[marmer]

flipper, on Tuesday, October 16th, 2007 @ 6:33pm, said:

Ben and Kinkaid,

what are your thoughts on people who hire builders to tear down mod houses like this to build themsleves a custom house that is not mod or isn't in your taste?

flipper

Well, I'm neither Ben nor Kinkaid, and with apologies to the Thread Police, I'll take a quick crack at it. Most baby boomers grew up in tract houses or in urban apartments that were not architecturally interesting. Most of the MCM stuff they saw was institutional: schools, offices, clinics, etc. To them, steel, glass, terrazzo, flat roofs, low ceilings, and interior brick look both cold and old. Add to that the modern desire for kitchen and bath amenities and the longer hours that one generally must work to have the biggish bucks, and a new house in the "dramatic" "Mediterranean" style, with little or no yard to maintain, looks pretty attractive. Especially since you can throw money at decorating a new house instead of repairing or remodeling an old one.

[flipper]

sevfiv, on Wednesday, October 17th, 2007 @ 10:35am, said:

please let us know what comes of this. i know there are several of us here that would really appreciate a final opportunity to see the interior and document it - i know owners may not be all about group tours, but i thought i'd throw that out there.

as far as posting images of demolished property - it is also part of the documentation process (as well as what is built in its place). while demo and interior pictures may not serve the noblest purpose, sometimes it is all that we have since much demolition occurs without a lot of notice, and those who own the property either do not have print documentation for the house or do not want to share it.

As of now I'm supposed to get inside the house tommorow.

There won't be an organized tour though, as I was told quite seriously to bring a mask.

flipper

[sevfiv]

flipper, on Wednesday, October 17th, 2007 @ 1:43pm, said:

There won't be an organized tour though, as I was told quite seriously to bring a mask.

flipper

i believe it - i could smell "the smell" just standing in the driveway

[flipper]

Sorry people, I got too busy Thursday and Friday to make it to Moonlight. I'll try again Monday.

flipper

[flipper]

Don't mean to leave you folks hanging.

Couldn't get over to the house today but I'm supposed to after lunch tommorow. I gotta admit I'm having second thoughts though. The owner told me that everyone he's taken in there has gotten sick soon after coming out. Apparently it is REALLY nasty in there. I may swing by and get some new filters for my mask.

flipper

[LMG]

flipper, on Monday, October 22nd, 2007 @ 10:17pm, said:

Don't mean to leave you folks hanging.

Couldn't get over to the house today but I'm supposed to after lunch tommorow. I gotta admit I'm having second thoughts though. The owner told me that everyone he's taken in there has gotten sick soon after coming out. Apparently it is REALLY nasty in there. I may swing by and get some new filters for my mask.

flipper

Is it mold or what? Be very careful.

[flipper]

LMG, on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007 @ 12:58am, said:

Is it mold or what? Be very careful.

Ya know what, every time I've tried to go see this house a mini-crisis has erupted at one of my other houses. I'm gonna go ahead and take it as a sign that I'm not supposed to go in this mold trap.

Sorry folks,

flipper

[Willowisp]

Can't blame you if people are really getting sick.

What's it going to be like when they tear it down? Will all that mold escape and spread or do they treat it somehow?

Jason

flipper, on Wednesday, October 24th, 2007 @ 9:44am, said:

Ya know what, every time I've tried to go see this house a mini-crisis has erupted at one of my other houses. I'm gonna go ahead and take it as a sign that I'm not supposed to go in this mold trap.

Sorry folks,

flipper

[domus48]

"Another poster mentioned the existence of construction documents... if these do indeed exist, they should be secured for copying or better yet, submission to a legitimate retainer of historic architectural documents..."

The aforementioned item should be the focus of efforts to "record" this property for posterity. Do the construction documents exist? Can they be secured by someone on this panel?

Finally, at a minimum the house's exterior should be photo documented.

[Willowisp]

I believe Spaceage is already on the case. There are lots of houses like this in Meyerland, but few are quite this unique. Hopefully we can have scans and or copies made of the most interesting/notable designs there. Meyerland will probably have a few more visitors at their office on W. Bellfort now that their $100 deposit system is known...
I also believe that BenH has gotten the contact info for the Cohen family, so maybe more interior pictures and historical information can be obtained. I would be happy to have an article written up on this house for the Houston Mod newsletter and or website, but I know so little about the house and am busy at work until the Thanksgiving break.
Jason

domus48, on Thursday, October 25th, 2007 @ 6:13am, said:

"Another poster mentioned the existence of construction documents... if these do indeed exist, they should be secured for copying or better yet, submission to a legitimate retainer of historic architectural documents..."

