Jump to content

domus48

Full Member
  • Posts

    190
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by domus48

  1. "Another point about this house, and other houses in the 100 year flood plain... When you get a building permit down at the code enforcement office, they pull up the flood maps and see if the project is in the flood plain. They will not let you spend more than "X" on a project that is in the flood plain. I believe "X" is 1/2 the value of the existing structure." Good point. In the design profession it is incumbent to perform due diligence with respect to a clients intent on a given project -- that said, no one worth their salt would ever encourage or wave-off the implications of living in the 100 year flood plain. There are plenty of misconceptions about this item but one aspect should be made clear above all else: If a property has flooded once, it will flood again... and if it hasn't flooded, it will. Anyone living within a 100 year flood plan -- in a home that is not elevated to a reasonable degree -- will eventually find water in their home. The degree of which depends but you can bank on the fact that 6" of water and the associated remediation is not all that different than 3'-0" of water -- the cost and impact will likely be equal or close. To close: Let's try to keep the original topic on coarse -- that of this homes story -- rather than deviate into a flood plain discussion (which I'm sure it will).
  2. Special thanks to "flipper" for taking the time to document this compelling structure... this home was clearly unique and possesses interesting details -- especially with respect to the use of stone, terrazzo and glazing. It is very unfortunate this one was not on the radar with respect to potential buyers looking for a post modern home in this area. However, given the deplorable condition of this home -- and believe me: If it looks bad, it's actually worse. I would estimate that it would take at least the purchase price (at a minimum) to have restored this home. In all likelihood, even more cash outlay. That said, it would be of value to research this home to discover it's provenance. There seems to be a bit too many unique features for a spec home... who was the architect? Who was the home build for? Or was this edifice a showcase home? Does it appear on any Parade of Homes listings? Anyone care to dig a little?
  3. Is there a possibility a fellow devotee of post-war modern who lives near this structure could provide some photo documentation before this property is demolished? I would be a shame for this home to disappear without some sort of record. I would likely be able to go there this weekend but by then it may be too late... if it isn't already.
  4. Scroll to 5650 Dumfries Drive: http://www.jehproperties.com/available_homes.htm Purchased and demolition permit issued: http://swamplot.com/daily-demolition-repor...2-10/#more-6308 Looks to be an interesting structure...
  5. This house certainly has potential... I've eyed it for quite some time. Stopped by the "estate sale" held there about a year and half ago -- lot's of junk only. Interior was not in the best of shape... new owners will have to gut it -- assuming of course they wish to restore the house. To that end this is a good candidate for such. House automatically qualifies for landmark designation as its 50 + years old. Price appears a bit high so if one could acquire it for lot value only (which it may in fact be) the house would essentially be free. Having said that, to do the restoration/renovation correctly you will require at least 120K and a minimum of 8 months of work by a qualified G.C. As for proximity to Memorial, this is a fairly simple fix: Blown-in cellulostic insulation with double pane windows will mitigate street sound quite well. This is an appealing house that could easily be a post-war modern shining star. It's been on the market for some time so the sellers may wish to move on it given the current state of national finance.
  6. 12927 Memorial became active on the market as of yesterday -- here's HAR's listing for the previous sale (current HAR listing appears to be unavailable): http://www.har.com/HomeValue/dispSoldDetai...?MLNUM=1436766# There is a well documented series of images at the aforementioned site. The house has been extensively remodeled; removing most of it's original Post-War Modern qualities. Could one "backdate" the house? Sure, but it doesn't make economic sense to strip out "new" to replace with new. Uncovering who the architect was for this house would be of value, I suspect the developer/builder was Bob Pine. Backstory on this property may be found at: http://memorialbendarchitecture.com/12927mem.htm
  7. On the market for a few days: http://search.har.com/engine/doSearch.cfm?...&FOR_SALE=1 Affordable for the area -- especially given that it is habitable from day one. Back story at: http://memorialbendarchitecture.com/12943mem.htm
  8. http://memorialbendarchitecture.com/12939mem.htm Dumpster on site... demolition of interior and exterior elements in progress. Unconfirmed information from neighbor to 12939 is that the buyer intends on remodeling the property as their home. They've their work cut-out for them.
  9. "Memorial Bend needs to revise their deed restrictions and add architectural control. It's a mod emergency. Is anybody working on that?" Memorial Bend does indeed possess architectural guidelines, however... It is relatively simple to bypass the building restrictions -- legally no less Enforcement could only occur if one had prior knowledge of what was to occur... and even then one would be subject to the aforementioned item The best measure to restrict non-contextual building is by establishing an historic district
  10. "Looks like it's being advertised mostly for the land." Being sold as an "As is" is also a pretty good indicator that there is a lot of work to be done. Having said that, the price is pretty reasonable. But, here we are once again with a good candidate for restoration well within a flood zone (http://maps2.tsarp.org/tsarp/). If this one has been sitting dormant since the hurricane (which one?) as mentioned in the HAR listing, well... that too is somewhat troubling.
  11. Are you stating that Trendmaker Homes is purchasing this home?
  12. HAR listing for this house is off-line... has this property closed?
