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August Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, August 21, 2022 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Please help find new preservation minded owners for these outstanding vintage modern houses located in Memorial, about 9 miles west of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 503 Timber Terrace Road, Houston, TX 77024 HAR Link | Google Map Clean lines and flowing spaces are found in this well designed and constructed vintage modern house by architect Philip Willard, located in an idyllic Memorial area setting. Expansive window walls provide views in every direction making it a perfect place to experience nature. Other notable features are the dramatic extended fireplace, spiral staircase, interior stone walls, nifty display areas, built in refrigerator and freezer and roof deck overlooking the wooded ravine and setting sun. Willard constructed the house of extremely durable brick and masonry materials. Even the roof is concrete. The house was expanded by the addition of several well-integrated rooms by talented designer Adrian Flake. Philip Gordon Willard (1913-1993) 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 around 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; buildings constructed using the technique are highly acclaimed. He designed and built houses, office buildings and retail centers. Willard developed the Timber Terrace neighborhood, designing and building many of its houses. Houston Mod's latest publication details more of his work. Adrian Flake (1915-2005) was an artist and designer. He began his career at Texas Neon Sign Company where he designed such landmarks as the Houston Shoe Hospital sign and the neon fronts of the Alabama, Tower, and other theaters. Later he designed and constructed custom homes. 11406 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77024 (Drive-by only) HAR Link | Google Map This is a significant and prominently sited vintage modern house by architect Wylie Vale which appears to still have many of its interesting original details. The house is in Piney Point Village, a community Vale helped organize. Wylie Vale (1916-2013) was a Rice graduate who designed over 400 mostly upscale houses, 100 plus schools, almost 50 churches plus other buildings. His work is detailed on the Houston Mod forum here. If you have information about this house or other vintage mod designs, please share it with Houston Mod so it can be included in the Modern in Houston archive. News & Upcoming Events Houston Mod has reactivated and now hosts the valuable Memorial Bend Architecture website on our website. Visit to learn more about Houston's most mod neighborhood. What's next for Astrodome? Please visit our friends at the Astrodome Conservancy to learn more about preserving and redeveloping the eighth wonder of the world. Their shop has many fun new items to support the cause. Mission, Membership and Publications: 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. Houston Mod is a friend organization of Docomomo US, a national non-profit organization dedicated to the Documentation and Conservation of the Modern Movement. Docomomo US has been dedicated to this mission for nearly 25 years as a chapter of Docomomo International. A single US domestic membership may be added to any Houston Mod membership for the 50% discounted Friend Organization rate of $45.00. Houston Mod memberships and publications are available at most events.

Thanks for everyone's support! There's a lot of interest in this house. Attendance was approximately 100 folks, a number of them joining Houston Mod or renewing their membership. Most everyone had a mod story to share. We'll have another event this Sunday featuring a vintage mod in Memorial needing a new preservation minded owner. We'll have membership assistance available and offer our publications about local architect's and their work.

August Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, August 14, 2022 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Please help find new preservation minded owners for these outstanding vintage modern houses located in Meyerland, about 13 miles southwest of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 5231 Braesvalley Drive, Houston, TX 77096 HAR Link | Google Map Here's a rare opportunity to own one of Houston's most attractive and best-preserved vintage modern houses. Architect David Brooks designed the house for his family who occupied it from 1965 to 1995 when it was purchased by the current owners. The plan uniquely features a central indoor/outdoor screened room which is captivating and expands the visual spaciousness of the surrounding rooms. Other sought-after elements of the design are a flat roof with exposed beams and wood