The aforementioned item should be the focus of efforts to "record" this property for posterity. Do the construction documents exist? Can they be secured by someone on this panel?

Finally, at a minimum the house's exterior should be photo documented.

[missjanel]

domus48, on Thursday, October 25th, 2007 @ 6:13am, said:

"Another poster mentioned the existence of construction documents... if these do indeed exist, they should be secured for copying or better yet, submission to a legitimate retainer of historic architectural documents...

I had the plans checked out for a while but turned them back in when I became consumed with my own Meyerland "ranch disaster".

[domus48]

Good news. I've made arrangements to secure the original construction plans for copying and scanning onto a disk. Photo documentation would be of much value as well (historic or contemporary) and hopefully someone will be able to step up to the plate on this.

[BenH]

domus48, on Thursday, October 25th, 2007 @ 11:33am, said:

Good news. I've made arrangements to secure the original construction plans for copying and scanning onto a disk. Photo documentation would be of much value as well (historic or contemporary) and hopefully someone will be able to step up to the plate on this.

Retarded question I know, but documenting the plans or the house? Depending on how much time we have, I can probably do the house at some point. I'd like to, at least.

[BenH]

BenH, on Thursday, October 25th, 2007 @ 3:29pm, said:

Retarded question I know, but documenting the plans or the house? Depending on how much time we have, I can probably do the house at some point. I'd like to, at least.

I went by today and got some good shots. I'll try to post a few of them later. Some of them are way blown out, as I had to shoot almost directly into the sun. I still don't understand how they plan on tearing it down; the stacked stone walls look immovable.

[sevfiv]

I am going to make my third trip in the next couple days...the first time it was lightly raining, and the last was a bit too sunny also.

fwiw, I would be willing to risk the health hazards for an interior look

[domus48]

"I still don't understand how they plan on tearing it down; the stacked stone walls look immovable."

All buildings want to come down, we hold them in place forcefully (i.e. structure). Once the key support elements are knocked out... it's over. So it actually will likely not take much.

I can't imagine that the current holder of the property will opt to renovate given what it would cost and the potential return. The ideal deal would be for an aficionado of high end mid-century modern to step up to the plate.

Most of those folk seem to be in California.

[BenH]

What a beautiful day. Wish I had been able to shoot it in the morning, but look at that sky!

This post has been edited by BenH: Friday, October 26, 2007 at 11:29 PM

[sevfiv]

I'll be by tomorrow taking more detailed shots of materials and so on.
Looks like the weather's going to hold up, which will be nice.

[domus48]

I've secured the plans and will have them digitized and saved onto a disk. Unfortunately the packet of original drawings only contained plans -- no elevations, sections, details, etc. I will check with MCIA to see if they have additional material on this house. Otherwise we'll have to do with this.

Plans are quite nicely drawn -- a bonus being the furniture plan.

[domus48]

Let's pull together to attempt to sway the owners position to demolish this masterpiece:

• A few years ago a Houston Chronicle piece was published concerning this house... does anyone on this forum possess a copy?
  
• Does anyone know of any period pieces written on this house -- certainly it was published.
  
• Gathering as much historical data would serve to bolster any attempt to save this extraordinary architectural work

We cannot let this one fall by the wayside and simply vanish -- this home is truly a gem of post-war modern and easily holds it's own in the pantheon of Contemporary masterpieces.

[flipper]

domus48, on Thursday, November 1st, 2007 @ 6:30am, said:

Let's pull together to attempt to sway the owners position to demolish this masterpiece:

• A few years ago a Houston Chronicle piece was published concerning this house... does anyone on this forum possess a copy?
  
• Does anyone know of any period pieces written on this house -- certainly it was published.
  
• Gathering as much historical data would serve to bolster any attempt to save this extraordinary architectural work

We cannot let this one fall by the wayside and simply vanish -- this home is truly a gem of post-war modern and easily holds it's own in the pantheon of Contemporary masterpieces.

The current owner gives NO value to the structure. Trust me.

I haven't been inside it, but if it's 1/2 as nasty as I'm told, chances are it would cost as much to rehab it as he paid for the "lot". As far as I know this was the most expensive "lot" ever purchased in Meyerland by a long shot and no one in their right mind would pay even more for it (so the current owner wouldn't have to take a loss), and THEN restore it.

