SpaceAge

I have shopped at this mall/center since it opened around 1979 or 1980. It was unexpected to have a mall built so far from a freeway. The Westchase Vantage development codes mandated extra setbacks and deluxe landscaping so it has always been an attractive area. Originally Westchase had giant chrome concave circles mounted in massive concrete retaining walls with landscaped berms at the major intersections. (Wasn't one behind the Rusty Pelican that had to be incorporated into their landscape, eventually demolished due to street widening. Another one was in front of the Hilton.) The Westchase Target has been enlarged by moving out the front, rear and east walls by about 20' about 15 years ago. Even so, the manager there says the store is still the smallest in Houston, also the oldest he says. It's completely ample though. I imagine the new Target going in on Westheimer at Shepherd will be much smaller. It must be a new concept. I think when Westchase Mall started being phased out, they started on the west end, carving out the space for Randall's. That was called their Concept Store where they tried new ideas, many of which were incorporated into later Flagship locations. It was closest to their headquarters so the management could study the results. Larry's Shoes was one of the greatest stores in the mall. It was there from the beginning, opening into the mall, and survived the conversion several years with entrance reoriented into the front building façade. Larry's was impressive. It was huge, as large as a Walgreens perhaps, had a high ceiling, and was beautifully designed with impressive lighting and displays. They were heavily promoted and had their own vocal theme song for their commercials. The store was nicer than anything in the Galleria at that time. That area was considered among the best in Houston at that time. I had never considered this until something happened in the neighborhood that made the TV news and they described the area as upscale and affluent. Target came into Houston about 1970 in a big way locating on major chunks of land near all the best malls. The stores were or seemed gigantic, complete with automotive repair departments (that were soon shuttered and sat vacant for decades). The Sharpstown and Echo Target store buildings are still around so the size can be determined. They changed directions into developing stores on smaller sites and less traveled roads for the most part except for the store built more recently at Memorial City Mall replacing the Montgomery Ward's store. The Westchase store was almost closed when the Target on Westheimer near Fondren and the Super Target at Eldridge were built. Amazingly Target responded to requests from the customers to leave it open. I wonder if Westheimer is the street with the most Targets in the USA? There are soon to be four on Westheimer. I have a map of the original mall showing the names of all the stores somewhere. I'll post them when I find it. I imagine they are listed in an old directory. Wasn't the Black Eyed Pea original to the mall? The center across Wilcrest from the mall was also very deluxe when new. I believe it's owned by Weingarten Realty as well. It had a really beautiful Houston's Restaurant, now unfortunately converted to an emergency clinic.

September Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, September 20, 2020 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2-4 PM. (additional house open on Saturday, see info below) Masks are required to be worn for this event. Please resist touching surfaces and maintain 6 feet of social spacing. Please help us find new preservation-minded owners for these outstanding  vintage modern houses located 10 and 14 miles west of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 403 Hunters Park Lane, Houston, TX 77024 (open Sunday) HAR Link | Google Map Oil company owners Bob and Ann Brinkerhoff employed fellow UT graduate architect Jack Stehling to design this house in the late 1960s in the Memorial area, one of Houston's most attractive settings. Stehling's handsome composition employs the most favored modern elements of glass, brick and Saltillo tile under a flat, wood beam roof. The solid nature of copper clad double front entry doors mounted within an uninterrupted brick street facade, contrasts with the open flowing interior spaces lined with an amazing quantity of floor to ceiling glass wall panels with views of the court yard swimming pool. The spaces are enormous and can be used in many ways. John Arthur "Jack" Stehling (1930-1996) was from Fredericksburg, Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1953 and in 1956 with an BA degree in architecture. Stehling became a registered architect in Texas in 1962 after working for the U.S. State Department. In 1967 he founded Stehling Interests with offices in Fredericksburg and Houston. At the busiest point he had a staff of sixteen and produced over a billion dollars worth of work. With Tom Short he designed Inn of the Hills in Kerrville which was a national award winning project. He designed a number of atrium style office buildings including the Arena Towers, built for flamboyant Melvin Powers in the parking lot of the Houston Music Theatre. At one time Jack Stehling lived in the Style in Steel townhomes. A house he designed for himself is located at 701 N. Milam Street in Fredericksburg. He also designed a spectacular five level house for Dr. Jerome Rosenbloom, perched on the edge of Buffalo Bayou, located at 11100 Wickdale Drive and featured in a 2017 Mod of the Month event. 411 W. Gaywood Drive, Houston, TX 77009 Exterior Drive-By Tour Only on Sunday 9/20; Realtor Open House on Saturday 9/19, 2-4 PM HAR Link | Google Map Inside and out, this vintage modern ranch style house is attractive and exciting due to its rare, almost original, gleaming condition. Banks of windows are found in several areas as is terrazzo flooring and accent walls of brick and grass cloth. The nicely styled kitchen and bathrooms with original built-in cabinetry provide authentic character. The landscaping is equally well maintained, complete with an interplay of flowing beds and paved areas set beneath shade trees. The property is conveniently situated and the area has some of the most desirable public schools in the region. Duane Myers (d 1963) designed the house. He was from New York and a member of the Texas Designers Association. He designed houses featured on the Parade of Homes and other showcases. His death notice said he was a leading designer of residential homes in Texas. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases - which both make excellent gifts! After Alden: Midcentury Architecture in Brazosport, Texas, Houston Mod's new publication by Marty Merritt with a forward by Stephen Fox and photography by Benjamin Hill, will be available at Sunday's event along with our other publications. Or, you may purchase a copy online at our website. More Mod Happenings Modern Melbourne: Australian Architecture, 1920-1956 Tuesday, September 29, 2020, 6:30 PM Presented by Preservation Houston with the International Coalition of Art Deco Societies Featuring Robin Grow, president of the Art Deco and Modernism Society of Australia Free virtual presentation, open to the public, use link above to learn more and register Architectural Photography (Part I): Mid-Mod through Today Tuesday, September 29, 2020, 6 PM Presented by The Dallas Architectural Forum with modTEXAS Featuring Ben Koush and Nikola Olic Free virtual presentation, open to the public, use link above to learn more and register Architectural Photography (Part II): UNT's Rogers / Bruchard Archive Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 6 PM Presented by The Dallas Architectural Forum with modTEXAS Presentation by Morgan Gieringer, Head of Special Collections, UNT Free virtual presentation, open to the public, use link above to learn more and register (scroll down) New Book Talk: Improbable Metropolis: Houston's Architectural and Urban History Thursday, October 22, 2020, 6 PM Presented by AIA Houston Historic Resources Committee and The Heritage Society Talk by author Barrie Scardino Bradley Free virtual presentation, open to the public, use link above to learn more and register While all these events are free, donations are always appreciated by the presenting organizations to allow for continued dynamic and engaging programming. Houston Mod is dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of modern architecture and design in Houston and Texas and advocates the preservation of this cultural legacy, seeking support from its members and the general public in achieving this goal.

