SpaceAge

I have photographs of this house and the one across the street. I am not sure how to post photos on here with all the changes. Last time I was in the house the plans were in the upstairs left closet just before entering the bedroom over the kitchen. I suppose you know the large bedroom and bath on the first floor are not original to the house. It is interesting to learn about Tiny Wisdom being the architect's wife. She was a popular and wacky teacher at Houston's Robert E. Lee High School for many years.

Something drastic was happening at this house today. It seems they are tearing down the garage (which originally was a carport) and the back wall of the house is gone. It looks like 3 men doing the work by hand so perhaps it will be added to or it's being deconstructed.

The curved concrete fireplace bowl is shown in one of the photos above. It belongs under the vent pipes in the ceiling in the same photo. I checked the house again last week and the bowl wasn't there. Hopefully they moved it into the garage. I imagine they didn't know what it was and threw it in the dumpster however. Also sad to report all the architect designed bathrooms have been gutted including the original cabinets with sliding doors and vintage boomerang laminate countertops. Work on the roof continues. Let's hope they don't add a sloped roof and/or a second story.

Give this one another chance. I toured it for the first time recently and its not nearly as bad as I had heard. Yes it needs everything replaced but what 60 year old house that's been vacant 10 years doesn't. At the time I saw it, almost everything was still present to either be cleaned up or serve as examples for what needs restoration. It has lots of fantastic built-ins with sliding door cabinets and a great deal of storage. In the living room it has a free floating concrete bowl that serves as the fire box for the fire place. Above the bowl are two large pipes extending through the roof that vent the fireplace. The windows are great too. Its amazing how well the exterior has held up. It looks almost nice from outside. Houston Mod is in contact with two of the children who grew up in the house. They said the fireplace originally had a copper hood attached to the fireplace vent pipes. They said the apartments behind the house were there before the house and while they didn't like them being there- they didn't cause any trouble. They planted tall bamboo to screen the view. The neighborhood is improving quickly and this could once again be one of it's showplaces. I think the owner has taken it off the market temporarily to clean it up and plans to relist it soon.

http://www.strategicforcemarketing.com/email/hmodllogo.jpg Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, June 24, for Mod of the Month from 2 PM - 4 PM. http://images-01.har.com/e1/mediadisplay/01/hr2963001-1.jpg 7 Hollow Glen Lane, Tomball, Texas 77375 HAR LINK Sited on a heavily wooded naturalistic lot, this house was the personal residence of architect Leon Lee. Lee worked in the office of MacKie and Kamrath during the 1960's and was involved in that firm's design of a large house for George Mitchell and other projects. The MacKie and Kamrath firm's work closely followed the principles of Organic Architecture as demonstrated in the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Lee's house incorporates many of the signature MacKie and Kamrath details including dramatic cathedral ceilings, numerous skylights, rugged stone walls, copper fireplace face, intricate interior redwood trim, cedar siding with multi-color stained accents, indirect lighting and extensive wood built-ins. This is a unique and well-maintained house on a quiet cul-de-sac. Open Sunday 2-4 PM. http://images-01.har.com/e1/mediadisplay/01/hr2963001-12.jpghttp://images-01.har.com/e1/mediadisplay/01/hr2963001-11.jpghttp://www.news4landscape.com/email/tomballlee.JPGhttp://www.news4landscape.com/email/tomballlee2.JPG Support Houston Mod Support future Mod events by becoming a member of Houston Mod. Receive exclusive "members only" invitations to tours and special events. Check your membership status or renew at the event with any Houston Mod representative. Houston Mod publications will be available for purchase during the Mod-of-the-Month event.

5500 block of Arboles is the location but according to one of the original owners every house on the block had a DUTCH theme. I checked them last year and all but 3 or 4 still had signs of the style. This is two blocks south of the 1959 Parade of Homes site on Warm Springs where Houston Mod has featured several of the houses as Mod of the Month.

Mod of the Month Sunday, May 15th, 2011, 2:00 - 4:00 PM Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday for Mod of the Month. Two wonderful mid-century-modern houses will be open for touring. The houses need new owners/are available for purchase. They are located in southwest Houston near South Post Oak and Willowbend. This is a free event. 10914 Willowisp Drive, Houston, Texas 77035 Willowbend This beautiful mid-century modern house, designed by one of Houston's most notable 1950s modern residential architects William R. Jenkins, will be open for touring. Nestled in a small enclave of notable MCM homes, this house is centered around a walled courtyard with a swimming pool. The layout is designed to feel very open yet private from the street. Lots of great details remain including original floating style cabinetry, poured terrazzo, skylights & lots of floor to ceiling glass. HAR link 10813 Willowisp Drive, Houston, Texas 77035 Willowbend This mid-century modern house is believed to have been designed by another of Houston's most notable 1950s modern residential architects, William N. Floyd, who helped William R. Jenkins get his start. Jenkins and Floyd were partners in an architectural firm for several years in the 1950s (likely during the time this house was built). Floyd is most well known for his involvement as an architect in the Memorial Bend neighborhood. This house is very similar to his best designs in Memorial Bend. The house features several walls of glass, hardwood floors and an open concept. It has 3 bedrooms, two baths, and a large yard. HAR link Support future Mod events by becoming a member of Houston Mod. Check your membership status with any Houston Mod representative. Houston Mod board members will be available to discuss how Houston Mod is advocating for the recent past on the local, state and national level, and discuss partnering with groups like Preservation Texas and DOCOMOMO US. Houston Mod recently became the first friend organization of DOCOMOMO US, and participated with the October 9th DOCOMOMO US National Tour Day which drew over 250 visitors to Houston's Glenbrook Valley. Houston Mod's tour had the largest attendance in the nation. Houston Mod publications will be available during the open house including: High Style in the Suburbs, The Early Modern Houses of Architect William Jenkins, 1951-1958. Houston Mod is planning several members-only events. If you need to check your membership status, please e-mail info@houstonmod.org See you there, Houston Mod Houston Mod was recently recognized with a third "Good Brick Award" from the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance for the Mod of the Month open house program.

