domus48

Scroll to 5650 Dumfries Drive: http://www.jehproperties.com/available_homes.htm Purchased and demolition permit issued: http://swamplot.com/daily-demolition-repor...2-10/#more-6308 Looks to be an interesting structure...

Not too sure about the area, very close to a "bayou" and decidedly strange: http://search.har.com/engine/dispSearch.cf...s=1&sTYPE=0 ...and very inexpensive.

Um... where is this thread going? Unless someone has a bead on MCM burglar bars & mercury vapor light fixtures (which I hope no one does) can we maintain some sort of focus on post war modern homes. Next thing you know there will be a discussion on school districts, yard work solicitation and real estate agent head shot evaluations.

A thought provoking and articulate reply Strickn... hope you are a frequent respondent. And yes, your observation that Rudolph's work is of the "precious object" ilk is spot on. My initial response to the images of Rudolph's work by Chris Mottalini was: Meier derived. I'll maintain that position as both architects create work that appears to be more about the architecture than the occupant -- which is to say that while much architecture is in fact as previously mentioned, the act of inserting occupants into the architectural setting should activate the machine, not serve as an affront to the edifice. There is certainly a place for the "precious object"... but residential architecture should -- in my opinion -- be reserved for the occupant as a welcome guest, a engine, the life blood. Viewing Mottalini's images of Rudolph's work left me cold -- albeit intrigued -- but regardless, it is an architectural loss of significance.

And another piece from a blog... includes an apropos quote too: http://thissphere.blogspot.com/2007/01/pau...s-house-in.html

Here's a short NY magazine piece on Rudolph: http://nymag.com/arts/architecture/feature...st-emailed-24h5

I believe you intended to identify the section "After you left, they took it apart"... and as you mentioned, it is indeed shocking. Something strange happened with respect to these properties as they most certainly are multi-million dollar examples.

"Happy Historian(s)" post is first rate with respect to substance and depth -- how refreshing. Not that the "What color should I paint my front door?" posts are without merit, but posting something that's thought provoking as well is... well, refreshing too. There are a number of items touched on but two stand-out: Systemic understanding of how a building works with respect to insulation/HVAC etc. Understanding a historic structures underlying architectural tenets enables one to render informed renovation decisions "My realization through all this has been that what was originally termed fifties modern, has really been fifties functional. Exploring why a design element was driven can reveal how and why preservation should properly be pursued." This is a key understanding that is often overlooked or not even glimpsed -- even with the abundance of HGTV programs ostensibly concerning renovation, the fact of the matter is that only finishes and simple space plan changes are affected. No real substance (i.e. meaning) is explored as a basis of a design decision. Okay, what can one do in a half hour show anyway? True, but it sure would be edifying if a least some attempt was made to discuss design principles. Keep up the good work "Happy Historian" and keep building on this site -- no pun intended.

"No, I disagree with these two. I want you to post everything you've got and go into as much detail as you feel comfortable doing. It will help people in the future who want to do what you're doing. Just keep it in this ONE THREAD! That way these two can just skip it if they want... " Agreed -- with respect to one thread. I'll stand by my previous statement however. And just as Willowisp stated, those of us not interested in the latest rusty nail pick-up count can simply skip the thread accordingly.

"Anyway, what we are thinking about doing is not doing anything this weekend but again I sense that we just need to take down that wall and really finish it up. Probably take an hour to do and sweep the floor again. Then just "bomb" the house with roach spray and leave it there for the week and we'll come back the following weekend. But then again it's like we want to continue working with out any roach spray." For the love of God, please spare us the day by day trials and tribulations of your renovation efforts. I'm sorry, but roach spray updates and volunteer yard work is more appropriate for a community outreach blog. Yes, its terrific you have saved a worthwhile example of a post war modern home -- really it is -- but this forum is primarily about architecture and design (but boy does it drift lately). I guess your posts would be worthwhile if you were actually doing some compelling remediation efforts: Pictures of a bathtub before and after cleaning? Probably of interest to scrubbing bubbles but that's about it. Yes, this is a little harsh but I simply cannot bear another topic started concerning this property unless it possesses some "meat". Best of luck... sincerely.

What is the backstory on this home? Details please.

This house certainly has potential... I've eyed it for quite some time. Stopped by the "estate sale" held there about a year and half ago -- lot's of junk only. Interior was not in the best of shape... new owners will have to gut it -- assuming of course they wish to restore the house. To that end this is a good candidate for such. House automatically qualifies for landmark designation as its 50 + years old. Price appears a bit high so if one could acquire it for lot value only (which it may in fact be) the house would essentially be free. Having said that, to do the restoration/renovation correctly you will require at least 120K and a minimum of 8 months of work by a qualified G.C. As for proximity to Memorial, this is a fairly simple fix: Blown-in cellulostic insulation with double pane windows will mitigate street sound quite well. This is an appealing house that could easily be a post-war modern shining star. It's been on the market for some time so the sellers may wish to move on it given the current state of national finance.

