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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!

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.