I think the communities' efforts are betted used to track down houses like this one that are in the state this one has been in for the last 5 years and rescue them from the owners before they become so neglected.

my .02

flipper

[domus48]

"The current owner gives NO value to the structure. Trust me."

Agreed... based on information I've received.

I" haven't been inside it, but if it's 1/2 as nasty as I'm told, chances are it would cost as much to rehab it as he paid for the "lot". "

A-n-d that would qualify for the 100% property tax break if the home was granted landmark status -- should those efforts be made with an agreeable owner.

"As far as I know this was the most expensive "lot" ever purchased in Meyerland by a long shot and no one in their right mind would pay even more for it (so the current owner wouldn't have to take a loss), and THEN restore it."

Granit Properties is the current owner (correct?) and they certainly possess deep pockets. Perhaps, they could actually do the right thing and save this property -- I know, what are the odds. But, there is a buyer out there for everything -- think ebay -- and real estate is no different... well, except it cost a lot more than used -- but still excellent condition -- Tupperware.

"I think the communities' efforts are betted used to track down houses like this one that are in the state this one has been in for the last 5 years and rescue them from the owners before they become so neglected."

Agreed... but what are the odds that will happen (probably about the same as efforts to save this one will be). Still, there are few houses as significant as this (as I see it) so it's worth a shot.

Or we could spend our time discussing ad nauseum what color to paint our MCM front door.

C'mon flipper, how about some support here.

[sevfiv]

Here is the archived version of the 2003 Chronicle story - I'll try to get a copy from microform, too:
http://www.chron.com...id=2003_3652959

Bob Cohen, 85, designed and built boats, banks and other commercial structures in his lifetime, but it's his house that defines his accomplishments.

"It's my baby," he says, lovingly, as he stands in the rotunda that includes a curving living room with a bar and a kitchen behind a Brazilian rosewood wall that stops far short of the center skylight 16 feet overhead.

"Sometimes people ask if this room rotates, and I say, `No, the rest of the house rotates around it.' "

[domus48]

What a terrific quote! Thanks for the Chronicle link.

Anything anyone can produce -- documentation wise -- with respect to this house would be greatly appreciated.

[flipper]

domus48, on Thursday, November 1st, 2007 @ 8:33am, said:

C'mon flipper, how about some support here.

I hear ya' domus, trust me I'd like to see this house restored. I just know this is more than likely a dead lead. Most of my business is figuring out which leads are worth pursuing, and this one doesn't pass the test.

flipper

[sevfiv]

Here is some contact information for Granit Builders, LLC:

MARVIN GRANIT
7847 PORTAL
HOUSTON , TX 77071

http://www.granitbuilders.com/

mgranit@granitbuilders.com

Phone: 713.776.9096
Fax: 713.776.9096

and a picture of a project:

[Willowisp]

Hey, my house didn't pass your (or anyone else's) test either!

This house doesn't pass any tests any more. It should have been saved 2 years ago by its previous owner, a man who owns million dollar cars and would have been the perfect person to save it if he cared 1/10th as much about houses as he does cars.

But that's all the past. I don't know what us as preservationists were supposed to do for the 2 years it sat empty. Call O'Quinn and beg him to sell it to someone who wanted to save it? Who was that supposed to be? Someone who could see if it passed tests or someone who would actually buy it to live in it themselves? Someone with a lot of money to spend that didn't expect to ever get it back? Does any of us know that person?

2 years ago when it was empty, RPS and I went there and he left his card just in case. If O'Quinn had called him and hired him as a realtor maybe we wouldn't be having this thread, who knows...
Jason

flipper, on Thursday, November 1st, 2007 @ 9:08am, said:

I hear ya' domus, trust me I'd like to see this house restored. I just know this is more than likely a dead lead. Most of my business is figuring out which leads are worth pursuing, and this one doesn't pass the test.

flipper

[domus48]

"Hey, my house didn't pass your (or anyone else's) test either!"

I'm not speaking for "flipper" but I realize the intent of the post is to convey the purely business end of the matter. Conservatively speaking (without any means to conduct a due diligence review other than in a limited empirical manner) I would say that 500K will be needed to properly restore this home -- that is a Conservative number as it said. Is there a buyer willing to spend that much once the purchase price is negotiated? Propably... just have to find that person. Easier said than done.