View this email in your browser June Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, June 14, 2020 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 3 - 5 PM. At mid-point in 2020, we hope you will help us find new preservation-minded owners for these outstanding vintage modern houses located 10 miles west of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 319 Westminster Drive, Huntleigh, Houston, TX 77024 HAR Link In 1959, Doctors Erwin and Gloria Biles built this flat-roofed modern house in the Memorial area neighborhood of Huntleigh. It was designed by Wilson, Morris, Crain & Anderson, one of the most successful architecture firms in the nation. Their work is valued for its design excellence executed to the highest standards. A dramatic double door entry opens to gleaming terrazzo floors flowing throughout the living areas and most of the house. A sparkling vintage swimming pool is the central focal point of the U shaped plan with glass walls opening much of the back elevation. The house and property size is large yet not overwhelming. The architecture firm had several arrangements yet mainly consisted of partners F. Talbott Wilson (1912-1988), Seth I. Morris (1914-2006), Bluford Walter Crain, Jr. (1914-1995) and Ralph Anderson (1923-1990). All were graduates of Rice School of Architecture except for Crain who was a University of Texas School of Architecture graduate.Their major commissions have shaped Houston plus much of the state and include work all or in part on such major buildings as the Astrodome, First City National Bank, the Houston Public Library Downtown, the Houston Country Club, One and Two Shell Plaza, Pennzoil Place, the Wortham Theater, Glassell School of Art (demolished), Williams Tower, the Houston Post building, KPRC and KHOU TV offices (both demolished), the Frank Erwin Center (set for demolition), Harris County Family Law Center (endangered), and numerous others. Architect Ray Morris, Jr. (1928-2010) assisted with the design of 319 Westminster. Ralph Anderson designed a second house for Doctors Erwin and Gloria Biles, a post modern townhouse located nearby. Masks are required to be worn for this event. This is an occupied home so please try to resist touching when inside and maintain 6 feet of social spacing. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases. Memberships and publications make excellent gifts! 203 Chimney Rock Road, Huntleigh, Houston, TX 77024 (Exterior Tour Only) HAR Link In 1965, after living in Japan and China, Dr. Garfford Broussard and wife Irene built this Asian inspired tree house-like modern design in a wooded ravine setting. Exotic plants and fruit trees were added among extensive rock terraces and pathways mimicking the environments of Asia and Hawaii. The house is said to be the design of the owner. The living areas are elevated with parking below. An attractively detailed double height space was created for the family room where a rounded rock corner fireplace and open tread stairway are sensational. Shoji screens and intricately composed oriental lattice provide shade for the western windows. Covered porches and walkways surround much of the house on every level providing a close tie to nature. Dr. Garford Broussard, with his twin brother Clifford, also built an interesting modern office building located at 9183 Katy Freeway in 1963 to house their dental and orthodontist practices. The building is said to have also been designed by Dr. Broussard. Additional parking for the tour is available on the northern portion of Westminster Drive. About Houston Mod & Mod of the Month Houston Mod is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of modern architecture and design in Houston and Texas. Houston Mod advocates the preservation of this cultural legacy and seeks support from its members and the general public in achieving this goal. The Mod of the Month (MOTM) program, launched in 2006, was devised to promote the preservation of modern buildings by educating the public of their architectural and cultural importance in an attempt to show the buildings as desirable to a next generation of owners. The program received a Good Brick Award from Preservation Houston in 2009 and continues its important mission. MOTM's promote the preservation of Mid Century Modern architecture during a time when the properties are most vulnerable - when they are placed for sale. The value embodied within modern properties often goes unseen by the public and real estate agent who may list the property as a candidate for demolition or contemporary renovation. The original design concept, architect, and owners of modern homes are important, and provide both a quality space and history desired by many home seekers. Modern is historic? Yes! Properties that are at least 50 years old may be considered for historic designation by national, state, and local preservation programs. Most of the featured Mod of the Month homes are eligible for designation at the local level, many also at the state and/or national level. The City of Houston offers tax exemptions to owners for appropriate work conducted to improve locally designated historic homes. For more information on designating a modern property, contact the City of Houston Historic Preservation Office, or email Houston Mod at info@houstonmod.org.

January Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, January 26, 2020 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Please help us find a new preservation-minded owner for a vintage modern house located 10miles southeast of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 5443 Whispering Creek Way, Meadowcreek Village, Houston, TX 77017 HAR Link | Google Map Previously a Mod of the Month in 2014 when it was being sold by its original owner, the future of this 1962 house was of concern. It was in fair original condition yet priced very low. Fortunately it was eventually rescued by an architect and designer who have updated and refreshed it while maintaining the original design vision. Note the original Sputnik inspired light fixture and foil wallpaper in the foyer, the replaced vintage-style laminate kitchen counters, the original turquoise kitchen sink, and the reworked baths maintaining original ceramic tiles along with additional carefully selected new tile. The original floor plans are available and show the house was designed by William Miller and Associates. Meadowcreek Village was developed by Robert Clemmons who also was a builder in the Memorial and Meyerland areas. The neighborhood is a naturally-wooded enclave of custom houses located east of IH-45 and Glenbrook Valley. Development began in 1950 and proceeded thoughtfully through the 1970's. Noted architects such as Mackie and Kamrath, Clovis Heimsath, Betty Jo Jones, Lucian Hood, Howard Weisenbaker and others designed houses in the area. The active civic club enforces the deed restrictions and encourages neighborhood improvement. If you can provide further information about these or other mod buildings, please contact Houston Mod so it can be included on our Modern in Houston collection. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases. Memberships and publications make excellent gifts! Also occurring in the area this Sunday, the new Houston Botanical Garden will be open 2 - 4 PM for a sneak-peak of its Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden. It's located at 8205 N. Bayou Drive, about 2.5 miles from the Mod of the Month, at the former site of the Glenbrook Park Golf Course, along Sims Bayou. News & Upcoming Events After Alden: Midcentury Architecture in Brazosport, Texas Houston Mod's new publication by Marty Merritt, with a forward by Stephen Fox and photography by Benjamin Hill, will be available at Sunday's event along with our other publications. Or, you may purchase a copy online at the Houston Mod Squareup shop Houston Mod Preservation Awards and Holiday Party Recipients of the 2019 Houston Mod Preservation Awards were announced and awards presented at the Holiday Party on December 5th. The event was held in a seldom accessible and mostly unknown building by architects Mackie & Kamrath. Contact Houston Mod to ensure your membership is active to receive your invitation to future events. Modern Architecture Tour Save the dates of February 21-23 for Houston Mod's tour of modern Shreveport with Stephen Fox and Guy Carwile. Members will receive details soon. Update your preferences | Unsubscribe | Become a Member Houston Mod is dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of modern architecture and design in Houston and Texas and advocates the preservation of this cultural legacy, seeking support from its members and the general public in achieving this goal. Copyright © 2020 Houston Mod, P.O. Box 541353, Houston, TX 77254, All rights reserved.

November Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, November 17, 2019 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Please help us find a new preservation-minded owner for a vintage modern house located 8 miles west of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 5655 N. Ella Lee Lane, Briarcroft, Houston, TX 77056 HAR Link | Google Map Architect John H. Larson designed this attractive modern style house in 1958. It is located in the well maintained Briarcroft neighborhood, just west of the Houston Galleria. The restrained entry elevation contrasts the interior with its sloped high ceilings, walls of glass, striking fireplace, and other complexities. The house has been thoughtfully updated, yet a bathroom and most of the original kitchen including furniture quality Coppes Napanee cabinetry and Thermador oven were preserved. John Hayden Larson (1919-2010) was from Montana and raised in McAllen, Texas. After serving in WWII, he graduated with an architecture degree in 1950 from Rice Institute. He had a firm in McAllen where he also served on the planning and parks and recreation commissions. In Houston, he was an associate of Cowell & Neuhaus before partnering with B. Macgruder Wingfield, Jr. beginning in December 1958. Later he joined the Keeper Company who specialized in the design and construction of hospitals and medical facilities. His work includes a house for Frank T. Rea at 2003 Briarmead in Briargrove (altered), a house for Phil Randolph at 9214 McAvoy Drive in Braes Timbers and a prominent house for Percy D. Williams located at 31 Briar Hollow Lane (demolished). If you can provide further information about these or other mod buildings, please contact Houston Mod so it can be included on our Modern in Houston collection. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases. Memberships and publications make excellent gifts! News & Upcoming Events Docomomo US National Tour Day in Houston Thanks for attending the tour held on Sunday, October 13 where we explored the work of John S. Chase and others on the TSU campus and beyond. The event consisted of a walking tour and a driving tour. Requests for additional dates are being considered. After Alden: Midcentury Architecture in Brazosport, Texas Houston Mod's new publication by Marty Merritt, with a forward by Stephen Fox and photography by Benjamin Hill, will be available at Sunday's event along with our other publications. Or, you may purchase a copy online at the Houston Mod Squareup shop Houston Mod Preservation Awards and Holiday Party Recipients of the 2019 Houston Mod Preservation Awards have been selected and will be announced at the Holiday Party, Thursday, December 5th. Contact Houston Mod to ensure your membership is active to receive your invitation. The event is being held in a seldom accessible and mostly unknown building by architects Mackie & Kamrath .

October Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, October 27, 2019 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Please help us find a new preservation-minded owner for a vintage modern commercial building located 2 miles southwest of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 4900 Travis Street, Museum District, Houston, TX 77002 LoopNet Link | Google Map Ideally situated a block off Main Street in the Museum District, this handsome vintage modern building has made an important contribution to Houston's architectural scene and still provides a world of options. An L-shaped layout creates a generous shaded park-like central courtyard open to the interior spaces. The 1952 building was originally the offices of architect Philip G. Willard, designed and constructed by him with his Ceramic Construction method. Philip Willard had one of the busiest architectural firms in Houston where he employed a number of talented architects and architecture students who went on to have successful offices of their own. Some include Lucian Hood, Lars Bang, David Brooks, Edward Brooks, Arthur Flynn, Charles Flynn, A. Carroll Brodnax, Donald Minzenmyer, James Magee, Donald Baker, and G. Marvin Watson. The building also contained offices for William Jenkins, William Hoff, Gerald Tackett, Richard Neugebauer, William F. Stern and Associates, Stern and Bucek Architects, and Curtis and Windham Architects. In addition, it was a Golemon and Rolfe satellite office for the design of Houston Intercontinental Airport. Designers Jens Risom, Ben Rose and Boris Kroll had one of Houston's first modern design showrooms there. Artists have also used the spaces. Philip G. Willard was from San Antonio and a 1934 graduate of the University of Texas. He was first registered to practice architecture in Texas in 1937. He moved to Houston from Ft. Worth about 1945 and opened a successful firm where he employed many of the top students from the UH College of Architecture. He developed a masonry construction system called Ceramic Construction. His buildings using the technique are durable and highly acclaimed. Mrs. Willard was an interior designer who had her own furniture and design store. Houston Mod's latest publication, described below, contains further details about Willard's work. Across the street from Sunday's MOTM, don't miss the Art Deco style Lawndale Art and Performance Center (1930) by Joseph Finger and next door is MacKie & Kamrath's Weldon Cafeteria (1949). These buildings were the location of Houston Mod's first event. Nearby at 5115 Main is the endangered Bank of Houston Building (1967) by Wilson, Morris, Crain & Anderson. If you can provide further information about these or other mod buildings, please contact Houston Mod so it can be included on our Modern in Houston collection. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases. Memberships and publications make excellent gifts! News & Upcoming Events Docomomo US National Tour Day in Houston Thanks for attending the tour held on Sunday, October 13 where we explored the work of John S. Chase and others on the TSU campus and beyond. The event consisted of a walking tour and a driving tour. Requests for additional dates are being considered. After Alden: Midcentury Architecture in Brazosport, Texas Houston Mod's new publication by Marty Merritt, with a forward by Stephen Fox and photography by Benjamin Hill, will be available at Sunday's event along with our other publications. Or, you may purchase a copy online at the Houston Mod Squareup shop Houston Mod Preservation Awards Members should submit nominations for the 2019 slate. Awards will be presented at the Houston Mod holiday event scheduled for Thursday, December 5th.

Docomomo US Diversity Tour John Chase, FAIA, Texas Southern University and the Third Ward Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, October 13, 2019 for a walking tour of the Texas Southern University Campus at 2:30 PM and Self-guided driving tour of the Third Ward Walking Tour Start South side of TSU East Parking Garage - 3711 Cobb Street (enter parking garage from Tierwester Street, north of Cleburne Street; fee $1/hr up to $3 max; usually free on Sundays) Martin Luther King, Jr. School of Communications (1969) John S. Chase FAIA (1925 - 2012) was from Baltimore, Maryland. After serving in WWII, he earned a degree in architecture from Hampton University in Virginia. In 1952, he earned a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Texas, becoming the first African American person to do so. He soon became the first registered African American architect in Texas. Unable to find work, he started his own firm, specializing in the design of churches and houses. His early work was inspired mostly by Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian ideals. He moved to Houston to accept a position at Texas Southern University, the beginning of his involvement with the campus. Through his office in Houston, he designed a number of buildings for the TSU campus, where the largest collection of his work can be found. John Chase’s legacy extends beyond his own work. As a founding member of NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) in 1971 and throughout his long career, he continued to advocate for and support minority architects. Texas Southern University Campus Walking Tour: Come join us and tour the heart of the TSU campus and view the buildings designed by John Chase that established a new direction for the campus master planning and architecture in the 1960s. We will start at the East Parking Garage (Smith & Company 2006) and walk south to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law (John S. Chase 1976). At the entrance to the central campus plaza, we will pass by the newest campus building, the Library Learning Center (Moody Nolan 2019). The tour extends west to the first campus building, Fairchild Hall (Cato, Austin, Evans 1947), home to the University Museum (founded 2000). Prominent art pieces by internationally renowned African American muralist painter John T. Biggers and sculptor Carroll Harris Simms are on display in the Museum and on the campus. Following the TSU Walking Tour, we encourage you to take the Self-Guided Driving Tour of the Third Ward (map will be available online). On the tour you will see buildings designed by John Chase including churches and residences. Additional prominent Third Ward sites designed by other architects are also highlighted.

