SpaceAge

Here are some additional contemporary/ranch style houses that are presently listed For Sale near the two Houston Mod is featuring today: 7818 Buffalo Speedway 3830 Linkwood- appears to have vintage built-in Revco refrigerator and sliding glass doors on kitchen cabinets 2907 Linkwood- mod updated by architect/owner 9211 Ilona- mod listed as a tear-down but looks nice 9403 Cadman Ct.- expansive mod, has beams that extend outside then turn to intersect with patio 5427 Hummingbird- open today in Westbury

Mod of the Month 3611 & 4423 Woodvalley Drive Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, August 23rd (2:00 - 4:00 PM), for Mod of the Month. Two interesting mid-century modern houses currently for sale will be open for touring. Both are located just inside the south-west corner of Loop 610. 3611 Woodvalley Drive, Houston, Texas 77025 Woodside, Section 3 This classic mid-century modern house was custom built in 1959 by it's former owner. The principal rooms are spacious and open-concept with stone and/or concrete floors throughout. Walls are exposed brick and teak. An amazing expanse of floor to ceiling glass sliding doors look out to the back yard. The second bedroom wall was opened up to create a sitting area for the master bedroom. The wall can be easily replaced to return the house to a three bedroom plan. There is a separate study. If you love mid-century modern design, you must see this house. HAR Link 4423 Woodvalley Drive, Houston, Texas 77096 Willow Meadows, Section 15 A spacious entry introduces visitors to this attractive contemporary style house. Step down into the large living and dining rooms. The kitchen has been updated with stainless steel and granite. The den, which can also be used as a bedroom, includes a fireplace. In the large backyard, there is a patio with a half bath that could accommodate an outdoor kitchen. The house is well situated in a great area, close to the medical center, Loop 610, and the Galleria. HAR Link Meet members of Houston Mod. Sign-up or renew your membership. Houston Mod publicationswill be available including the newly released High Style in the Suburbs, The Early Modern Houses of William Jenkins, 1951-1958. The Houston Mod exhibitEndangered Modern- The Real Story, displayed through September 11 at the AIA gallery at 315 Capitol Street, features displays about Houston's endangered modern legacy and how you can help preserve it. See you there! Houston Mod Houston Mod was recently recognized with a "Good Brick Award" from the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance for the Mod-of-the-Month open house program.

This evening is the time of the book and exhibit event mentioned above. Houston Mod hopes you all can attend. The big news to add to the above post is Lisa Gray, columnist from the Houston Chronicle, will give a presentation during the exhibit portion of tonight's event. Lisa Gray is also a member of the Chronicle editorial board (which means she writes some of the unsigned editorials) and the arts editor at the Chronicle. Previously, she was editor of Cite, the Rice Design Alliance magazine. When asked about her work, Lisa Gray says, I try to give Houstonians a sense of the place where they live: a job that's both maddening and really fun. The Official Announcement: Join Jason Smith, author of High Style in the Suburbs, the Early Modern Houses of William R. Jenkins, at a special discussion and book-signing on Thursday, August 20, 2009 6 PM at the Houston Central Library 500 McKinney, Houston, Texas. The book brings eleven of Jenkins notable early designs into focus with both historic and current photographs, plans and numerous interesting details. During a career that spanned over 3 decades, Jenkins was a notable architect of both residential and commercial projects in a distinctly modern style. Smith will discuss the book, the houses and Jenkins' career in a slide presentation. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the reception following the library discussion. A second event will follow at the Architecture Center Houston / AIA Houston galleries at 315 Capitol #120 (a short walk from the library)at 7 PM where participants can view the Houston Mod Endangered Modernism exhibit and hear a brief presentation on notable endangered landmarks by Houston Chronicle columnist Lisa Gray. Ms. Gray is a member of the Chronicle editorial board and the arts editor at the Chronicle. Previously, she was editor of Cite, the official publication of the Rice Design Alliance. The exhibit aims to create a greater understanding of the threats to architecturally significant structures that ultimately lead to their destruction and loss. It profiles nearly a dozen significant landmarks A complimentary guide is provided that gives background information on each display in the exhibit and what you can do to help save these endangered modern buildings . Food and refreshments will be provided by the AIA. If you are unable to attend the event but wish to purchase a book, please contact info@houstonmod.org for ordering information. This event is part of the Authors in Architecture series sponsored by Architypes, AIA Houston and the Houston Public Library. We hope to see you there!

