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SpaceAge

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  1. November Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, November 19, 2023 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 1-3 PM. Please help us find a new preservation-minded owner for this vintage modern collaborative design office located near Rice University, about 5 miles southwest of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 4916 Kelvin Drive Houston, Texas 77005 COMMGATE Link | Google Map Graphic designer Jim Glass developed this office studio complex in 1959 as a collaborative center for designers and artists. Known as the Kelvin Group, the concept proved popular, so a second floor was added increasing the studio count to 12, plus an apartment. Shared spaces include a conference room, mail desk, kitchen bar, library, darkroom and photography studio. Most spaces have north-facing windows and high sloping beamed ceilings. The studios open to a large central courtyard still complete with most of the original landscape elements including a koi pond. David D. Red, AIA (1913-2001) designed the complex. He was an architect and Professor Emeritus of the University of Houston and head of the Department of Architecture when he designed this building. He was a native Houstonian with architecture degrees from Rice Institute. Robert F. White, FASLA (1912-2003) was the landscape architect. White taught landscape architecture at Texas A&M University and was the founding head of their department of landscape architecture. With partners, he reworked the design of the Rice University campus and designed the NASA campus in Clear Lake. (His Houston house was a previous Mod of the Month). If you have additional information about this building or other vintage modern designs, please inform Houston Mod so it can be included in our Modern in Houston archive. News & Upcoming Events Houston Mod Holiday Party and 20th Anniversary Celebration will be held Friday, December 15th, 2023, 6-8 PM. Houston Mod members are invited to celebrate another successful year of promoting and preserving modern architecture and design in Houston. Please join Master Mods and the Mod Squad for this special event exclusively for Houston Mod Members. Refreshments and lite bites will be served. RSVP by December 2nd to info@houstonmod.org Contact info@houstonmod.org with questions about membership or JOIN/RENEW HERE David Adickes Museum is coming to Reeves Art and Design. Adickes is one of Houston's most noted and beloved mid-century artists. His museum is being installed in the second floor gallery at Reeves. Click link HERE. Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the William F. Cody lecture. A recording of the event exploring Cody's Palm Springs and Houston area designs has been edited and is now available on the Houston Mod YouTube Channel. Click HERE. 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 their soon to be released "vision for the Astrodome" being prepared to promote the building's legacy and development. In 2017, the Texas Historical Commission designated the Astrodome a state antiquities landmark which protects it from being torn down. 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 celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2023. 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 $50.00. Houston Mod memberships and publications are available at most events.
  2. August Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, August 13, 2023 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 1 - 4 PM. Please help us find new preservation-minded owners for these vintage modern dwellings by two of Houston's most prominent builder/developers. They are located in west and southwest Houston. Please note the staggered opening schedule. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 5507 Braesvalley Dr Houston, TX 77096 HAR Link | Google Map Open 1 to 3pm on Sunday Near Meyerland and never flooded is this nifty flat-roofed mod priced very affordably. The 1963 design incorporates the popular barrel vault theme over the entrance, double front doors, terrazzo floored living areas, built in shelving and planter box and many vintage fixtures, all in good condition. Pace Setter Homes developed the neighborhood about 1961 and built the house in 1963. Mitchell-Dobbins Land Development Corporation, consisting of George Mitchell and Norman Dobbins, lead the firm. Norman Dobbins was an experienced homebuilder and Mitchell was mainly in the oil industry until this time. Mitchell-Dobbins went on the develop Pirates Beach and Pirates Cove in Galveston. George Mitchell later developed the Woodlands, an award-winning new town development, population 115,000 today and restored much of Galveston's downtown. 