ceilings (some 10' in height), clearstory windows, terrazzo floors, brick fireplace with barbeque, built in refrigerator/freezer, and walls of floor to ceiling windows. Brooks & Brooks designed the house. The firm consisted of brothers David G. Brooks (1925-1995) and Edward B. Brooks (1927-2006). Both were graduates of Reagan High School and the University of Houston College of Architecture. Early in their careers they worked in the office of architect Phillip G. Willard and later, David Brooks partnered with architect Lars Bang. In 1953, the brothers formed their own firm and worked together for over 40 years designing residential and commercial structures. Landscape architect George Porcher updated the site for the second owners. This house is a City of Houston Protected Landmark. It cannot be demolished or altered in frontal appearance. Visit the landmark details here. 5031 Braesvalley Drive, Meyerland, Houston, TX 77096 (Drive-by only) HAR Link | Google Map This is a significant house by architect Allen Williams who designed the house for prominent builder Roy Harris. Harris championed the designs of Allen Williams and was his greatest patron. This house is somewhat similar to 4603 Ivanhoe Street in Afton Oaks, a house Williams designed for his family. The house was damaged is being sold at lot value. If you have information about this house or other vintage mod designs, please share it with Houston Mod so it can be included in the Modern in Houston archive. News & Upcoming Events Houston Mod has reactivated and now hosts the valuable Memorial Bend Architecture website at Houston Mod. Visit to learn about Houston's most mod neighborhood. What's next for Astrodome? Please visit our friends at the Astrodome Conservancy to learn more about preserving and redeveloping the eighth wonder of the world. Their shop has many fun new items to support the cause. Mission, Membership and Publications: 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. Houston Mod is a friend organization of Docomomo US, a national non-profit organization dedicated to the Documentation and Conservation of the Modern Movement. Docomomo US has been dedicated to this mission for nearly 25 years as a chapter of Docomomo International. A single US domestic membership may be added to any Houston Mod membership for the 50% discounted Friend Organization rate of $45.00. Houston Mod memberships and publications are available at most events.

The one in Sharpstown, Bellaire at Hillcroft, NE corner, looked like this. I think it's still in use as a Fiesta store. Remember their song "Globe Shopping City where you'll always save more!" Loved that store. I couldn't wait to see their ad in the Sunday newspaper to find out what would be on sale the coming week. Globe had everything under the sun as it would say in the ads. I go to garage sales in neighborhoods around Globe looking for things that came from there.

June Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, June 12, 2022 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Please help find a new preservation minded owner for this attractive vintage modern house located in Hunters Creek Village, about 9 miles west of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. The next Modern Market is scheduled for November 11-13, 2022! 10910 Melody Lane, Houston, TX 77024 HAR Link | Google Map Architect Herb Rather designed this handsome flat-roofed modern house for his family in the early 1960s. The layout provides privacy from the street while the mostly glass back allows indoors and outdoors to harmoniously meld joining the carefully detailed interior spaces with the lushly forested landscaped grounds and swimming pool. Louis Herbert Rather, Jr. (1930-2015) was the nephew of architect J. T. Rather, partner of John Staub. Herb Rather was from Houston and attended Rice University where he received a BA degree in 1952 and BS Architecture degree in1954. In 1959 he joined Neuhaus & Taylor where he remained for the rest of his career. He was a talented artist and after retirement moved to Copperas Cove where his family was based. If you have information about this house or other vintage mod designs, please share it with Houston Mod so it can be included in the Modern in Houston archive. News & Upcoming Events AIA Houston Historic Resources Committee Speaker Series: Printhouse: Transforming a Blighted Property into a Community Asset on June 23, 6 PM, Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce Houston Mod co-founder and preservationist Anna Mod and Houston Mod board officer and architect Kerry Goelzer will discuss Houston’s EaDo (East Downtown) neighborhood, the history of The Houston Post building, the changes to the neighborhood, and some of the technical challenges adapting this mid 1950s building to a neighborhood