The exhibit is open for two more weeks. It is open until 5:00 PM Monday - Thursday and until 3:00 PM on Fridays. The only remaining opportunity to see the exhibit after 5:00 PM will be this Thursday, August 20th, when it will be open from 7:00 PM to about 8:30 PM. The Thursday evening opening follows the Authors in Architecture discussion of Houston Mod's new book about the early modern houses of William Jenkins. The book discussion takes place at the Central Library, 500 McKinney, at 6:00 PM on Thursday. At about 6:50 we will walk to the AIA gallery, located at 315 Capitol, to see the exhibit and for the book signing. The AIA will be providing food and refreshments. There is a large and beautiful color exhibit brochure available that gives background information on each display in the exhibit and what you can do to help save these endangered modern buildings. Original Astrodome bumper stickers are available for a $5.00 donation to Houston Mod. The William Jenkins book is also available at the exhibit for $20.00. Following are some photos of the exhibit taken at the opening:

Both of the houses were very nice. The Braeswood house had two really lovely bedroom suites, each with their own baths. The stacked block walls comprising the front walls inside and outside the house are a nice Palm Springs type detail. If it had a flat roof as the 1960's resident remembers, it seems the center portion was at a higher elevation than the two sides. I wonder if the kitchen was always located directly inside the double front doors as it is presently? The Rowan house is loaded with special features and they are all in excellent original condition. The owners know they have something special and want someone who loves the place as it is to get it. The plan is unique and functional. The kitchen is very well designed. It has cabinets with electric plugs inside where the back splash would normally be- perfect to keep small appliances convenient but out of sight. The original Whirlpool built-in oven was still in use with the evening dinner underway. The illuminated ceiling seemed like new. The illuminated ceiling in the guest bath had leaves molded into the panels. Note the photo of that bath. It looks like it was the model for a Better Homes and Gardens Magazine story from 1966. The indoor/outdoor flow was excellent with the glass sliding doors in the living room accessing the front courtyard. The dining room, family room and master bedroom all also have sliding doors accessing the back patios. I invited Francis Giese, architect of 8830 Rowan, to the open house today but he was unable to attend. He now lives near Lake Jackson. He is a 1959 graduate of the University of Houston College of Architecture. The main focus of his firm was multi-story office buildings and nursing homes which were located in 85 cities and Washington DC. Since moving to the Lake Jackson area, he has designed several large homes. He said his first job out of college was with Lucian Hood. ----- While some of the apartment complexes and shopping centers in Sharpstown have declined, the neighborhoods are generally as well maintained as most middle class neighborhoods. Those neighborhoods are full of nice folks just like the ones you met today. They seem to do a very good job enforcing the deed restrictions. The shopping in that area was never anything special and that has not changed. The best shopping in the city is just a couple of minutes away via the SW freeway to the Galleria or Sugarland area. The SW Freeway is one of the areas best assets as it has been from the start. The area has a prime location. As prices in the more accessible parts of Westbury become just a bit higher, Sharpstown will be the next neighborhood buyers will seek.