1330 Chardonay Drive #2, Epernay Phase 1, Houston, TX 77077 HAR Link | Google Map Open 2 to 4pm on Sunday Gerald Hines explored residential development in the 1970s in Houston first with Ethan's Glen then Epernay. Both were multi-family communities designed by the award-winning San Francisco Bay-area firm of Fisher-Friedman Associates. In the 1970s, the firm became nationally famous for their multi-family projects, mostly in California, which combined modern architecture with elaborate site plans and resident amenities. For Epernay, which had an intended audience of up-market empty-nesters, they created sophisticated modernistic slant-roofed "almost-detached townhouses" in 6 different plans arranged in staggered groups for privacy. They featured mostly brick exteriors, carefully placed windows and incorporated outdoor spaces on both levels. The featured townhouse faces a motor court with fountain, part of the architect's concept of "mini-neighborhoods". In a few places in the complex, the original custom cedar garage doors and supergraphic house numbers are still visible. Don't miss touring the grounds at Epernay to see the resort-quality modernist clubhouse and numerous cleverly-arranged site amenities designed by Sasaki-Walker landscape architects (the pool is raised and the tennis courts partially sunken to protect privacy and reduce noise). Although it won a national housing award in 1975, the overall project met strong headwinds from the late 1970s housing slump and unit price-points that were too high versus traditional builder single-family homes. Only a portion of the master plan was built. Another developer completed the project with smaller modernist units with wood siding by another architect. Gerald D. Hines (1925-2020) was one of the world's most prominent real estate developers. He employed top architects like Philip Johnson and I M Pei while creating landmark structures like Pennzoil Place, Transco-Williams Tower and the Galleria in Houston and Dallas. His developments are prestigious and high quality. News & Upcoming Events David Adickes Museum and show is coming to Reeves Art and Design. The show opens August 11, 2023 and is on display through August 26. Adickes is one of Houston's most noted and beloved mid-century artists. His museum is being installed in the second floor gallery at Reeves. Click link reevesartgalleryhouston.com Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the William F. Cody Lecture. A recording of the event has been edited and is now available on the Houston Mod YouTube Channel. Click HERE. 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 celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2023. 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 $50.00. Houston Mod memberships and publications are available at most events.
  3. June Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, June 4, 2023 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Please help find a new preservation-minded owner for this snazzy vintage modern house located in the Glenbrook Valley Historic District, about 9 miles southeast of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 8035 Glenfofest Court, Houston, TX 77061 HAR Link | Google Map This spectacular vintage modern house originally cost almost eight times the price of an average house of that time. Thankfully it has been thoughtfully maintained, with fantastic features - including a giant curvilinear living area with centered stone fireplace, terrazzo floors, a deluxe array of original lighting fixtures, and outstanding vintage kitchen and bathrooms all still delivering their intended impact. The cherished neighborhood landmark was designed in 1957 by Jonathan D. Dansby, Jr. (1916-1971). Other areas with designs by J. D. Dansby include the Houston museum area, Bellaire, Lake Jackson, Pasadena and Galveston. In 2011, after a three-year effort, the neighborhood of Glenbrook Valley, consisting of 1,256 houses, was designated Houston's first historic district outside of the Loop 610 Freeway and is believed to be the largest mid-century era residential historic district in the United States. While visiting, note the recent vintage-styled neighborhood entrance markers, extensively landscaped recreational medians along Broadway and the many newly reconstructed streets with new utilities throughout the area plus the ever-improving condition of the houses and landscapes. Nearby are the 1940 Air Terminal Museum and the Houston Botanic Garden. News & Upcoming Events Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the William F. Cody Book Signing and Lecture held November 9th. A recording of the event has been edited and is now available on the Houston Mod YouTube Channel. Click HERE. Brochstein's Warehouse Sale: Once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase custom made items dating back to the 1940's. June 24, 2023, 9-11 AM. 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. Race for the Dome is April 15 to support a bright future for the Eighth Wonder of the World. 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 celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2023. 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 $50.00. Houston Mod memberships and publications are available at most events.