  13. http://archrecord.construction.com/news/da...rouselHouse.asp I felt it was worth posting this link here as well... given the strength of this thread. A lot of terrific press on this home, Granit deserves special attention given what was stated in the AR article.
  14. 12939 Memorial is in an "option pending" mode -- again. I've my own idea of what's next for this house... but my wife says I should be more positive so I will be positive.
  15. I think it's terrific there are still postings regarding this home. The "swamplot" site and the associated links are informative and well done -- be sure to visit them. It's my understanding from sources close to the project that the current owner desired to retain the driveway configuration -- which was denied by the homeowners association as was another site specific feature which I cannot recall. Such may be the norm in that area but I do not feel the least bit of empathy for the owner and/or builder. Neighborhood evolution is inevitable... and often necessary. But if such is at the expense of historic significance, well... that's another matter altogether. Hope there's a fall-out shelter below that slab.
  16. "What's the general feeling here of 70's and 80's vintage "contemporary" houses. The pro's are there are lots of them in many areas all over town; they have some of the likable features of mod like lots of glass, interesting interior spaces, and quite affordable at this point." The affordable factor is a real plus. the second plus -- and this may be the most significant -- is that you could potentially live in the home from date of purchase -- unlike a 50+ year old home with "differed maintenance". Negatives I see are no real "pedigree," kind of the bastard stepchild of MCM; dated and possibly shoddy building materials/methods of the era. Dated components? Certainly. Possible shoddy building materials/methods? Certainly. Both aspects however are not tied exclusively to the time in which the home was built. Poor material choice, failure of systemic elements; shoddy workmanship are also a part of Post War Modern homes. I've stated it previously here: Spec homes -- even architect designed homes -- are subject to the same issues as homes built today. "Not really looking at that angle right now, at this point my preferred choices are building a new modern or finding a MCM I can afford... " Building a new home (regardless of style) is unusually more expensive than an extensive remodel -- depending on various aspects of course. The 70's option, is a valid home buyer option for one seeking the feel of a Post War Modern while potentially minimizing the costs. Of course, all of this depends on how deep your pocketbook is.
  17. "Mr. Poage is apparently still alive and active." Assuming he was 20 when he attended Randolph Macon Academy (1950 to 1954) that would put him in his late 70's. I believe it would be of interest to contact him with respect to back story on this house.
  18. "The first challenge is that it will be a rare person who will see through all the work that needs to be done to see the full potential of the house." Are you referring to undoing poorly executed "improvements" or correcting "deferred maintenance"? The house appears to possess a series of flat roof plains at various heights and portions that are gabled. That alone suggests there are likely roof/water infiltration issues -- the posted aerial view of the house depicts what appears to be a large pool of standing water on one of the roof assemblies -- that usually suggests trouble. "The next challenge is finding someone who likes the floor plan. It is pretty unusual." Do you feel that it is a good or a troubling "unusual"? "(Another) challenge will be to find someone who wants a really swank late 60's mod and has access to the money to fix it up." Conservatively, a house this size and age will likely take between 300K to 500K for a proper renovation (i.e. infrastructure, insulation, roofing, window replacement, etc.). "(Yet another) challenge is that it is on a busy street, and you can hear the noise from within the house." This can be mitigated with double pane glazing, solid core doors and proper insulation -- just part of a proper renovation. "Finally, the Formica is another challenge. Some of it is damaged and it will be interesting to figure out whether the new owner will go all out to make it like it was or will they use sheetrock..." If acoustics are an issue, Formica (if it is currently on partitions) would be best left out of the picture except at typical locations -- assuming such is a desired finish. Is there an architect associated with this home?
  19. This is a curious home that possesses serious scale issues. It's difficult to discern from the images what is original and what has been added over the years (if anything). The "monolith" that captures the corner of the vaulted room is particularly unresolved and not particularly well thought out -- I assume its a screen that encloses the kitchen. Without viewing the plans it's difficult to understand the rational of the layout but I have to say the house layout seems a bit of a mess -- I'll defer to someone who has actually been there with respect to how one moves through the space: Chaotically or logically. As for Formica/plastic laminate on partitions: Not recommended as there are acoustic issues, potential delamination and edge chipping issues, etc. As an accent feature such is acceptable but only if the plastic laminate is mounted to panels and then such is mounted to the partition. Additionally, you are limited in width to 4'-0" so whatever scheme is desired, you have to take into account how the edges are addressed -- such as with reveals.
  20. 9602 Moonlight Drive: Linchpin for Change I wish I had done more and sooner
  21. Given the recent coverage of this item it is hopeful that we can bring some muscle to bear on saving this significant architectural home. Thanks to "Ben H" for his additional efforts to bring attention to this via publication. That said, if anyone can assist or know of a means to assist (contacts in high places, historical information regarding the house or Robert Cohen, etc.) please feel free to contact me directly via this forum. Hopefully I will be in a position to present this home for consideration by the HAHC next month. We'll see. Time may run out on this but any effort is better none. Thanks!
  22. "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
  23. "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.
×
×
  • Create New...