Here is more information about the houses on this MOTM: A former resident of the 6102 North Braeswood house let us know the house was designed by Raymond Sullivan Knox for his family residence about 1961. He said the house was built with a flat roof. The former resident said he greatly enjoyed living in the house. Ray Knox was a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. He owned Rayko Construction Company and specialized in the construction of banks, churches, office buildings and shopping centers. Today the company is called Brookstone which specializes in building churches and educational facilities. Ray Knox died April 4, 2009. His death notice states Frank Lloyd Wright was his favorite architect. Ray Knox liked creativity and innovation in building. The roof of his most recent residence is an example- it is a hyperbolic parabola. --------------------------------------------------- The house at 8830 Rowan Lane in Sharpstown was one of the houses Frank Sharp offered to give to the original 7 NASA astronauts. This is discussed in The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe. The offer garnered much attention for Sharp and Sharpstown even though the gift was eventually declined. The astronauts instead made Timber Cove their neighborhood since it was much closer to NASA. Francis C. Giese was the architect of the house located at 8830 Rowan Lane. In 1969 his firm was called Francis C. Giese & Associates and located at 2712 S.W. Freeway in Houston. The marketing material for this house proclaimed it's theme Oriental Modern. The builder was Rocky Davis Homes, Inc. of 5427 Jason Street. Following is the official description of the house: Planned for a family with children, the floor plan of this brick home provides them with a big play room between kitchen and bedrooms... close to the bath... with outdoor access in two directions. Grown-ups will enjoy the beautiful living-dining area centered by a fireplace... glass walls opening on the garden court in front, the patio in back, gives this home delightful spaciousness. Architect Francis Giese designed this Parade Home with four bedrooms, or three bedrooms and a study... two baths... hallway lined with closets. Decor and furnishings are by Jeanette French, of Joske's. Built-in all electric kitchen, air conditioning, and nylon carpeting. Another article about this house says it has a private screened patio. The kitchen and both bathrooms have illuminated ceilings. There are several interesting houses in this Parade. Next door to the MOTM house, notice the exciting A-Frame Polynesian described as the "Sophistocraft" of Parade Contemporaries. This house is by Wright Construction Company. The architect is Eugene Rouse, AIA. Color stylist is Pat Senter. J. Carroll Associates, AIA, designed Maggie Plumb's contemporary entry at 8915 Rowan. Architect Royston Patterson designed the house at 8907 Rowan. L. B. Wooters is the architect of 8811 Rowan. Flynn and Flynn, AIA, designed the house at 8919 Rowan. This house is similar to one of their own houses in Memorial. Homer Ford designed 8835 Rowan. Betty Jo Jones, AIA, designed "Romantic Orientale" at 9006 Rowan. A unique house by Knostman & Webster with several private courtyards was built at 9010 Rowan. Stan Parker designed the house at 9002 Rowan called the Modern Pace Setter Imperial. Life Magazines "Home For Better Living" was the star of the 1962 Houston Parade of Homes. It is located at 9015 Rowan Lane. Washington, D.C. architect Don Lethbridge designed the house which was to be reproduced in several other markets. It was built by Parade chairman Dick Wright. Proceeds from its sale were donated to the Texas Endowment Foundation, Inc. for leukemia research at the Texas Medical Center. The plan provided 4 bedrooms, a unique balcony studio in the two storied living room, a huge trellis roofed patio extending from house to garage including a pool, and an uniquely angled hand split cedar shingle roof. A partial copy of the 1962 Houston Post Parade of Homes publication will be displayed at the event.

Mod of the Month Robindell and Sharpstown Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, August 2nd (2:00-4:00 PM), for Mod of the Month. Two interesting mid-century modern houses currently for sale will be open for touring. Both are located in southwest Houston in the Robindell and Sharpstown neighborhoods. These areas are being rediscovered by those wanting well built, reasonably priced houses with a convenient location. There is a wide array of 1950's and 1960's era contemporary houses in this area. 6102 North Braeswood Boulevard Houston, Texas 77074 Robindell, Section 3 This 1960's contemporary style house located in Robindell, just west of Meyerland, has a flexible and free flowing plan. Floor to ceiling windows throughout the living areas provide expansive views of the yard and tree shaded Brays Bayou setting. The design is wonderful for entertaining. The kitchen, which is open to the den, features wood and glass front cabinets, a tile back splash, a walk in pantry, and a utility area. The master suite has a large walk-in closet and a door to the backyard. The house is located on a corner lot allowing driveway access from Braewick street. A gated entrance opens to a spacious covered patio. HAR Link 8830 Rowan Lane Houston, Texas 77036 Sharpstown Country Club Terrace 3 Tens of thousands of visitors toured this custom built contemporary style house when it was featured in the 1962 Parade of Homes. A semi-private brick walled courtyard ushers you to the double-door entrance. The expansive glass walled living room takes your breath away. A freestanding wood burning fireplace and a brick interior wall accent the contemporary design. Almost every room in the house has a view of the lush and restful backyard shaded by pecan and fig trees. There is an additional room off the utility room for sewing or hobbies. HAR Link Meet members of Houston Mod. Sign-up or renew your membership. Houston Mod publications will be available including the newly released High Style in the Suburbs, The Early Modern Houses of William Jenkins, 1951-1958. The Houston Mod exhibit Endangered Modern- The Real Story, displayed through August 28 at the AIA gallery at 315 Capitol Street, features displays about Houston's endangered modern legacy and how you can help preserve it. 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.

