quickly became recognized as the most expensive and powerful cars in the country. Theodore Roosevelt owned one and many of the dignitaries of the day drove a Lozier. The average price started at $5000 when a house and lot could be bought for $3000, and a Rolls Royce went for about $3500. Kemper Freeman Sr., the Father of Jr. also owned one.
Jon’s 2004 Birthday surprise, a drive in a 1913 Lozier!
In 1918 Harry Lozier shut the doors, but their influence in Lochwood-Lozier’s first logo design and our company names live on. Example names:
- Lozier Motor Car 1912 Lakewood Torpedo Type 51
- Lozier Motor Car 1912 Meadowbrook Runabout
- Lozier Motor Car 1912 Briarcliff Toy Tonneau
- Lozier Motor Car 1912 Riverside Touring
In the 1950’s Todd’s Grandfather, David Sr. (Wes) was running a successful electrical supply and contracting company in Omaha, NE.
In 1956 Todd’s Great Uncle’s were starting a company in Omaha called Lozier Store Fixtures. Today Lozier Store fixtures is one of the largest privately held companies in Nebraska. Occupying over 3.5 million square feet of office and warehouse space. They have a 1916 Lozier car in their showroom!
Meanwhile, over a period from 1958 to 1961 Wes, Harriet (wife) and their three son’s moved to the Northwest from Omaha seeking a better quality of life.
At that time they began building homes in Bellevue, one house at a time. In 1961 Lozier homes was incorporated. With a lot of hard work, integrity and good help, by the 1970’s they were operating one of the largest homebuilding companies in the state.
In the late 1970’s, the youngest brother Robin left the company and ended up in Lake Oswego, Oregon. He started and managed a successful homebuilding business for over 20 years named:
Jon left Lozier Homes in 1983 to start Lochwood-Lozier with his wife Patricia Lozier, and son, Todd Lozier. To differentiate ourselves from the original Family building business, the name, “Lochwood” was born from the 1912 Lakewood automobile.