asset. Visit AIA Houston for more information and registration. SAVE THE DATE ANNOUNCEMENT - more details soon Lecture + Book-Signing + Reception | Thursday, November 10, 2022 Master of the Midcentury The Architecture of William F. Cody, Monacelli 2021 Modern Market Week Friday – Sunday November 11-13, 2022 Houston Mod has reactivated and now hosts the valuable Memorial Bend Architecture website at Houston Mod. Visit to learn about Houston's most mod neighborhood. What's next for Astrodome? Please visit our friends at the Astrodome Conservancy to learn more about preserving and redeveloping the eighth wonder of the world. Their shop has many fun new items to support the cause. Mission, Membership and Publications: 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. Houston Mod is a friend organization of Docomomo US, a national non-profit organization dedicated to the Documentation and Conservation of the Modern Movement. Docomomo US has been dedicated to this mission for nearly 25 years as a chapter of Docomomo International. A single US domestic membership may be added to any Houston Mod membership for the 50% discounted Friend Organization rate of $45.00. Houston Mod memberships and publications are available at most events

April Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Saturday, April 30, 2022 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 1 - 4 PM. Please help find new preservation minded owners for these interesting vintage modern houses located in the Briar Forest and Memorial areas, about 12 miles west of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. The next Modern Market is scheduled for November 2022! 10131 Shady River Drive, Briargrove Park, Houston, TX 77042 (Open 1 - 4 PM) HAR Link | Google Map This house was built in connection with the 1964 New York World's Fair, but before research by Houston Mod, nobody remembered, not even the long-term owners. All aspects of the World's Fair House were upgraded including the brick and natural stone exterior, extensive covered patios, two fireplaces, and the innovative kitchen complete with custom cabinetry and double Flair oven with upward-gliding glass doors. Formica was the major sponsor and many of their products were incorporated. Illumination is provided by four skydomes plus recessed lighted ceilings and special mod fixtures, all well maintained. Dick Coneway of Trend Setter Homes built the house. He was an architect who graduated from Texas A & M in 1931 and built a number of upscale houses including several featured in the Parade of Homes. The New York version of the house was designed by architect Emil A. Schmidlin. Over 130 versions of these dream homes were built coast to coast, each modified to fit local preferences and site. In comparison to several others, it seems Houston's version is one of the most spectacular. ____________________ 12511 Winding Brook Lane, Houston, TX 77024 (Drive-by Only) HAR Link | Google Map The highly regarded builder Al Fairfield constructed this attractive modern house in 1965 for the Jesse and Cathy Caesar family who have maintained it in mostly original condition. The house can be considered a Mad Man Mod since Jesse Caesar was involved in marketing and devised the iconic 'Tiger in Your Tank' campaign for Exxon plus other successful campaigns. Architect William Floyd helped Al Fairfield become established in Houston. Fairfield built hundreds of fine houses, mostly located in the Memorial area. Later, at the request of folks who bought his houses, he developed office buildings which were the start of the Energy Corridor. He worked with several architects including Floyd, Bill Caudill and Waller Poage. If you have information about these houses or other vintage mod designs, please share it with Houston Mod so it can be included in the Modern in Houston archive. News & Upcoming Events Houston Mod has reactivated and now hosts the valuable Memorial Bend Architecture website at houstonmod.org. Visit to learn about Houston's most mod neighborhood. What's next for Astrodome? Please visit our friends at the Astrodome Conservancy to learn more about preserving and redeveloping the eighth wonder of the world. Their shop has many fun new items to support the cause. Mission, Membership and Publications: 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. Houston Mod is a friend organization of Docomomo US, a national non-profit organization dedicated to the Documentation and Conservation of the Modern Movement. Docomomo US has been dedicated to this mission for nearly 25 years as a chapter of Docomomo International. A single US domestic membership may be added to any Houston Mod membership for the 50% discounted Friend Organization rate of $45.00. Houston Mod memberships and publications are available at most events.

February Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, February 27, 2022 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 5 PM. Please help find new preservation minded owners for these outstanding vintage modern houses located in the historic Rice University and Old Braeswood areas, about 4 miles southwest of downtown Houston. Special Addition: Architectural historian Stephen Fox will give a brief talk at both houses. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. Photo: Stephen Fox 1601 Milford Street, North Edgemont, Houston, TX 77006 (Open 2 - 4 PM) HAR Link | Google Map Campbell & Keller designed this house in 1937 employing the scarcely found modernistic style. Many of the original design elements remain such as the stucco walls and signature glass block corner window. The original flat roof and windows have been changed and the pipe railing along the front roof deck removed. The interior maintains its marvelous aluminum stair banisters. 2430 Maroneal Street, Braeswood, Houston, TX 77030 (Open 3 - 5 PM) HAR Link | Google Map Lou Lewis of the successful Lewis and Coker Supermarket chain built this swanky house in 1954 for his family in the Braeswood neighborhood just blocks from the renowned Shamrock Hotel, then the center of Houston's social scene. The inviting interior, made lively with an array of interesting wood, patterned glass, stone and fixtures, is still significantly original. Irving R. Klein (1906 - 1991) designed the house. He was a graduate of Tulane University and in 1935 established a Houston practice which by the 1980s was the city's fourth largest. They designed a number of large projects across the US. Among his favorite local projects were the Houston Children's Zoo, 2016 Main, Congregation Beth Israel and the Houston Fire Department headquarters. Link to Braeswood neighborhood tour by Stephen Fox from Cite magazine, 1986. If you have information about these or other vintage mod designs, please share it with Houston Mod so it can be included in the Modern in Houston archive. News & Upcoming Events Houston Mod has reactivated and now hosts the valuable Memorial Bend Architecture website at houstonmod.org. Visit to learn about Houston's most mod neighborhood. Join Preservation Houston and Houston Mod, Tuesday, March 15th, 6:30 - 8 PM for a virtual program and discussion on the transitional 1970s era with Building Space City: How the 1970s shaped Houston. Registration required. Click here for more information. How should the Astrodome be reused? Please help our friends at the Astrodome Conservancy by taking their Future Dome Survey. Register for the 2nd annual Race for the Dome 5K being held April 9, 2022. Mission, Membership and Publications 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. Houston Mod is a friend organization of Docomomo US, a national non-profit organization dedicated to the Documentation and Conservation of the Modern Movement. Docomomo US has been dedicated to this mission for nearly 25 years as a chapter of Docomomo International. A single US domestic membership may be added to any Houston Mod membership for the 50% discounted Friend Organization rate of $45.00. Houston Mod memberships and publications are available at most events.

View this email in your browser August Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, August 8, 2021 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Please help find new preservation-minded owners for these outstanding vintage modern houses located in Memorial Bend, about 14 miles west of downtown Houston. This is a special opportunity for Modsters to meet in Memorial Bend and celebrate the upcoming return of the Memorial Bend Architecture website Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 12922 Traviata Drive, Memorial Bend, Section 2, Houston, TX 77024 HAR Link | Google Map Architect William Floyd designed this well composed house which balances privacy with great views of the forested Memorial area setting. Thanks to the reactivation process of the Memorial Bend Architecture website, long forgotten information about the house has just resurfaced. The house won a national design award from American Builder magazine in 1958 plus it was once home of the Emmy award-winning journalist John Davenport. Early promotions for Memorial Bend proclaimed the neighborhood had more good contemporaries than any other subdivision in Houston. Floyd participated in the development of Memorial Bend while designing a good number of the houses. Young architects took note of the bid for excellence and purchased Floyd designed houses in Memorial Bend for themselves while a number of other architects designed houses here. Along with the attractive setting and high design standards, the area is also noted for its excellent schools, trendy shopping and dining spots and convenient location. William Norman Floyd (1910-2004) was from Norman Oklahoma and a 1934 graduate of the University of Oklahoma where he studied mechanical engineering and architecture. He opened an office in Houston after serving in the military. Floyd also designed houses in Lindale Park, Briarcroft, Bellaire, Briargrove, Robindell, Meyerland, Walnut Bend, Pine Hollow, Gaywood, Braes Timbers, Larkwood and Spring Branch. Don't miss the "Contemporary Center Idea Street", 13,000 block of Kimberley Lane in Memorial Plaza, where William Floyd designed a block of houses for a home show event. 12902 Figaro Drive, Memorial Bend, Section 3, Houston, TX 77024 (Drive-by only) HAR Link | Google Map Here is another sophisticated design by architect William Floyd also in need of a preservation-minded new owner. The Memorial Bend Architecture website reports this house was featured in American Builder magazine, August 1959. The Memorial Bend Architecture website was created by Houston Mod co-founder Michael Brichford and provided a rich online resource featuring researched information about the neighborhood along with addresses of the vintage modern houses, links to publications about the area's development and a listing of noted previous owners. Reading the material is an enlightening experience and it was a leading factor in the creation of Houston Mod. The website has been offline lately but work is now underway to restore access through Houston Mod. The AIA Houston Architectural Guide by Stephen Fox has additional information about this area. Take the 2003 Memorial Bend online tour created by Michael Brichford for Cite Magazinehere. If you have more information about these, or other vintage modern houses and/or architects, please contact Houston Mod so we can include it in our Modern Houston Index on our new website. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases. 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. News & Upcoming Events Here's a spiffy mod available in El Campo, an hour southwest of Houston: 811 Peach Street. How should the Astrodome be reused? Please help our friends at the Astrodome Conservancy by taking their Future Dome survey. Houston Mod is a friend organization of Docomomo US, a national non-profit organization dedicated to the Documentation and Conservation of the Modern Movement. Docomomo US has been dedicated to this mission for nearly 25 years as a chapter of Docomomo International. A single Docomomo US Domestic membership may be added to any Houston Mod membership for the 50% discounted Friend Organization rate of $45.00 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 © 2021 Houston Mod, P.O. Box 541353, Houston, TX 77254, All rights reserved.

July Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, July 25, 2021 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Please help us find a new preservation-minded owner for this outstanding vintage modern home located in Riverside Terrace, about five miles southeast of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 4505 N. Roseneath Drive, Riverside Terrace, Section 15, Houston, TX 77021 HAR Link | Google Map Boldly contrasting horizontal and vertical elements make the P. R. Daniel house, 4505 North Roseneath Drive, one of the most memorable in the Riverside Terrace area. Henry MacGregor developed Riverside Terrace starting in 1924 on picturesque rolling terrain along the banks of Braes Bayou between Hermann and MacGregor Parks. Architect Bailey Swenson designed the Daniel house in 1949 and construction began in early 1950 situated on a half-acre plus site. Swenson is known for his uniquely inventive combination of organic and international styles of architecture. Even though one story spreading houses were desired in the 1950s, the neighborhood deed restrictions required houses to have two stories so the mother-in-law pop-up room was created. The house is composed of stone, brick and redwood and features an impressive array of built-in furnishings and a large abstract mural by prominent artist Jacques de la Marre who worked with Swenson on several projects. Bailey Allen Swenson (1907-1979) was from Houston and graduated from Rice University in 1932 with a BA in Architecture. He married Kathryn Thomas in 1949. She operated the first art gallery in Houston and he had an architectural office, both at their live/work home at 3106 Brazos Street. Swenson designed KSOX (1950) in Harlingen and KNUZ TV 39 (1953) which became KTRK 13 and later KUHT 8 located at 4513 Cullen Boulevard in Houston. He designed the Western Skies Motel (1952, demolished) at 2806 Old Spanish Trail described as opulent, luxurious and Houston's swankiest motel. Two of his earlier residential designs, 2330 Dryden Road (1936, demolished) and 2506 Riverside Drive (1936) had art deco styling. The heaviest concentration of his known work is more modern and located in the Riverside Terrace area including: 3934 Roseneath Drive (1949, especially fantastic), 4619 N. Roseneath Drive (1953), 3315 N. MacGregor Way (1948, demolished), 3126 S. MacGregor Way (1952), 3448 S. MacGregor Way (1952), 3819 S. MacGregor Way (1954, demolished, built for motel developer Leon Green), 3403 Charleston Street (1954), 3417 Charleston Street (1950) and 4216 Fernwood Drive (1948, endangered). In Galveston, Swenson designed 4402 Caduceus Place which is similar to the July Mod of the Month. For his church, St. Matthew Lutheran, he designed the parish hall (1942) located at 5315 Main Street. The AIA Houston Architectural Guide by Stephen Fox has more information about this area. Take the Riverside Terrace and Environs Architectural Tour by Stephen Fox for Cite Magazine here. If you have more information about these, or other vintage modern houses and/or architects, please contact Houston Mod so we can include it in our Modern Houston Index on our new website. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases. 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. News & Upcoming Events A handsome mod for sale in Galveston, 59 minutes southeast of downtown Houston: 124 Strand Street. Sadly, the Rice Media Center (1970), given to Houston by John and Dominique de Menil and designed by architects Howard Barnstone and Gene Aubry has been demolished this week. How should the Astrodome be reused? Please help our friends at the Astrodome Conservancy by taking their Future Dome survey. The AIA 2021 Silent Auction is open for bidding on some wonderful items including a Houston Mod Family Membership and complete collection of Houston Mod publications. Bid now. Houston Mod is a friend organization of Docomomo US, a national non-profit organization dedicated to the Documentation and Conservation of the Modern Movement. Docomomo US has been dedicated to this mission for nearly 25 years as a chapter of Docomomo International. A single Docomomo US Domestic membership may be added to any Houston Mod membership for the 50% discounted Friend Organization rate of $45.00. Houston Mod is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) 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.