"This house doesn't pass any tests any more. It should have been saved 2 years ago by its previous owner, a man who owns million dollar cars and would have been the perfect person to save it if he cared 1/10th as much about houses as he does cars."

A question of priorities I guess. In this case, a misplaced priority.

"I don't know what us as preservationists were supposed to do for the 2 years it sat empty."

This is an topic in and of itself.

"2 years ago when it was empty, RPS and I went there and he left his card just in case. If O'Quinn had called him and hired him as a realtor maybe we wouldn't be having this thread, who knows..."

Too bad we can't get a hold of Mr. Peabody with his Way-back Machine, but we are at where we're at. So let's see what can be done now... is it too late? Maybe. But stirring things up on this home and preservation/un-checked development is better than snapping images of a demolished building.

This one is calling out to us... question is, can you hear it?

[sevfiv]

Updated page with the Chron article (pictures turned out not so great...):
http://www.arch-ive.org/moonlight

[dbigtex56]

sevfiv, on Thursday, November 1st, 2007 @ 9:27am, said:

Here is some contact information for Granit Builders, LLC:

MARVIN GRANIT
7847 PORTAL
HOUSTON , TX 77071

http://www.granitbuilders.com/

mgranit@granitbuilders.com

Phone: 713.776.9096
Fax: 713.776.9096

and a picture of a project:

I feel my gorge rising...

Does anyone think that this brand of 'architecture' will ever have defenders?

Just plain nasty.

[domus48]

"Does anyone think that this brand of 'architecture' will ever have defenders?"

It will never have defenders or advocates... and it doesn't matter how much time elapses. It will always be poorly conceived, poorly designed and and unfortunate evolutionary branch. What's so disturbing about it is the total lack of substance or meaning. It merely exists as a place to house humans. Nothing more.

I guess the real crime is that people consider this as a desirable condition... a higher attainment. And while it may serve as such, it is really only an embellished container with marketing image serving as substance.

These sort of homes equate to nothing. Absolutely nothing. And the funny thing is... they never will.

Ever.

[flipper]

Just to summarize... What would the mod community like the current owner to do with the house, other than not tear it down?

flipper

[Dan the Man]

domus48, on Thursday, November 1st, 2007 @ 6:20pm, said:

It merely exists as a place to house humans. Nothing more.

...and it doesn't even do that very well.

[domus48]

"Just to summarize... What would the mod community like the current owner to do with the house, other than not tear it down?"


Good question. The ideal situation would be that a buyer would purchase the home from Granit with the intent to preserve the home as a world-class, post-war home design. The odds of this scenario occurring are slim at best… but there always hope.

The next best situation would be that any work on the property is halted pending a review of appropriate parties as to the viability of saving a significant architectural contribution as well as a defining home design. Who the appropriate parties would be and what authority they may possess is anybodies guess.

Not sure how much weight the MCIA has but it would be terrific if they could muster the wherewithal to block the demolition of the house pending a feasibility study as to potential means to save the house.

Fantasy I: A Post-War Modern Museum dedicated to raising awareness of the value, meaning and impact of contemporary design in our culture.

Fantasy II: Move the structure to a new location – establish the scheme noted above.

Perhaps the original ideal situation noted above is not so far off given the aforementioned fantasy schemes.

Finally, from a purely business perspective it’s doubtful this property can be viewed in any other way than as a loss leader. From a cultural and historic perspective, it’s invaluable.

Thems my thoughts.

[marmer]

Dan the Man, on Thursday, November 1st, 2007 @ 10:18pm, said:

...and it doesn't even do that very well.

I thought the big selling point for McMansions was luxury amenities and large room sizes. That plus the ability to move in right away without major repairs or renovations. To people who don't care about architectural design very much or who want something that looks better than the suburban tract house they grew up in, that is an unbeatable combination and I daresay the buyers of those houses think they house their families very well.

[marmer]

domus48, on Friday, November 2nd, 2007 @ 7:22am, said:

"Just to summarize... What would the mod community like the current owner to do with the house, other than not tear it down?"
Good question. The ideal situation would be that a buyer would purchase the home from Granit with the intent to preserve the home as a world-class, post-war home design. The odds of this scenario occurring are slim at best… but there always hope.

How did it go from someone's beloved "baby" to unsalvageable in, what, four years? What were the conditions that allowed the mold to become such a problem? Leaks? Flood? Like I said earlier, in Galveston people routinely restore houses in much worse shape than this. Unfortunately, the land value is what is killing this deal.