The house on Butterfly is for sale. The agent has now placed the listing on HAR. HAR Link Based on information from the 1956 Southwestern Bell Telephone Directory, this house appears to have been occupied by the same owner since 1956 or earlier.

Mod of the Month Memorial Bend Houston Mod invites you to join us this Sunday, July 19th (2:00-4:00 PM), for Mod of the Month. Two wonderful mid-century modern houses currently for sale will be open for touring. Both are located in the Memorial Bend subdivision of west Houston near Memorial Drive and the Sam Houston Toll Road/Beltway 8. Memorial Bend is a remarkable neighborhood containing many fine examples of architect designed 1950's and 1960's era contemporary houses. The Houston Mod exhibit Endangered Modern- The Real Story, presently displayed at the AIA Houston gallery at 315 Capitol Street, features the Memorial Bend neighborhood as one area of Houston where modern structures are under the threat of being lost. 423 Isolde Drive, Houston, Texas 77024 Memorial Bend, Section 3 This is one of Memorial Bend's finest mid-century modern houses. The open, light-filled design by renowned Architect William Floyd is well maintained with no inappropriate alterations. The formals have a fireplace, narrow-ribbon hardwoods, vaulted ceilings and expansive clerestory windows. Both the spacious eat-in kitchen & den with built-ins overlook a gorgeous swimming pool and unusually large wooded lot. This house has four bedrooms which is a rare find for the area. HAR Link 12915 Butterfly Lane, Houston, Texas 77024 Memorial Bend, Section 1 This mid-century modern house has a low pitched roof and an attractive courtyard entry. Rafter slotted roof openings provided in the entry courtyard allow plants and small trees to flourish and reach for the sky. The kitchen is located near the front entrance while the living and dining areas overlook the tree shaded back yard. The attached garage has been converted to a large living area complete with fire place and bathroom. This room can also be used as a separate efficiency apartment. Three bedrooms are located along the east side of the house. It's near parks, a bird sanctuary, and shopping. ---------------- While in the area, enjoy the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, a 17.5 acre wooded sanctuary along Rummel Creek with a restored log cabin that houses a variety of education programs reaching out into Houston and surrounding areas. Open to the public 365 days a year, it also contains Houston Audubon offices. Houston Mod publications will be available including the recently released High Style in the Suburbs, The Early Modern Houses of Architect William Jenkins, 1951-1958. This book with beautiful color photographs makes a great gift. 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.

The Contemporary Art Museum is showing two films about the Astrodome tonight at 6:30 PM. CAM Website Astrodome Cinema Thursday, May 28, 2009 6:30 p.m. Once nicknamed the "Eighth Wonder of the World" the Astrodome was the first domed sports stadium when it opened in 1965. Join us for a special screening of the Astrodome as portrayed in documentaries and films, curated by artist/curator Andrea Grover. Shown tonight:

Mrs. Allen Williams (Thesalone) and the former Mrs. Harwood Taylor (Cynthia) will attend the Mod of the Month open house event. They are looking forward to talking to everyone about the houses and about life and architecture in mid-20th-century Houston. Mrs. Williams said the first floor of her house was completely open from the fireplace on the West wall to the kitchen sink on the East wall. A later owner added the wall and desk between the kitchen and dining room. She arranged her furniture in the living area so that there was no need for railings along the edge of the elevated portion. The floor in the entire room, including under the present carpet, is terrazo. She said the roof on her house was originally cedar shake and called it a Thunderbird roof in the ocean wave pattern. Williams used this style roof on several of his best houses. The balcony on the back of the house some have commented on has been altered. It originally was much deeper extending into the building. There was room for chairs where Mrs. Williams loved to sit and write poetry. She said the chandelier in the dining room has been added by a later owner. She did not have a hanging fixture there. She said she and her husband designed a complementing house for Mr. Williams' parents that was located directly to the south of their house and fronted on the next street. It was recently demolished. Mr. Williams' father was a contracter/builder and built both of these houses. Allen Williams designed hundreds of houses and buildings located throughout Houston and many in Brenham, Bay City, Wharton and Liberty. In Houston, some of the houses he designed were in Meyerland, Tynewood, Riverside Terrace, and the Lakeside Country Club area. A two-story modern house for the President of the Houston Chronicle, John T. Jones, was designed and built at 25 N. Wynden. Mrs. Williams has a model of this house and of a house on South MacGregor Way. Williams also designed a house for LeRoy Melcher. Mrs. Williams was an interior designer. She worked closely with her husband, detailing the interiors of most of his designs. She worked with the clients to select everything for interior of the houses. Both of the architects of the houses featured on this Mod of the Month event designed modern houses which have been accepted as City of Houston Landmarks. This is a great opportunity to tour some of their best work.

Please join us this Sunday, May 3, (2:00 - 4:00 PM), at our Mod of the Month open houses! 4012 Willowick Road River Oaks Tall Timbers, 77019 Neuhaus & Taylor architects designed this sophisticated contemporary house located in River Oaks on a premier .75 acre lot with two gated entrances, ample parking, and a three car garage. A 1,750 SF covered veranda surrounds the house. The indoor/outdoor aspects of the design are further enhanced by a well proportioned 765 SF screened patio area ideal for entertaining. Abundant natural light is found throughout the house and a wall of glass opens to views of the lush yard and sparkling swimming pool. Thermador appliances, 2 Sub-Zero refrigerators, granite island, and custom cherry cabinets complete the gourmet kitchen. The luxurious master wing of the house is complete with a beautiful dressing area and his and hers bathrooms and closets. The four bedroom, one story house had a major update in 1999 yet retains the architects intentions and many of his original details. The plans and specifications will be available for viewing. The Houston Mod publication Booming Houston and the Modern House- Residential Architecture of Neuhaus and Taylor will be available at the house. HAR Link 4603 Ivanhoe Street Afton Oaks, 77027 According to the HAR listing: Great corner lot in Afton Oaks! Property being sold 'as is.' Great investment opportunity with possibility of remodeling this contemporary home designed by Allen R. Williams for his family. It is a compelling mixture of conventional 1950's Ranch & the work of Frank Lloyd Wright & the architecture of the American Southwest. The University of Texas educated architect Allen R. Williams and his wife Thesalone Williams, an interior designer, spent six years designing this dream house for their family. They were among the first to purchase a lot in the then undeveloped neighborhood but one of the last to build. Every aspect of the house was thoroughly analyzed and thoughtfully designed. The living areas and kitchen, originally completely open and flowing as one large space, were designed with many completely unique organic details. Soaring ceilings, large expanses of glass, multi leveled terrazo flooring and free flowing brickwork compose the room. Triangular openings in the brick columns provide the conditioned air. The kitchen, viewing a walled garden complete with rock waterfall and pond, still appears to contain the original cabinetry raised on a brick platform and topped with the original marble countertops. The architect even incorporated a chess game board into the terrazo floor for his sons at the base of the stairway. This is a unique and stunning house. HAR Link Other Houston Mod publications will also be available including the just released High Style in the Suburbs, The Early Modern Houses of William Jenkins, 1951-1958. Since we sold out of our first shipment during the enthusiastically attended tour last Saturday, we will offer the books at the special tour rate of $15.00 (cash or check) one last time. See you there, Houston Mod

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.

The HAR links are working now. The person who made an offer on the Green Oaks house and asked for professional help regarding its "many needed upgrades" would like proposals on what to do in the kitchen, baths, and facade. They want to insure the changes are appropriate for the house.