Cc Bcc Slideshow View this email in your browser September Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, September 29, 2019 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Please help us find a new preservation-minded owner for an exceptional modern design located 4 miles northeast of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 2316 Harlem Street, Englewood, Houston, TX 77020 HAR Link | Google Map A different twist on vintage modern architecture was recently rediscovered and refreshed in Houston's historic Fifth Ward. The design is thought to be the work of the well-regarded architect John S. Chase. It was built in 1953 for Milton and Carrie Curtis in the Englewood neighborhood, near the Houston Ship Channel portion of Buffalo Bayou. Milton Curtis was associated with the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 872. John Chase designed ILA halls for several locals in the area, including Local 872 in 1956. The Curtis house was long a gathering place and symbol of pride for the neighborhood. John S. Chase (1925 - 20012) was from Baltimore, Maryland. After serving in WWII, he earned a degree in architecture from Hampton University in Virginia. In 1952, he earned a Masters Degree in Architecture from the University of Texas, becoming the first black person to do so. He soon became the first registered black architect in Texas. Unable to find work, he started his own firm and specialized in the design of churches and houses. His work was inspired mostly by Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian ideals. Later works include a number of buildings for the TSU campus, the largest collection of his work. Near Sunday's MOTM, don't miss Chase's First Shiloh Baptist Church of 1955 located at 4420 Lyons Avenue complete with a stunning minimalistic tower. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases. Memberships and publications make excellent gifts! News & Upcoming Events Docomomo US National Tour Day in Houston On Sunday, October 13, we will continue to explore the work of John S. Chase. The event will consist of a walking tour and a driving tour. More details will be available soon. After Alden: Midcentury Architecture in Brazosport, Texas Houston Mod's new publication by Marty Merritt, with a forward by Stephen Fox and photography by Benjamin Hill, will be available at Sunday's event along with our other publications. Or, you may purchase a copy online at the Houston Mod Squareup shop Docomomo US National Symposium September 25-28, 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaii, a collaboration with the Docomomo Hawaii chapter. Learn more about for the celebration of Hawaii’s unique blend of East-meets-West tropical modernism.

Open houses August 25, 2019, 2 - 4 pm. Hear Stephen Fox at 2:20 PM at 1953 Richmond Avenue, an iconic steel-framed mod by Keeland and Taylor. Please park across the street. Visit Houstonmod.org for details.

July Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, July 28, 2019 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Help us find new preservation-minded owners for these exceptional architect-designed vintage modern houses located about 3 and 11 miles southwest of downtown Houston. Noted architectural historian and Master Mod Stephen Fox will provide a brief talk at each house. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. Click here for the Facebook Event Link 5306 Institute Lane, Jandor Gardens, Houston, Texas 77005 HAR Link | Google Map Architectural Talk by Stephen Fox at 2:15 PM Indoor and outdoor opportunities abound in this well organized two-level house designed by architect C. Herbert Paseur, FAIA (1925-2007) in 1968 for his family. Many original features and finishes remain intact in the well situated museum-district vintage-modern house. The original floor plans will be available. Glassman Shoemake Maldonado Architects (now GSMA) completed an award-winning renovation/restoration of the house in 2007. The Dean of the Rice School of Architecture and family later occupied the house. Herb Paseur grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and graduated from Oklahoma A&M (now OSU) with degrees in Architecture and Engineering. Soon after he joined the architecture firm of Caudill Rowlett Scott which later went public and grew to national prominence. Paseur served as President and CEO from 1971 - 1981. The firm became the largest architecture/engineering/construction corporation in the USA. In 1994, the firm was sold to HOK. 4158 Meyerwood Drive, Townhouse Manor, Houston, Texas 77025 HAR Link | Google Map Architectural Talk by Stephen Fox at 3:15 PM This is the center unit of a complex of three spectacular townhouses built to explore the practicality and advantages of the residential use of steel for the 1969 National Association of Home Builders convention. The 40,000 event attendees were driven from the Astrodome to tour the three units. The units appear unusually spacious from the use of long spanning glass walls and high ceilings. The center unit has light wells connecting the first and second levels. Forty-five tons of steel were used in the three townhouses. Visit the Houston Mod website for a full description and floor plan of the complex. Architects Fred Talbott Wilson, FAIA (1912-1988) and Hal Weatherford of Wilson, Morris, Crain & Anderson designed the complex. Wilson was from Houston and a 1935 graduate of the Rice Institute with a BS in Architecture degree. The Style in Steel Townhouses were designated in 2007 as a City of Houston Protected Landmark. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases. Memberships and publications make excellent gifts! News & Events After Alden: Midcentury Architecture in Brazosport, Texas Houston Mod's new publication by Marty Merritt, with a forward by Stephen Fox and photography by Benjamin Hill, will be available at Sunday's event along with our other publications. Or, you may purchase a copy online at the Houston Mod Squareup shop. Where's the Book on my House? How to Research Historic Properties August 22, 2019, Houston Metropolitan Research Center program, 6:30 - 7:30 PM at the Julia Ideson Building, Meldrum Room. Docomomo US National Symposium September 25-28, 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaii, a collaboration with the Docomomo Hawaii chapter. Learn more and register for the celebration of Hawaii’s unique blend of East-meets-West tropical modernism. Save The Date October 12, 2019, Docomomo US National Tour Day - stay tuned for Houston Mod's Tour Day announcement! Tranquillity Park Walking Tour - Thank You! Thank you to all who participated in Houston Mod's Tranquillity Park Walking Tour in Celebration of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing 50th Anniversary on Saturday, July 20, 2019. A large crowd enjoyed the tour and discussion led by architect and Houston Mod board member, Kerry Goelzer. Houston Mod will keep you updated was we continue to educate the public on the local and national significance of the park and advocate against pending threats to this important public space. About Mod of the Month The Mod of the Month (MOTM) program, launched in 2006, was devised to promote the preservation of modern buildings by educating the public of their architectural and cultural importance in an attempt to show the buildings as desirable to a next generation of owners. The program received a Good Brick Award from Preservation Houston in 2009 and continues its important mission. MOTM's promote the preservation of Mid Century Modern architecture during a time when the properties are most vulnerable - when they are placed for sale. The value embodied within modern properties often goes unseen by the public and real estate agent who may list the property as a candidate for demolition or contemporary renovation. The original design concept, architect, and owners of modern homes are important, and provide both a quality space and history desired by many home seekers. Modern is historic? Yes! Properties that are at least 50 years old may be considered for historic designation by national, state, and local preservation programs. Most of the featured Mod of the Month homes are eligible for designation at the local level, and many at the state or national level. The City of Houston offers tax exemptions to owners for appropriate work conducted to improve locally designated historic homes. For more information on designating a modern property, contact the City of Houston Historic Preservation Office, or email Houston Mod at info@houstonmod.org.