I'm sorry to be so contentious today but, as much as I'd like to see the house preserved and as interesting as I think it is, I'm not sure I'd call it a world-class, post-war home design. I'd call it a quirky house that a quirky architect built for himself. I would only be willing to consider maybe three mod houses in Houston "world-class." The late lamented Mitchell house, the Menil house, and the Maher house. I'd be willing to entertain other suggestions, but I think the term loses its impact with overuse.

[sevfiv]

marmer, on Friday, November 2nd, 2007 @ 9:41am, said:

I thought the big selling point for McMansions was luxury amenities and large room sizes. That plus the ability to move in right away without major repairs or renovations. To people who don't care about architectural design very much or who want something that looks better than the suburban tract house they grew up in, that is an unbeatable combination and I daresay the buyers of those houses think they house their families very well.

It is really varied, and depends on the builder and designer. I have walked through many new builder homes during construction, and some have many tiny rooms, some don't. Some have what I thought were well laid-out floorplans, most don't. Someone mentioned in another thread about builders buying designs from a handful of people which would explain - but not excuse - the homogeneity of the exteriors and interiors. The way these things sell (and the amount they sell for) does shed light on the fact that people are willing to pay a lot for spec homes. The most recent I saw was about 4,000 square foot home with about four small bedrooms crammed upstairs and the master bed/bath on the first level. They seemed like little cubbyholes, but I guess if you have several small children, the size would not matter. I think the builder was Damon Homes - I am not familiar with them, but I wasn't impressed with the construction quality or the finishes. This was about a 850k house, and if I were pay that much for a home, I would expect a lot more. That being said, the house was sold before it was even finished.

Back to Moonlight, though. I don't know if this was mentioned already, but does anyone know about what Granit paid for the property? (appraisal = $523,000)

marmer, on Friday, November 2nd, 2007 @ 9:52am, said:

How did it go from someone's beloved "baby" to unsalvageable in, what, four years? What were the conditions that allowed the mold to become such a problem? Leaks? Flood? Like I said earlier, in Galveston people routinely restore houses in much worse shape than this. Unfortunately, the land value is what is killing this deal.I'm sorry to be so contentious today but, as much as I'd like to see the house preserved and as interesting as I think it is, I'm not sure I'd call it a world-class, post-war home design. I'd call it a quirky house that a quirky architect built for himself. I would only be willing to consider maybe three mod houses in Houston "world-class." The late lamented Mitchell house, the Menil house, and the Maher house. I'd be willing to entertain other suggestions, but I think the term loses its impact with overuse.

That's a good question - the Cohens moved out around 03-04 because of age/mobility (in the Chron article, it mentions there were only three steps between the two levels of the home, and that was too much for Mrs. Cohen to get around). If it were my "baby" I would consider perhaps modifying the steps in part to make them accessible. Anyhow, while O'Quinn kept up the exterior nicely, I can only imagine that there were leaks on the inside (or perhaps an open door) that caused such problems inside.

[HermanPark]

sevfiv, on Friday, November 2nd, 2007 @ 9:59am, said:

It


That's a good question - the Cohens moved out around 03-04 because of age/mobility (in the Chron article, it mentions there were only three steps between the two levels of the home, and that was too much for Mrs. Cohen to get around). If it were my "baby" I would consider perhaps modifying the steps in part to make them accessible. Anyhow, while O'Quinn kept up the exterior nicely, I can only imagine that there were leaks on the inside (or perhaps an open door) that caused such problems inside.

They also likely failed to utlize proper air conditioning thus creating a mold factory.

I work near this home and decided to pay my respects in person. It is quite striking and beautiful. I would think that someone with sound resources wishing to set themselves apart from the mundane, cookie cutter everything that dots our personal landscapes would want to take this on and rehab the property. Perhaps the current owner can be persuaded to pend his current plans for a set period of time, thus providing a sympathetic realtor enough notice to locate a willing, enthusiastic buyer.
Certainly the current builder has an awareness of the unique context of the property ?

[SpaceAge]

Hopefully we can use the downturn in the housing market to our advantage giving us more time to devise some options. Perhaps some of these ideas could be used:

1. Find several young architects to volunteer to devise a plan for remediation and renovation. They get real experience and their name known.

2. Obtain volunteer help from architecture students from Houston, College Station and Austin. They would be learning from experience and also be meeting future employment contacts. Houston Mod and GHPA members could volunteer also.