Mod of the Month Sunday, July 11th, 2010 2:00 - 4:00 PM Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, July 11th (2:00-4:00 PM), for Mod of the Month. A significant mid-century modern house and additional lot currently for sale will be open for touring. The house is located in Meyerland in southwest Houston. 9007 Manhattan Drive, Houston, Texas 77096 Meyerland, Section 6B This stunning contemporary/mid-century modern house is situated on two beautifully landscaped lots on a quite street in a prime section of Meyerland. The house offers four bedrooms and spacious flowing living areas with nine and ten foot ceiling heights where walls of glass meld interior and exterior spaces. The kitchen features granite counters, double ovens, gas range, compactor, and a microwave oven. The master bath includes a separate enlarged shower and whirlpool tub, a dressing area and two walk-in closets. The master bedroom is large and opens directly to a deck overlooking the tranquil grounds of the neighboring lot which is also available. HAR Link Support future Mod events by becoming a member of Houston Mod. Houston Mod publications will be available during the open house including: High Style in the Suburbs, The Early Modern Houses of Architect William Jenkins, 1951-1958. See you there, Houston Mod Houston Mod was recently recognized with a third "Good Brick Award" from the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance for the Mod-of-the-Month open house program.

First Granit destroyed one of Houston's most fantastic landmarks and now he's attempting to do something that could inflict destruction of the entire neighborhood. If the City of Houston approves the replatting/subdivision of this lot, it will start a trend that could destroy one of Houston's finest neighborhoods. We were all dreading one Granit mcmansion. He could be opening the way for dozens, possibly hundreds if everyone decides to cash-in. Hopefully the Meyerland property owners association will put a quick stop to this. Don't let Granit continue to defile Meyerland.

Western Brick Company on Washington has received a large shipment of bricks from the Savoy. The bricks are known as Cedar Bayou which were made near Baytown. This type of brick is highly sought after but often difficult to locate. They sell for $1.75 each.

This weekends 14th annual Lawndale Modern Market and Houston Mod tour and book release have been great! It seems like the best attended ever. It's becoming Houston's version of the Palm Springs Modernism Week. I understand the mod show already has a waiting list for dealer space for next years event. The Saturday tour of early houses by architect William Jenkins was full with over 100 in attendance. All 50 of the just released books about the early works of William Jenkins were immediately snapped up. (Another shipment will arive in a few days.) Being in the company of so many modsters is truly exciting. People came in from all parts of the Houston region and even from as far as Lake Charles, Louisiana and even Pensacola, Florida! Amazing! There is a lot of interest in modernism out there. There is yet a full day left for everyone to experience this years show. The Lawndale Art Center is packed with all sorts of wonderful MCM items. Houston Mod has a booth with an exhibit and has it's publications and membership information available. Come see us, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday.

It seems this one owner house was built for H. S. Hayre who is an electrical engineering professor at the University of Houston. Architect Charles H. Flynn of the firm Flynn & Flynn lives across the street. Both Flynns were licensed to practice architecture in Texas in 1951. They designed a furniture store in Clute and a house in Meyerland on Firth Street (now called Braesvalley).

5650 Dumfries is in the Barkley Square subdivision, not Meyerland. There are several flat roof contemporary style houses in Barkley Square with this same overall layout but detailed differently. Some have the front court yard left open, while others have solar block walls screening the front courtyard. One has the low hanging light fixtures like William Jenkins often used. The poured in place type bath tub seen here was another detail Jenkins sometimes included.

This house survived the hurricane beautifully. It's had a price reduction to $319,000.00. Following is an example of the Chinese Modern style for today. The mural is an adaptation of a painting by Vladimir Tretchikoff. Chinese Modern Today

The Formica House has managed to attract yet another buyer who loves the place and wants to redo it and live there. There should be an announcement soon. Lets hope the sale goes through this time. Does anyone know where the PPG House of New Dimension is located? It was designed by Waller Poage, the same architect as the Formica House, as a showcase for Pittsburgh Plate Glass company in 1966, a year before the Formica house.

