American Notes Georgia

On Georgia's exclusive Sea Island, expensive homes with white columns or wrought-iron grillwork face the Atlantic, reflecting understated elegance. But now they are being joined by an intrusive newcomer, a sprawling collage of concrete and glass. The 12,500-sq.-ft. extravagance is the creation of Atlanta Architect John Portman, whose atriums and glass elevators have entranced visitors in hotels from Los Angeles to Manhattan.

Portman's $8 million vacation house is not yet finished, but sightseers are flocking to it, and some of his neighbors are knocking it. "This bad taste is being foisted on us for the sake of an ego trip," sniffed one. Protested another: "I'm a fan of his architecture, but this abuses the environment." Dismayed by the reaction, Portman refuses to discuss the project. Still, the opposition has its social limits. Asked if residents would snub the Portmans when the family moves in, one islander replied, "Lord, no. We'll be waiting / at the door for an invitation if he ever throws a party."