  4. April Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us Sunday, April 2, 2023 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Please join us for a rare opportunity to tour this delightful vintage modern house located in Garden Oaks, about 8 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Parking is available in the driveway and close-by on Alba Road and Lamonte Lane. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 851 W. 43rd Street, Houston, TX 77018 HAR Link | Google Map Architect Allen Williams' design for this distinctive house was completely modern in appearance and approach. His Century-Built Homes, proving themselves to likely be suitable to last for centuries, employed modernistic design and an unusual all masonry construction. Three of the houses are known to exist. This was likely the first to be constructed. A similar house, also by Allen Williams, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is a designated City of Houston Protected Landmark. The Garden Oaks setting is picturesque with large, wooded lots and rambling curved streets without curbs and gutters. Edward L. Crain developed the neighborhood beginning in 1937. Architects Wilson and Morris designed some of the early houses and the elementary school. Edward Crain's nephew, architect B. W. Crain, joined the Wilson and Morris firm in 1953. 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. His greatest career inspiration came from architect Harold Calhoun. The architecture he studied while 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 (1919-2020) was his wife and an interior designer. She served until recently as a Master Mod, on Houston Mod's advisory board. Visit HoustonMod.org to learn about other designs by Allen R. Williams. If you have information about this house or other modern designs, please share it with Houston Mod so it can be included in the Modern in Houston archive. News & Upcoming Events Book Presentation, co-sponsored by Houston Mod and Rice Architecture, scheduled for Thursday May 4, (tentatively – 5:30pm Reception, 6:00pm Lecture). Presentation by Michelangelo Sabatino and Serge Ambrose ‘Modern in the Middle: Chicago Houses 1929 - 1975’ (New York: The Monacelli Press, 2020) Susan Benjamin and Michelangelo Sabatino Farish Gallery in MD Anderson Hall, Rice University. Free and open to the public Michelangelo will focus on the overview of domesticity and modernity in Chicago, and Serge will cover the preservation of their house, the Benda House. Former Houstonians and Houston Mod board members Michelangelo and Serge, returning for the first time since their relocation to Chicago 8 years ago, will be here for participation in PaperCity’s annual Texas Design Week Houston, May 1 – 5, 2023. Here’s a peek at the events: Tuesday, May 2 – Blaffer Gallery, University of Houston. Presentation of ‘Avant-Garde in the Cornfields: Architecture, Landscape, and Preservation in New Harmony’ (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2019) Ben Nicholson and Michelangelo Sabatino Wednesday, May 3 - PaperCity Venue, TBA. Presentation of 'Carlo Mollino: Architect and Storyteller' (Zurich: Park Books, 2021) Napoleone Ferrari and Michelangelo Sabatino. Thursday, May 4 – Farish Gallery in MD Anderson Hall, Rice University (Presentation as noted above) Preservation On-Site with the AIA Historic Resources Committee - Knapp Chevrolet Historic Building Tour, now an art gallery, April 20, 4 PM, 1230 Houston Avenue. Register HERE. Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the William F. Cody Book Signing and Lecture. A recording of the event is being edited and will soon be available. 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. Race for the Dome is April 15 to support a bright future for the Eighth Wonder of the World. 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 celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2023. 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 $50.00. Houston Mod memberships and publications are available at most events.
  5. March Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, March 12, 2023 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Please help find a new preservation minded owner for this vintage modern house located in the Glenbrook Valley Historic District, about 9 miles southeast of downtown Houston and another in Kilgore. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 8243 Dover Street, Houston, TX 77061 HAR Link | Google Map This intriguing 1958 flat-roofed mod is available for the first time in decades. The long curving driveway links two streets through the front positioned carport with attractive brick screen wall. Streamlined original details are still present to inspire appropriate restoration. In 2011, after a three-year struggle, the neighborhood of Glenbrook Valley, consisting of 1,256 houses, was designated Houston's first historic district outside of the Loop 610 Freeway and is believed to be the largest mid-century era residential historic district in the United States. While visiting, note the recent vintage-styled neighborhood entrance markers, extensively landscaped recreational medians along Broadway and the many newly reconstructed streets with new utilities throughout the area plus the ever-improving condition of the houses and landscapes. Nearby are the 1940 Air Terminal Museum and the Houston Botanic Garden. 2513 S. Broadway Boulevard, Kilgore, TX 75662 (Drive-by Only) HAR Link | Google Map A contemporary style house built in 1945 located on a wooded half acre+ lot in Kilgore. Houston Mod is planning a tour of this area. News & Upcoming Events Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the William F. Cody Book Signing and Lecture. A recording of the event is being edited and will soon be available. 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. Race for the Dome is April 15 to support a bright future for the Eighth Wonder of the World. 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 celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2023. 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 $50.00. Houston Mod memberships and publications are available at most events. If you have additional information about these mods or others, please share it with Houston Mod so it can be added to the archive at HoustonMod.org. We hope to see you Sunday at Mod of the Month!