View this email in your browser June Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, June 27th for a Mod of the Month open house event from 1:00-4:00 PM. Masks are suggested to be worn for this event. Please resist touching surfaces and maintain 6 feet of social distancing Please help find a new preservation-minded owner for this vintage modern house in the Tanglewood area, located approximately 10 miles west of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 5710 Indian Circle Street, Indian Trail Section 3, Houston, TX 77057 HAR Link | Google Map Records show this eye-catching and well situated vintage modern house was built in 1971 by John Knerr for Dawson Sterling of American General Life Insurance Company. It is an early example (for Houston) of Shed Style architecture which began at Sea Ranch in 1965. Features of the Shed Style include seamless roof to wall intersections, overall asymmetry with strong lines, recessed main entrance and a one to two story height. Passive solar design elements like masonry flooring and stone walls were incorporated on the more innovative examples. Prolific mid-century architect Lucian Hood, Jr. is credited with designing this house which shows little relation to his earlier modern works. By this point in his career he designed mostly traditionally styled houses. While still in school at the University of Houston, Hood worked for architect Philip Willard who had a large office and employed other Hood classmates such as Lars Bang, the Brooks brothers, the Flynn twins, and A. Carroll Brodnax. They gleefully attempted upstaging their architecture professor Howard Barnstone in the field whenever possible. Hood later partnered with Lars Bang where they designed and built several office buildings for Kenneth Schnitzer. Later Hood established his own firm where he worked mostly alone but sometimes with his son Lucian T. Hood who is an architect now working in the Los Angeles area. Lucian Hood, Jr. had tremendous graphic abilities and created captivating architecture. His extensive archives are now preserved, facilitated in part by Houston Mod, at the University of Houston Special Collections library. If you have more information about these, or other vintage modern houses and/or architects, please contact Houston Mod so we can include it in our Modern Houston Index on our new website. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases. 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 News A deluxe mod for sale in Beaumont, 80 minutes east of Houston: 2655 Thomas Road. Wayne Thom has donated his photo archives to USC which has just published a book on his work. The buildings as captured in his photos are spectacular. Link to the YouTube photography presentation. Lost and found mod demonstration house- Gregory Ain's 1950 demonstration house built in the MOMA garden, and thought lost. But it wasn't lost. It was auctioned off in 1950, moved up the Hudson, and forgotten. The current owners discovered it in 1979 and have been joyously living in it ever since. Link to the New York Times article. How should the Astrodome be reused? Please help our friends at the Astrodome Conservancy by taking their Future Dome survey by July 9th. Houston Mod is a friend organization of Docomomo US, a national non-profit organization dedicated to the Documentation and Conservation of the Modern Movement. Docomomo US has been dedicated to this mission for nearly 25 years as a chapter of Docomomo International. A single Docomomo US Domestic membership may be added to any Houston Mod membership for the 50% discounted Friend Organization rate of $45.00. Houston Mod is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) 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.