3. Apply to be featured on This Old House or another show of that type. Once finished, the house could be put on the market and sold so the present owner could be repaid with interest.

[Willowisp]

marmer, on Friday, November 2nd, 2007 @ 9:52am, said:

I would only be willing to consider maybe three mod houses in Houston "world-class." The late lamented Mitchell house, the Menil house, and the Maher house. I'd be willing to entertain other suggestions, but I think the term loses its impact with overuse.

World Class Houses in Houston I've been in (truly moving experiences):

The Menil House
The Gordon House
The Neuhaus House
48 Tiel Way (I forget the original owners' name)

Even more World Class than what we have to offer in Houston (opinion):
The Farnsworth House
The Glass House
Fallingwater (never been there)
The Stahl House (never been there)

The Cohen House is one of the most notable houses in Meyerland. Granit isn't going to really care that we'd love to see the house stay and have many aesthetic reasons that it should be so. It will probably make them some money and they will get to live across the street from the new house there, increasing their home value (for some reason).

Jason

This post has been edited by Willowisp: Friday, November 2, 2007 at 3:49 PM

[sdmarc]

The story I heard was O'Quinn bought this house for the use of one of his employees, the caretaker of his car collection.

There used to be nice cars parked out front frequently.

The guy lived in the house until it was discovered that he was embezzling money from O'Quinn's coffers. There was a messy trial, etc. Sometime after the guy went to jail and while the house sat empty, the roof failed.

Apparently the failure was in many areas and went un-noticed for months. By then, the damage was done.

It will be really sad to see this one go. It's truly a phenomenal house.

[HoustonRealtor]

sdmarc, on Friday, November 2nd, 2007 @ 4:38pm, said:

The story I heard was O'Quinn bought this house for the use of one of his employees, the caretaker of his car collection.

There used to be nice cars parked out front frequently.

The guy lived in the house until it was discovered that he was embezzling money from O'Quinn's coffers. There was a messy trial, etc. Sometime after the guy went to jail and while the house sat empty, the roof failed.

Apparently the failure was in many areas and went un-noticed for months. By then, the damage was done.

It will be really sad to see this one go. It's truly a phenomenal house.

I don't recall ever hearing the story before, but a quick search produced THIS STORY from KPRC in 2005.

[GoAtomic]

KinkaidAlum, on Tuesday, October 16th, 2007 @ 12:58am, said:

Hmmmm....

And I suppose it's sweet when spec home builders move into neighborhoods and destroy character by building houses completely out of scale?

I also suppose it's sweet when 5,000 square foot McMansions move into former bungalow neighborhoods pricing out many buyers from what used to be affordable areas and raising taxes on long-time residents?

And is it sweet when these builders come in and tear down viable houses and more often than not waste a tremendous amount of resources?

And maybe you think it is sweet when these fellas move in and clear cut lots and build to the property lines in order to maximize profits?

And is it all groovy when spec home builders use their connections and deep pockets to tend to lock up homes/lots before individuals have a chance to get them?

Or, maybe you like the idea of spec homes sitting empty for months on end in neighborhoods because they are GROSSLY overpriced ($2.9 million in Afton Oaks?)

Forgive me for not shedding a tear for McMansion developers!

Not to take sides, but these points are dead-on. Sure there are some benefits to teardowns, ... but, there are definitely negatives.

[domus48]

“ …as much as I'd like to see the house preserved and as interesting as I think it is, I'm not sure I'd call it a world-class, post-war home design. I'd call it a quirky house that a quirky architect built for himself.”

I disagree. There are remarkable aspects of this home that would stand-up against homes designed by architects possessing considerable cache. Detailed viewing of the plans certainly assists in making this conclusion, I can only assume the physical details (given the available information) are noteworthy and given that Robert Cohen designed ship interiors, the level of precision should be spot on.

It’s worth noting that Mr. Cohen was not in fact, an architect by profession nor did he possess an architectural degree. Self taught (as was Le Corbusier) Mr. Cohen practiced design. A thorough investigation into his work is definitely in order.

“I would only be willing to consider maybe three mod houses in Houston "world-class." The late lamented Mitchell house, the Menil house, and the Maher house. I'd be willing to entertain other suggestions, but I think the term loses its impact with overuse.”