Just listed and open today from 1-3, this house was built by Weldon E. Countryman for the 1961 Parade of Homes in Briargrove Park. The style is exotic contemporary which was an evolution of the modern movement away from flat roofs. Banks were not making loans for flat roofed houses since home buyers were becoming increasingly leery of purchasing houses with flat roofs because many of them leaked. This house has been extremely well maintained and should only require some decorating updates. Presently it's difficult to see many of the details as everything has been painted beige but almost everything is still present and waiting to be mod again. The description from the Parade of Homes brochure reads: Mood Oriental: Tempo Modern Colorful setting for contemporary living... Weldon Countrymen's Desert-tone stone home Bedroom and dining room open on tropical gardens...a family/living room centered and extending the full depth of the home, with fireplace wall...Oriental Decor throughout! These are a few of the exciting things you'll see in this unusual home! Double closets in each of the three bedrooms, plus four more in the hall...two beautiful baths with separate powder rooms...a stainless steel all-electric kitchen and many more features make this home outstanding. The price including carpeting throughout is around $30,000.00 Carrier Heat Pump Weathermaker Designer: Weldon Countryman Decorator: Jack Foster Furnished by: Interiors, Inc. Weldon E. Countryman's Oriental modern at 10007 Burgoyne Road features a big family room with brick fireplace, built in bookcases and recessed beam ceiling. The home has many eye-catching features and decorations of the Far East such as the fireplace ornaments. The agent's present day description: 1 STORY CONTEMPORARY APPROX. 2,262 SF 3-2-2 A DISTINCTIVE HOME DESIGNED W/FLAIR OPEN FLOOR PLAN BEAUTIFUL LEADED-GLASS MAHOGANY FRONT DOOR GORGEOUS HARDWOOD FLOORS IN ENTRY... BRIGHT & CHEERY KITCHEN/BREAKFAST W/AN OPEN-CONCEPT HUGE DEN/FAMILY ROOM W/ FRENCH DOORS, SHUTTERS, RECESSED LIGHTING, FIREPLACE & BUILT-INS... SERENE MASTER W/FRENCH DOORS RELAXING PATIO POOL-SIZE YARD FINISHED GARAGE TREED HOMESITE WILL NEED SOME TLC BUT IS AN EXCELLENT VALUE FOR PRESTIGIOUS BRIARGROVE PARK !!! http://images-75.har.com/e1/mediadisplay/75/lr2219575-1.jpg HAR Link

It sounds like there will be a lot to see at this event. I understand some vintage cars owned by neighbors will be displayed at some of the houses. It is nice to see these events are encouraging neighborhoods to become more involved in showing their communities in a favorable way. At the last Mod of the Month in Sharpstown, neighbors were concerned that some people had already placed their heavy trash at the curb for pickup the next day. Neighbors got together and moved all the items so the street would look its best for the visitors.

Alex Deuster address is 3518 Glen Arbor off the 3500 block of North Braeswood J. A. Newsome, Jr. address is 16 Lacewood Lane off the 11100 block of Memorial Drive

These are two different buildings. The one with the green tile that was recently demolished was the Texas Gas Building 2472 Bolsover Road Houston, Texas If I remember correctly, Lars Bang said the architect was Alfred C. Finn. This building was very conventional in design and structure yet attractive, well constructed and had some good features like the mixture of retail, restaurants and offices. The drive through opening was also unusual. The other building you show a rendering of is the Times Center Building 2444 Times Boulevard Houston, Texas Architects were Lucian Hood and Lars Bang. Lars Bang was the builder. Kenneth Schnitzer was the owner/developer. This building was on the cutting edge locally for its time due to the design, structural framework, and method of construction. There was an article written about it in the Examiner last December. The Examiner offices are presently located in the building. Lars Bang also officed in the building. Houston Mod displayed the original framed water color rendering, loaned courtesy of William Carl, at an exhibit in 2007. The blue Cadillac shown in the drawing was Lucian Hood's own car at the time. Lucian Hood was a masterful architectural graphic artist. The Times building has unfortunately been drastically altered in appearance with the addition of new glazing. Some of the original interior details remain. It seems it would have been a great setting for an early 007 movie.

Granit is still willing to build you one of his fabulous homes on this lot as stated in the listing: Large cleared corner lot in the heart of Meyerland. Available for sale or as a custom build with Granit Builders. Call for more information on build possibilities - plans available for a fabulous home. Here are some excerpts from his website about his fabulous homes:

Richard Rogers, Mary Kay's son and Chairman & CEO of Mary Kay, Incorporated has agreed to donate $20,000 to the Old Sixth Ward Neighborhood. The donation will fund construction of a neighborhood entrance feature. This tie to the Mary Kay family is important on several levels perhaps most importantly since Mary Kay, Inc. is an impressive organization with 2007 wholesale volume estimated at $2.4 billion. Portrait of Mary Kay Ash and her son Richard Rogers located in the Mary Kay Museum

12943 Memorial Drive Should we assume this house will be saved, at least for now? If they wanted it for the land, they could have purchased the one next-door a few weeks ago for less. I wonder why they kept these old chairs after the update?

That will be a tragic loss. It's one of the best houses in the neighborhood. Memorial Bend needs to revise their deed restrictions and add architectural control. It's a mod emergency. Is anybody working on that?