JANUARY Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, January 31st for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2:00-4:00 PM. Masks are required to be worn for this event. Please resist touching surfaces and maintain 6 feet of social distancing Please help us find new preservation-minded owners for these outstanding vintage modern houses located about 9 miles west of downtown Houston. One house is open for touring and two near- by are drive-bys, and viewable online. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 3 Spring Hollow Street, Houston, TX 77024 (Open Sunday) HAR Link | Google Map Wilson, Morris and Crain designed this house about 1950 for the H. Fletcher and Katherine T. Brown family. The single level house with built-up low pitched gravel covered roof is situated on a magnificent wooded lot. Tremendous amounts of glass create a strong connection to the naturalistic creek front setting. H. Fletcher Brown was an attorney and Katherine T. Brown was a professor at Rice University, teaching art history in the school of architecture, plus serving as dean of undergraduate students. She graduated from Rice in 1938 and in 1963 received an MFA from Cornell University. She was described as being almost impossibly elegant and as a beloved instructor with students clamoring to take her classes until her 1989 retirement. Wilson, Morris and Crain and firm were mostly Rice graduates. The firm was one of the most prominent in Houston, later hired to design the Astrodome and One Shell Plaza plus many others. By 1972, the firm had become known as S. I. Morris Associates. 339 Hunters Trail Street, Houston, TX 77024 (Drive-by and online tour) HAR Link | Google Map Charles Tapley designed this attractive, well appointed house with an open feel organized around a private large central courtyard bringing in shady views. Abundant windows are balanced with gallery like art spaces. Charles Tapley was an architect, landscape architect and taught architecture at the University of Houston. He was a 1955 Rice graduate and perhaps most known for his work to preserve and restore Buffalo Bayou. Tapley designed the now endangered Tranquillty Park that honors the Apollo 11 moon mission. 347 Hunters Trail Street, Houston, TX 77024 (Drive-by and online tour) HAR Link | Google Map This extremely thoughtfully conceived house known as "The House of Ideas" was built for House and Garden magazine with architect Bruce E. Sasse, Jr. and wife Del in charge of the design from the office of Ford, Powell & Carson of San Antonio. Houston's often pleasant climate can be enjoyed thanks to the incorporation of covered outdoor walkways, deeply shaded porches and screened dining and living areas. Note the special detailing of the doors and walls, soaring sloped ceilings, and how the house transitions into the landscape in several areas. Ford, Powell & Carson was founded in 1939 by legendary regional modernist O'Neil Ford. Their work involves both historic and new structures. Houston Mod has toured HemisFair '68 and the campus of Trinity University, two of their projects. The Mod Squad will be on hand at Sunday's event to assist with membership and publication purchases. 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 News Houston Mod mourns the loss of Thesalone Williams who died peacefully on November 30, 2020 at the age of 101. Thesy moved to Houston in the 1950s with her architect husband, Allen Williams. Together their firm produced many residential and commercial buildings of charming distinction in Houston, Brenham, Bay City, Wharton and other surrounding towns. She did the interior design work and drawings along with her husband, Allen. There was never a project too small or too large. Thesy was a long time volunteer with Houston Mod and a great resource of Houston's Modern past of the 1950s and 1960s, as well as the architect community of that time. She was a great friend and longtime supporter of Houston Mod and will be greatly missed. Happy Birthday to Victor Lundy, FAIAwho turns 98 on February 1st. Mr. Lundy, arguably the most renowned architect to have lived and worked in Houston, We wish him much health and happiness in the years to come. Houston Mod is a friend organization ofDocomomo US, a national non-profit organization dedicated to theDocumentation and Conservation of theModern Movement. Docomomo US has been dedicated to this mission for nearly 25 years as a chapter of Docomomo International. A single Docomomo US Domestic membership may be added to any Houston Mod membership for the 50% discounted Friend Organization rate of $45.00. 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.

NOVEMBER Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, November 8, 2020 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2:30-4:30 PM. 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 6 and 12 miles west/southwest of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 523 Bolton Place, Lafayette Place, Houston, TX 77024 (Open Sunday) HAR Link | Google Map Preston Bolton was a master at designing a great townhouse. From the privacy-forming geometric exterior to the spatially expansive interior, all aspects of this single story design were extremely well considered. Built in 1969, the spaces are well proportioned and precise having high ceilings, terrazzo floors, and walls of glass opening to patio courts in most rooms. Bolton was especially talented with the design of his kitchens and bath-dressing areas, fitting them with special cabinetry and lighting. Preston M. Bolton (1920-2011) was from College Station, Texas where his father served as President of Texas A&M. He received a bachelor's degree