If there was any hope that this property -- possibly a William Floyd -- would retain any of it's original post war modern character, such is dashed (no surprise actually given the all telling front door). At $549K -- with non-upgraded below grade plumbing (caveat emptor!) this one has it all from the standpoint of flipping -- did they gain anything from removing the fireplace? (see sevfiv's link below) In an earlier posting I mentioned that this properties overall condition prior to the remodel most likely would have been better served by knocking down and building anew. Interestingly, one can still make the same statement.

Well done piece by Ms. Gray... she is certainly a friend of preservationists -- particularly Post War Modern. Having said that, the following quote rankles me: "As everyone knows, the Dome was once the Eighth Wonder of the World". Why? Well, the so called eighth wonder of the world was a phrase coined by Houstonians -- hence a self-referential attribute. Sorry to say, if the Astrodome is (or was) the "eighth wonder of the world" it was downhill from there. There's some legitimately conflicted interests at play with David Mincberg. Sure, he'll do what he can to save a questionable "landmark" (a high profile, emotionally charged edifice most certainly tied to votes) but when it comes to maintaining historic fabric in a publicly less visible manner, well... that's apparently that's another thing altogether. I'm no fan of the Astrodome -- there are far more significant architecturally significant features in this city -- but I am committed to preserving and enlightening the public with respect to the value and importance of Post War Modern preservation. Too bad Mr. Mincberg is looking to his less than fully informed constituents for his preservation platform.

Keep in mind that there will be two issues you will have to live with once you commit to stained concrete: Acoustics Fatigue on your feet/legs Having said that, yes you will have to also live with inconsistencies in the condition of the concrete and depending on the quality of the stain work, how the stain takes to the concrete. All may be perfect or there may be areas you love and and areas you don't. Also, be prepared for inconsistencies in levelness of slab. Finally, if there has been any top coat work or use of leveling material, you may have to remove such as the stain will take differently to that material than the remaining concrete. Hope this effort is a success... best of luck!

Terrific "NenaE". Was the lecture well attended?

12927 Memorial became active on the market as of yesterday -- here's HAR's listing for the previous sale (current HAR listing appears to be unavailable): http://www.har.com/HomeValue/dispSoldDetai...?MLNUM=1436766# There is a well documented series of images at the aforementioned site. The house has been extensively remodeled; removing most of it's original Post-War Modern qualities. Could one "backdate" the house? Sure, but it doesn't make economic sense to strip out "new" to replace with new. Uncovering who the architect was for this house would be of value, I suspect the developer/builder was Bob Pine. Backstory on this property may be found at: http://memorialbendarchitecture.com/12927mem.htm

On the market for a few days: http://search.har.com/engine/doSearch.cfm?...&FOR_SALE=1 Affordable for the area -- especially given that it is habitable from day one. Back story at: http://memorialbendarchitecture.com/12943mem.htm

Good topic... Go to: http://www.lottaliving.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=11900 Same topic with interesting responses. Haven't read the LA Times piece as yet but the accompanying "slide show" is... well... pretty minimal on content.

http://memorialbendarchitecture.com/12939mem.htm Dumpster on site... demolition of interior and exterior elements in progress. Unconfirmed information from neighbor to 12939 is that the buyer intends on remodeling the property as their home. They've their work cut-out for them.

"That house is in Memorial Plaza - it replaced the first house built in Memorial Plaza... " I stand corrected, I thought the house in question was the behemoth located on the feeder south of Memorial -- the 900K price would seem more appropriate for that house than the one located on the very exposed corner of Memorial and the Sam Houston feeder.

"Memorial Bend needs to revise their deed restrictions and add architectural control. It's a mod emergency. Is anybody working on that?" Memorial Bend does indeed possess architectural guidelines, however... It is relatively simple to bypass the building restrictions -- legally no less Enforcement could only occur if one had prior knowledge of what was to occur... and even then one would be subject to the aforementioned item The best measure to restrict non-contextual building is by establishing an historic district

Curiously, the sub-division is listed as Memorial Plaza -- this house is in the heart of Memorial Bend.

6219 Reamer: http://search.har.com/engine/dispSearch.cfm?mlnum=6274244 9610 Moonlight: http://search.har.com/engine/dispSearch.cf...s=1&sTYPE=0