Tranquillity Park Walking Tour In Celebration of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing 50th Anniversary Saturday, July 20, 2019, 6:00 PM Free, open to the public Tranquillity Park, Downtown Houston Meet at the corner of Smith St. & Rusk St. - plus - optional post walking tour moon landing anniversary activities at Discovery Green Tranquility Base was the landing location for the Apollo 11 Lunar Module, or “Eagle”, on July 16, 1969. Four days later, on July 20, 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong declared upon landing on the moon, "Houston, Tranquility Base here, the Eagle has landed”. On July 20, 1979, Houston celebrated the anniversary of the first men to land on the moon at the opening dedication of Tranquillity Park. Before there was Discovery Park, Tranquillity Park served the role. Describing his design for the Houston Chronicle in July 1979, architect / landscape architect Charles R. Tapley said: “I see the park as a firecracker… It’s a place where things are going on, a place to mark a momentous event in an unusual way. It’s a discovery park.” Tranquillity Park design sketch by Charles R. Tapley, FAIA Houston Mod invites you to join us Saturday, July 20, 2019 to celebrate Tranquillity Park's 40th birthday and the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Learn more about the park, including why the park’s name features two ‘Ls’, and explore commemorative design features including the earth and moon mounds; replica of Armstrong’s footprint on the moon; and rocket-like fountain heads that double as exhaust outlets for the parking garage below. After the tour, participants may choose to walk or ride the rail to Discovery Green's family-friendly Apollo 11 moon landing celebrations, which includes a screening of the widely acclaimed 2019 documentary, Apollo 11. Completed in August 1979, 10 years after the initial design concept was announced and the parcel was secured by the city, the creation of Tranquillity Park required conquering many complications. Planning, funding and implementing the design included several starts and stops. Now, at 40 years old, Tranquillity Park is vulnerable to insensitive alterations or demolition as its historic value becomes lesser-known, maintenance decreases, and current downtown improvement plans fail to recognize the importance of the site to our city and nation. Houston Mod seeks to shed light on the significance of Tranquillity Park as a masterful modernist urban park designed in celebration of one of our nation’s most significant historical events by Charles R. Tapley, an award-winning and influential architect and landscape architect. The design of the park is iconic of its era, defined by distinct geometric forms, dramatic topographic changes, water features, and native Texas trees and plants. We hope you will join us on Saturday, July 20 to learn more.

June Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, June 23, 2019 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Help us find new preservation-minded owners for these architect-designed vintage modern houses located about 9 and 14 miles west of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. The June event focuses on designs by lesser known Houston mid-century modernist architects. Two houses are open for touring and two are featured as drive-by status. 1123 Guinea Drive, Hilshire Village, Houston, Texas 77055 HAR Link | Google Map The floor plans are dated April 1959 for this upscale custom designed one-owner house located in desirable Hilshire Village. Sought after features such as gently sloped wood beamed ceilings, walls of glass, spherical hanging light fixtures, and pecky cypress siding along with a free-flowing design make this house a keeper. Of special note is the imaginatively designed attractive carport which can serve as a grand mod entertaining space. The site design has a number of well-chosen period elements. Architect David C. Strickler (1932 - 2018) designed the house. Strickler graduated with an architecture degree from Texas A & M University in 1955. For his own family, he designed a flat-roofed modern house located across the street from 1123 Guinea. His house has unfortunately been demolished. He designed a number of country clubs and show houses for developments around the Houston area. One of his NASA area designs was featured in Better Homes and Gardens Home Building Ideas publication in 1966. Another of his outstanding designs is the St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church located in Houston. 12609 Overcup Drive, Woodland Hollow, Houston, Texas 77024 HAR Link | Google Map Architects Wahlberg and Morales designed this imaginative 1959 modernistic house using concepts not often found in other houses of the era. It has two stories and a tall steep roof with an A-framed portion incorporating beams dramatically extending to the ground. A courtyard rich in materials and shapes welcomes you from the long driveway, opening wide past the double carport and flowing beneath a broad vine covered arbor. Paving and edging elements are varied and creative. Past the entry courtyard, the site design becomes progressively more relaxed with curving paths leading into the ravine area complete with a two-level playhouse which mimics the house design. There are a number of additional surprises with the biggest being the dramatic cathedral living area overlooking an expansive pool and wood deck extending deep into the sloped site. A floating brass-trimmed stairway, walls of brick and glass, cabinets, flooring and trim of redwood and many other special components complement the scene. Paul Wahlberg (1928 - 2010) and Richard Morales (1927 - 2012) were early 1950s graduates of Texas A & M. Whalberg was known for his reassuring nature and Morales for his graphic abilities. They designed a number of custom homes including a flat-roofed favorite in Glenbrook Valley featured on a past Houston Mod tour. By the 1970s, they focused mainly on multi-unit housing, eventually developing over 80,000 units in 23 states. . Featured Drive By Homes: 8006 Anadell Street Hilshire Village, Houston, Texas 77055 HAR Link | Google Map This one owner mod was designed by the homeowner and architect Warren A. Goulas (1928-2004) who lived next-door at 8010 Anadell Street, another house he designed and a MOTM in 2006. Goulas was a 1952 Texas A & M graduate. His work includes a bank in The Woodlands, 170 houses in Pasadena, and projects for SBISD. His son is also an architect and lives in the neighborhood. 8415 Burkhart Road Spring Valley, Houston, Texas 77055 HAR Link | Google Map This original owner house was designed by Frank S. McFaden, Jr.(1932-1994) for his family. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, he was a 1954 graduate of Auburn University. He had his own firm in Houston until 1970 when he began working for a metal building components company. If you have additional information about these or other mod designs and architects, please inform Houston Mod so it can be preserved on the Houston Mod archive website. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases. Memberships and publications make excellent gifts! Houston Mod's new publication, After Alden: Midcentury Architecture in Brazosport, Texas by Marty Merritt, with a forward by Stephen Fox and photography by Benjamin Hill, will be available at Sunday's event along with our other publications. Preservation Houston's History in Print program will hold a discussion on "After Alden" on Tuesday, June 25 at 6:30 PM at Proler Chapel, Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset Blvd.. Free admission for Houston Mod and Preservation Houston members. Save the Date! July 20, 2019 is the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 first moon landing and moonwalk. Stay tuned for information on Houston Mod's special remembrance celebration. About Houston Mod & Mod of the Month Houston Mod is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of modern architecture and design in Houston and Texas. Houston Mod advocates the preservation of this cultural legacy and seeks support from its members and the general public in achieving this goal. The Mod of the Month (MOTM) program, launched in 2006, was devised to promote the preservation of modern buildings by educating the public of their architectural and cultural importance in an attempt to show the buildings as desirable to a next generation of owners. The program received a Good Brick Award from Preservation Houston in 2009 and continues its important mission. MOTM's promote the preservation of Mid Century Modern architecture during a time when the properties are most vulnerable - when they are placed for sale. The value embodied within modern properties often goes unseen by the public and real estate agent who may list the property as a candidate for demolition or contemporary renovation. The original design concept, architect, and owners of modern homes are important, and provide both a quality space and history desired by many home seekers. Modern is historic? Yes! Properties that are at least 50 years old may be considered for historic designation by national, state, and local preservation programs. Most of the featured Mod of the Month homes are eligible for designation at the local level, many also at the state and/or national level. The City of Houston offers tax exemptions to owners for appropriate work conducted to improve locally designated historic homes. For more information on designating a modern property, contact the City of Houston Historic Preservation Office, or email Houston Mod at info@houstonmod.org.

May Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, May 19, 2019 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Help us find new preservation-minded owners for these architect-designed vintage modern houses located about 10-12 miles west and southwest of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. Houston Mod spotlights the work of architect William Floyd who likely designed all three of this month's featured houses - one home will be open, two are featured for drive by only. Floyd designed hundreds of modern houses in scores of neighborhoods mainly in west and southwest Houston, the greatest concentration being in the area of the Memorial Bend neighborhood. Please visit the Memorial Bend website for more about William Norman Floyd. 12902 Traviata Drive, Memorial Bend, Houston, Texas 77024 HAR Link | Google Map The flat roof seems to float above this imaginatively designed 1956 vintage modern house due to the windows incorporated between the beams extending flush to the ceiling plane. A handsomely articulated brick street elevation provides privacy while walls of glass bring in the outside forested views from the back. The house is situated near excellent schools, dining, shopping and transportation opportunities. Featured Drive By Homes: 12315 Woodthorpe Lane Memorial Hollow, 77024 HAR Link | Google Map Homes of this style in Memorial Bend were designed by William Floyd. 6226 Birdwood Road Robindell, 77074 HAR Link | Google Map This house was likely designed by William Floyd and/or his associates Harwood Taylor and William Jenkins. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases. Memberships and publications make excellent gifts! Houston Mod's new publication, After Alden: Midcentury Architecture in Brazosport, Texas by Marty Merritt, with a forward by Stephen Fox and photography by Benjamin Hill, is back in stock and will be available at Sunday's event along with our other publications. Save the Date! July 20, 2019 is the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 first moon landing and moonwalk. Stay tuned for information on Houston Mod's special remembrance celebration. About Houston Mod & Mod of the Month Houston Mod is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of modern architecture and design in Houston and Texas. Houston Mod advocates the preservation of this cultural legacy and seeks support from its members and the general public in achieving this goal. The Mod of the Month (MOTM) program, launched in 2006, was devised to promote the preservation of modern buildings by educating the public of their architectural and cultural importance in an attempt to show the buildings as desirable to a next generation of owners. The program received a Good Brick Award from Preservation Houston in 2009 and continues its important mission. MOTM's promote the preservation of Mid Century Modern architecture during a time when the properties are most vulnerable - when they are placed for sale. The value embodied within modern properties often goes unseen by the public and real estate agent who may list the property as a candidate for demolition or contemporary renovation. The original design concept, architect, and owners of modern homes are important, and provide both a quality space and history desired by many home seekers. Modern is historic? Yes! Properties that are at least 50 years old may be considered for historic designation by national, state, and local preservation programs. Most of the featured Mod of the Month homes are eligible for designation at the local level, many also at the state and/or national level. The City of Houston offers tax exemptions to owners for appropriate work conducted to improve locally designated historic homes. For more information on designating a modern property, contact the City of Houston Historic Preservation Office, or email Houston Mod at info@houstonmod.org.

April Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, April 14, 2019 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. At mid-point in MODern Month, we hope you will help us find a new preservation-minded owner for this outstanding vintage modern house located three miles west of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 2930 Lazy Lane Boulevard, River Oaks Homewoods, Houston, Texas 77019 HAR Link | Google Map The John F. Maher House was designed by the firm Howard Barnstone (1923-1987) and Partner (Eugene Aubry b 1935) in 1964 and slotted between Bayou Bend and the Hugo V. Neuhaus residence, along Buffalo Bayou in the prominent Homewoods section of the River Oaks neighborhood. Barnstone described the steel framed house as a p-a-l-a-c-e. Architectural historian Stephen Fox describes it as Barnstone's most assured project of the 1960s and says it's epic. Many of Barnstone's buildings are threatened and others have been lost. Finding a preservation-minded owner for this house will allow it to remain one of Houston's most prominent architectural landmarks. Stephen Fox will give a talk about the house and about his soon to be released publication about the architecture of Howard Barnstone during the April Mod of the Month event. You may read a previous article on Barnstone by Stephen Fox in Cite Magazine, Fall 1987. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases. Memberships and publications make excellent gifts! About Houston Mod & Mod of the Month Houston Mod is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of modern architecture and design in Houston and Texas. Houston Mod advocates the preservation of this cultural legacy and seeks support from its members and the general public in achieving this goal. The Mod of the Month (MOTM) program, launched in 2006, was devised to promote the preservation of modern buildings by educating the public of their architectural and cultural importance in an attempt to show the buildings as desirable to a next generation of owners. The program received a Good Brick Award from Preservation Houston in 2009 and continues its important mission. MOTM's promote the preservation of Mid Century Modern architecture during a time when the properties are most vulnerable - when they are placed for sale. The value embodied within modern properties often goes unseen by the public and real estate agent who may list the property as a candidate for demolition or contemporary renovation. The original design concept, architect, and owners of modern homes are important, and provide both a quality space and history desired by many home seekers. Modern is historic? Yes! Properties that are at least 50 years old may be considered for historic designation by national, state, and local preservation programs. Most of the featured Mod of the Month homes are eligible for designation at the local level, many also at the state and/or national level. The City of Houston offers tax exemptions to owners for appropriate work conducted to improve locally designated historic homes. For more information on designating a modern property, contact the City of Houston Historic Preservation Office, or email Houston Mod at info@houstonmod.org. MODern Month Continues! MODern Month April 2019 continues with an AIA Houston Urban Art Walking Tour, Preservation Houston Victor Lundy book talk, Jones Hall concert, AIA Houston Historic Resources Committee Speaker Series, Miller Outdoor Theater concert, RDA Architecture Tour, Eames film screening, and much more. We hope you will all join us on Thursday, April 25 at 6 p.m. for the Houston Mod MODern Month Celebration at Design Within Reach. Marty Merritt will give a brief talk on his new book, After Alden: Midcentury Architecture in Brazosport, Texas. We have temporarily sold out of the publication online, but more will available at the event. Click the image below to download the complete MODern Month calendar of events PDF.

March Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, March 17, 2019 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Please help Houston Mod find a new preservation-minded owner for this vintage modern house in the Glenbrook Valley Historic District, located approximately 8 miles southeast of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 8015 Glenforest Court, Glenbrook Valley, Houston, TX 77061 HAR Link | Google Map Last month's Mod of the Month house was the home of a NASA astronaut - the Space Age theme continues with the marvelous Sputnik House as the focus of the March event. The house was built in 1957, the same year as the launch of the world's first space satellite called Sputnik, which so captivated the period that the original owner put into orbit a replica floating above the front door. The Sputnik fixture is sensational as is the rest of the custom built house complete with sought after features like poured terrazzo floors, brick interior walls, pecky cypress siding, loads of custom cabinets and shelving, colorful original light fixtures, a handsome brick fireplace wall, baths with sparkling original ceramic tile, and glass sliding doors leading to a spacious patio and back yard. The house is prominently situated along a sweeping curve on a street of attractive mid-century era houses in the Glenbrook Valley neighborhood. In 2011, after a three year struggle, the neighborhood of 1,256 houses was designated the city's first historic district outside of the loop 610 freeway and is believed to be the largest mid-century era residential historic district in the United States. It is within Harris County and served by the Houston Independent School District. If you have more information about this, or other vintage modern houses and/or architects, please contact Houston Mod so we can include it in our Modern Houston Index on our soon to premier new website. In Other News April is MODern Month in Texas! This is the 10th annual celebration. The calendar will be available soon. If you are aware of an event focusing on modern design, please inform Houston Mod so it can be included. Look for a kickoff event at the first of the month. Modern Month brings attention to the importance of protecting modern architecture and design in Houston and Texas. Houston Mod publications and membershipsmake great gifts and are available online and at events. Our most recent publication, Constructing Houston's Future, The Architecture of Arthur Evan Jones & Lloyd Morgan Jones, by Ben Koush is our gift to you for joining or renewing at the benefactor level or above. Look for our upcoming publication release titled After Alden about vintage modern architecture in the Brazosport-Lake Jackson area, available in April. Houston Mod is a friend organization of Docomomo US. Visit Docomomo US Latest News to keep up to date on the latest news on modernism celebration and advocacy efforts going on across the country. We hope you'll join us at Mod of the Month!