in architecture in 1941 from Texas A&M. After service in WW II in Europe and the Middle East, he moved to Houston and worked for architects Kenneth Franzheim, Irving R. Klein and MacKie & Kamrath. From 1951-1960, he partnered with Howard Barnstone where their work was frequently published and awarded, elevating the partners to national prominence. Their firm produced a number of modern houses in the style of Mies van der Rohe as well as commercial buildings. In 1960, Bolton formed P. M. Bolton Associates where he practiced independently, producing mostly residential projects. Preston Bolton was also instrumental in developing Houston into a world-class arts center. From the 1950s onward he actively served on the boards of the Alley Theatre, Theatre Under the Stars, co-founded the Houston Ballet and was President of the Contemporary Arts Association (now Contemporary Arts Museum). The Preston Bolton archive is housed at the Cushing Library at Texas A&M University. Visit HoustonMod.org to learn about other designs by Preston Bolton 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. 8113 McAvoy Drive, Sharpstown, Houston, TX 77074 (Drive-by tour only) HAR Link | Google Map Here's a nifty vintage contemporary house built in 1955 in Sharpstown's first developed area, listed for an affordable price. Sharpstown has a convenient location and is becoming very popular again. Note the vaulted ceilings and clearstory windows. If you have more information about this house, or other mod designs, please contact Houston Mod so it can be added to the website. More Mod Happenings Preservation Houston: Preservation In Practice: The Restoration of Apollo Mission Control Tuesday, November 10, 2020 - 6:30PM to 8PM Advanced Registration is required for online program $10.00 non-members, Free members While some 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. Copyright © 2020 Houston Mod, P.O. Box 541353, Houston, TX 77254, All rights reserved. Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp

OCTOBER Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, October 25, 2020 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2-5 PM. 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 8 and 70 miles southwest of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. House 1: 4603 Ivanhoe Street, Houston, TX 77027 (open Sunday) HAR Link | Google Map For their own home, architect Allen Williams and his wife Thesalone, an interior designer, were among the first to purchase a lot in Afton Oaks but waited six years to build while perfecting their design. The result is this unique and still stunning modernistic composition in brick, glass and wood. This was the Williams' opportunity to be bold without questioning clients. Soaring ceilings, large expanses of glass, multiple levels, and free flowing brickwork compose the central living spaces. A triangular theme is carried through out in window shapes and the openings in the brick columns providing the conditioned air. The kitchen, viewing a walled side garden, still contains the nifty original cabinetry raised on brick platforms and topped with the original marble countertops. Williams even incorporated a chess game board into the terrazzo floor at the base of the stairway for his sons. Sincece we last saw the house, the original terrazzo floors that had been hidden by carpet and dark wooden flooring have been unearthed and the wall between the kitchen and dining area has been removed, returning the architect's original vision of the house. Allen R. Williams (1916-1978) was from Abilene, Texas. He was a B-26 Marauder bomber pilot in World War II. His architectural education was both in the Beaux Arts style and modern, graduating in 1946 from the University of Texas School of Architecture. The architecture he studied in France, Germany and particularly Maastricht, Holland was influential in establishing his style. In Houston, he briefly worked with Staub, Rather & Howze and partnered with Mack G. Reed before establishing his own firm, working alone and with his wife for the rest of his career. He designed hundreds of projects, both residential and commercial, a number of them for developers Roy Harris and W. E. Keep. A concentration of his work is located in the areas of Ripple Creek, Tynewood, Lamar Weslayan and Meyerland. Thesalone Williams also worked in the Interior Design department for Joske's department store. She serves as a Master Mod, Houston Mod's advisory board, and lives in Houston, recently celebrating her 101st birthday. Visit HoustonMod.org to learn about other designs by Allen R. Williams. 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. House 2: 1409 Dickson Street, El Campo, TX 77437 (Drive-by tour only) HAR Link | Google Map Here's an interesting flat roofed mod with deluxe features, listed for a very affordable price, located an hour drive from Houston. Note the wood-beamed and tectum ceilings, terrazzo floors, artfully tiled bathrooms, fine wood cabinetry and paneling, exposed brick walls, clearstory windows and abundant glass sliding doors opening to the almost half-acre site. If you have more information about this house, or others, please contact Houston Mod so it can be added to the website. More Mod Happenings New Book: ImprobableMetropolis: Houston's Architectural and Urban History Author Barrie Scardino Bradley now available Tour: AtHome With Architects | AIA Houston 2020 Virtual Home Tour, October 24, 2020 Tour: Preservation Houston 2020 Good Brick Tour 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. Copyright © 2020 Houston Mod, P.O. Box 541353, Houston, TX 77254, All rights reserved. We hope to see you Sunday at Mod of the Month!