  6. January Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, January 22, 2023 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Special Addition: Master Mod Jeff Carowitz will give a brief talk about the house and architect at 3 PM. Please help find a new preservation minded owner for this historically significant vintage modern house located in the River Oaks area, about 2 miles west of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 8 Tiel Way, Houston, TX 77019 HAR Link | Google Map The organic concepts of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright were architect Karl Kamrath's basis for designing this splendid modern house for his family in 1949 through 1951, at the height of his career. The house, completed by 1955, is located on Tiel Way, in one of River Oaks' most picturesque yet topographically challenging areas, which resulted in the land being left to the last in the development process in time to acquire more mid-century modern based designs. Dramatic slopes and a ravine dictated the house be situated on the corner of the lot with the plan, based on a six-foot grid, corresponding to the topography. The result is one of Houston's most outstanding vintage modern houses. Architects Frederick MacKie (1905-1984) and Karl Kamrath (1911-1988), both graduates of the University of Texas, established their firm in 1937 and were among the first to design modernist buildings in Houston. By the late 1940s, they were Houston's best-known modern architects. Kamrath was the firm's designer who progressively moved their style to align with the organic principles of Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian vision for the redevelopment of the United States. Their Farnsworth and Chambers building of 1957 is now a City of Houston Protected Landmark. News & Upcoming Events The much-anticipated Houston Mod Holiday Party was held on December 16th, at Style in Steel Townhouses. Thanks to everyone for making it a spectacular event. Congratulations to Houston Mod Master Mod Carrie Glassman Shoemake, FAIA, who received the AIA Houston Award for Career Distinction on December 14. This is the chapter's highest individual honor. Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the William F. Cody Book Signing and Lecture held November 9th. A recording of the event is being edited and will soon be available. 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 celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2023. 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 $50.00. Houston Mod memberships and publications are available at most events.
  7. Thanks everyone for the great support and attendance from so many new folks at Sunday's event. Here's the rest of the announcement. If you haven't received your invitation to the Houston Mod Holiday Party, there's still time to join/renew and attend. You'll want to see the restoration progress of the Style in Steel townhouse where the event is being held. News & Upcoming Events The much anticipated Houston Mod Holiday Party will be held Friday, December 16, 6-9 PM, at an important vintage modern landmark. Please check that your membership is current to ensure you're on the invite list. Congratulations to Houston Mod Master Mod Carrie Glassman Shoemake, FAIA, who will receive the AIA Houston Award for Career Distinction on December 14. This is the chapter's highest individual honor. Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the William F. Cody Book Signing and Lecture held November 9th. A recording of the event is being edited and will soon be available. 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 $50.00. Houston Mod memberships and publications make great gifts and are available at most events.
  8. December Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, December 4, 2022 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 2 - 4 PM. Special Addition: Architectural Historian Stephen Fox will give a brief talk about the house and architect at 3 PM. Please help find a new preservation minded owner for this historically significant vintage modern house located in the Memorial area, about 8 miles west of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 3 Longbow Lane, Houston, TX 77024 HAR Link | Google Map O'Neil Ford, considered the dean of Texas architects, designed this grand yet comfortable house in 1967 for the Liedtke family, co-founders of Pennzoil. Ford was an advocate of understated design that reflected the location of the structure. Here he merged modernism with Spanish and Mexican idioms, creating a historically significant statement of art and architecture. O'Neil Ford (1905-1982) was from Texas and raised mainly in the Sherman and Denton areas. His early education was influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement where he learned to value handmade items of natural materials. The Little Chapel in the Woods in Denton, designed by Ford, incorporates these concepts and is continually acclaimed one of Texas' most outstanding architectural achievements. Ford was a colorful and influential force in creating awareness of the value of preserving important buildings such as La Villita in San Antonio. He also designed 26 buildings on the Trinity University campus plus the Tower of the Americas, both examined on a Houston Mod tour of San Antonio. RSVP required at Houstonmod.org