Mitchell House – no question; Menil House – unresolved plan and not amongst Johnson’s best works; Maher House – don’t know enough about this work to comment. As for the “world-class, overuse” claim, I can only offer this:

I personally do not utilize this phrase in an off-hand and generous manner – reserving such praise for truly distinguished work (as I see it). So in terms of this item this is a personal call based on a reasonable assessment of quality and clarity of designer’s vision as evidenced by the end result.

[marmer]

domus48, on Wednesday, November 7th, 2007 @ 6:43am, said:

I disagree. There are remarkable aspects of this home that would stand-up against homes designed by architects possessing considerable cache. Detailed viewing of the plans certainly assists in making this conclusion, I can only assume the physical details (given the available information) are noteworthy and given that Robert Cohen designed ship interiors, the level of precision should be spot on. It’s worth noting that Mr. Cohen was not in fact, an architect by profession nor did he possess an architectural degree. Self taught (as was Le Corbusier) Mr. Cohen practiced design. A thorough investigation into his work is definitely in order.

Fair points, and you are speaking with much more knowledge of the details of the house than I am. Nonetheless, I don't think careful detailing alone makes a house world class. Nor was it to my knowledge published or influential in any way (except for the Chron article. ) Additionally, I have a little bit of skepticism about any house an architect builds for him/herself. The response to the client's needs really shows where the creativity lies. Having said all that, there is precedent for unusual houses built by visionary amateurs being preserved for cultural reasons. The Beer Can house and the Orange Show are extreme examples but there are others in the US which are significant. Ca d'Zan in Florida comes to mind, as does Monticello, and the National Geographic guide to "America's Great Houses" is full of examples.

Quote

Mitchell House – no question; Menil House – unresolved plan and not amongst Johnson’s best works; Maher House – don’t know enough about this work to comment. As for the “world-class, overuse” claim, I can only offer this:

I personally do not utilize this phrase in an off-hand and generous manner – reserving such praise for truly distinguished work (as I see it). So in terms of this item this is a personal call based on a reasonable assessment of quality and clarity of designer’s vision as evidenced by the end result.

I agree with the criticism of the Menil house, though its importance lies in the demonstration of modern design on a large residential scale. The Maher house is in my opinion the best of the "glass-walled, looking out over the bayou woods" mods.
But I would only grant the term "world-class" based on the influence the work had, the reputation it has outside Houston, and maybe even the body of the architect's other work. One of my favorite mods in Houston is the Durst house, and although it's one of the best surviving Goff houses in the world, it's mostly just a curiosity.

[Scott08]

Willowisp, on Friday, November 2nd, 2007 @ 3:32pm, said:

Even more World Class than what we have to offer in Houston (opinion):
Fallingwater (never been there)
Jason

Going off on a tangent, I toured Fallingwater in June 2005. Truly a moving experience as you describe, the house is amazing now, to imagine how amazing it was 70 years ago is unfathomable. One of my favorite memories of it was the "imperfection" of the home. Although in very good condition for a 70 year old house, it was a bit rough around the edges as it should be. Like an old work of art with a bit of patina. There's some cool houses in Houston, but I doubt there's any that will be toured like museums 70 years from now.

[BenH]

Scott08, on Wednesday, November 7th, 2007 @ 2:07pm, said:

Going off on a tangent, I toured Fallingwater in June 2005. Truly a moving experience as you describe, the house is amazing now, to imagine how amazing it was 70 years ago is unfathomable. One of my favorite memories of it was the "imperfection" of the home. Although in very good condition for a 70 year old house, it was a bit rough around the edges as it should be. Like an old work of art with a bit of patina. There's some cool houses in Houston, but I doubt there's any that will be toured like museums 70 years from now.

Well, it would be in alot better shape now if Edgar Kauffman hadn't reenforced it with steel. That's one of the reasons it's sagging.

[nativehou]

Lisa Gray has a very nice article on this subject is today's Chron: "Abandoned house, abandoned hope in Meyerland"

It mentions the forum.

http://www.chron.com...es/5298831.html

[EatSleepMOD]

nativehou, on Wednesday, November 14th, 2007 @ 7:54am, said:

Lisa Gray has a very nice article on this subject is today's Chron: "Abandoned house, abandoned hope in Meyerland"

It mentions the forum.

http://www.chron.com...es/5298831.html

It is sad...I feel bad for Mr. Cohen and the family.
And the house....what a gem.

[marmer]

Lisa, you rock! I am sure I speak for many when I say that I am so glad you have a column now! Thanks for a great article about the Cohen house (and 1 Waverly, and many others!)