  9. October Mod of the Month Houston Mod invites you to join us this SATURDAY, October 29, 2022 for a Mod of the Month open house event from 1 - 3 PM. Please help find new preservation minded owners for these outstanding vintage modern houses located in/near the Memorial area, about 10 and 14 miles west of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event. 62 Briar Hollow, Houston, TX 77027 HAR Link | Google Map The Carter House of 1960, by Wilson, Morris, Crain and Anderson, is one of Houston's most prominent modern houses and is in need of a new preservation-minded owner. This is Houston Mod's first opportunity to tour the house since 2004 when it was the location of a party held in conjunction with the lecture given by Los Angeles architect Leo Marmol. The plan of the flat roofed steel framed structure is formal and symmetrical with a mostly closed street elevation contrasting with a mostly glass rear elevation opening to a landscaped swimming pool terrace. The street was originally home to several other fine vintage modern houses. Only three remain. The architecture firm had several partner arrangements yet mainly consisted of 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 the Rice School of Architecture except for Crain who was a University of Texas School of Architecture graduate. Their major commissions 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, 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. Houston Mod is planning a tour which will focus on many of their designs unknown to most Houstonians. 303 Isolde Drive, Houston, TX 77024 (Drive-by only) HAR Link | Google Map This highly endangered yet captivating mod located in a remote area of Memorial Bend was designed by architect David Brooks and is similar to his own house which was featured as Mod of the Month on August 14, 2022. The house was custom designed and built for the professional photographer and TV producer Murray Getz and family. It contained a dark room as well as most of its original details until it was flooded by Hurricane Harvey and the dam release. Perhaps a potential buyer can devise a plan to save it in a respectful manner. Please visit the Memorial Bend Website, now hosted by Houston Mod, for a detailed description of the house. 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 Get your tickets NOW for the William F. Cody Book Signing and Lecture. Wednesday, November 9th, 6 PM. Tickets available at matchhouston.org. AIA Credit: 1.5 LU 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. Preservation Houston is holding the 2022 Good Brick Tour on November 5 and 6. The tour includes a vintage modern design attributed to architect John Chase located at 2316 Harlem Street. 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 $50.00. Houston Mod memberships and publications are available at most events.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. This house has some nice early 50's mod details. It has an open kitchen and den across the back with a tall sloped ceiling. The kitchen is in the area where the ceiling is the highest and has an open grid at about 7-8' height and it has or had the built in Revco stainless steel separate refrigerator and freezer. Those were very deluxe at the time. The design is similar to some of the earlier houses in Lake Jackson. I talked to architect Charles Flynn who lived across the street at #13 Legend Lane. He said his firm did not design this house but implied he and his brother could have done a better design. He was kind to give me a tour of his house. This was just before he died. He had built the house for his wife in the 1960's. She did not like to cook and specified that no kitchen be installed but a small one was eventually added in a side room. Flynn said it was only used 3-4 times. The master bedroom was located at the back of the living room and reached by walking across the elevated fireplace hearth. They built a similar house for the 1962 Parade of Homes. Flynn and Flynn were twins and known as The Twins by their friends at UH who all worked for Phil Willard for their first job while in school and after. Flynn and Flynn were known mainly for designing laboratory buildings for oil companies.
  22. Here is info on the restaurant. Too bad they didn't make it but the new location was completely hidden. https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/alt.pizza.delivery.drivers/c_EZOqYlqsUPizza Roma originated with a small store on Wilcrest in the mid 1970's, moved to a store in a small Dairy Ashford strip mall and has finally come to rest, after nearly a year of construction, in its landmark location on Whittington. Taking a Rich-ly authentic New York theme and an ironically friendly, family atmosphere, Pizza Roma is the definition of an ideal pizzeria. Good food and good people, has made Pizza Roma not only a familiar neighborhood restaurant, but the first choice of customers looking to dine at the largest independent pizzeria in Texas. Custom calzones, hot subs, appetizers, pastas, salads, desserts and our popular Buffalo wings have increased Pizza Roma's reputation for having excellent food. It is the pizza, however, that keeps jaws dropping daily. Topping your pizza is a joy when choosing from over 20 toppings, but it may be a tough decision when choosing a pizza crust. Pizza Roma offers its own New York style hand-tossed crust, always crisply baked to perfection, and a Chicago style deep dish crust boasting thick, golden edges and covered with sauce and cheese. Also offered is the stuffed pizza. A novel idea, which has gained notoriety from its unique and sinful blend of two cheeses, with a classic sauce and your choice of three master stuffed combinations. Standing apart from today's typical stuffed crust pizza, you're served a real pie, with the pizza baked inside. The original pizza recipe was brought down from Manhattan and encountered finally by Richard Saumby when he was working at a delivery location as a driver, many, many years ago. He was delivering pizzas so scrumptious, he and his wife Susan decided to buy the company. Today, they've still upheld that same recipe, and continue to churn out the very best pizza from old fashioned, brick ovens. So thanks to Rich and Susan, and their courageous act of bravery, the building finally opened in May 1999, and still stands 40 feet tall, the home of Houston's most intimate pizzeria.
  23. I think that was a pizza place in the shopping center where Tuesday Morning was about next door to the restaurant. The restaurant had neon and black/white check floor and seems like a 1955 Thunderbird inside. It may have started out as something else and then changed to Italian. The food was very good. I think the owners were from New York. They seemed very successful. About 1995 - 2000 they purchased land across the street, on the east edge of the post office, and built an elaborate new restaurant with a large Statue of Liberty and real subway cars connected to the building. That's about the time they went out of business and the place sat vacant for a long time. I'll look for the name.
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