Please note the work opportunity: If you offer some kind of service or skill that you would like to make available to a potential mod homeowner, please be sure and visit the house on Green Oaks. The new owner is looking for proposals. Others needing help with their mod may find it here too.

Please join us this Sunday, April 19th, (2:00- 4:00 PM), at our Mod of the Month open houses! 11535 Green Oaks Drive Huntington Green, 77024 Mid-century modern style home on magnificent village acre lot (39,997 square feet per HCAD) on sought after cul-de-sac street in Piney Point. The house has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, an open floor plan, high ceilings and walls of windows, beautiful grounds with mature trees, pool/spa and tennis court, architecturally desirable home ready for your updates. A potential buyer has recently made an offer on this house and has asked Houston Mod for recommendations on how it can be improved. Interested architects, designers, and contractors are welcome to come take a look and contact the potential buyer with your ideas. HAR Link 11706 Longleaf Lane Mayerling, 77024 According to the HAR listing: Lovely, treed lot on cul-de-sac in sought after Memorial community that is being developed with $1 million + homes. Great schools, easy access to business, cultural and shopping areas. There is more here however- included with this great lot is a wonderful 1950's mid-century modern house which can be attributed to architect William Jenkins. This house has many details which are often found in his custom designed houses. You will want to see this house, especially if you are going on the Jenkins tour on April 25. Count the similarities such as saltillo tiled floors, bridge connecting the public areas to the private areas, plate glass windows extending to the floor, and spectacular large central atrium/indoor-outdoor room. By researching other known houses by Jenkins, information on the atrium rooms was discovered showing they often contained screened walls and ceilings, fish ponds and even lawn turf. This example even has a built-in brick bar-b-que. (Presently, this space has been enclosed and air conditioned.) You can learn much more about the documented work of William Jenkins from the soon to be released Houston Mod publication High Style in the Suburbs- The Early Modern Houses of William R. Jenkins, 1951-1958. The book will first be available at the Lawndale Modern Market, April 24 - 26. The Jenkins tour will depart from and return to the Modern Market on April 25. Jenkins Tour Information Lawndale Modern Market HAR Link See you there, Houston Mod

According to the Houston Mod publication Booming Houston & the Modern House- Residential Architecture of Neuhaus and Taylor, 1955-1960 by Ben Koush, this house was built in the Briargrove subdivision at 6243 Olympia Drive. It was demolished several years ago. There is more information about the house in the book. It's available at Brazos, Amazon, MFA, and at Mod of the Month events for $15.00.

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).

4019 Branard The grid of small square windows at the entry is interesting. A 1958 Parade of Homes house in Sharpstown section 2 has those too. In Tanglewilde, a house employs the theme even more thoroughly. An open grid pattern begins in a brick wing wall (that forms a court yard at the entry) and continues through to the front wall of the house where the openings become glazed.

Jukebox Designed by Loewy

Join Houston Mod this Sunday, February 22nd (3:00 - 5:00 PM), at our Mod of the Month open house! 266 Pine Hollow Lane Houston, Texas 77056 Pine Hollow Subdivision This is a special opportunity to see a fantastic mid-century modern house designed by Preston Bolton, one of Houston's finest architects, for his family's residence. This architectural treasure is located high on a bluff above Buffalo Bayou. The house has been featured on CAMH (Contemporary Art Museum Houston) and RDA (Rice Design Alliance) home tours and remains in excellent condition. Amenities include sweeping open spaces planned for entertaining 2 or 200; 10 to 12-ft. ceilings; domed skylights; walls of glass overlooking natural woodland; ample wall space for art display; copious storage; and a very spacious cook's kitchen. Classic architecture is timeless. Note: The Pine Hollow Lane access to Woodway Drive has been closed. Use South Post Oak Lane, which turns into Pinewold Drive, to Access Pine Hollow Lane. HAR Link See you there, Houston Mod

The Raymond Loewy exhibition has made it to Houston and is on display through March 20 at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture at the University of Houston Central Campus. Following is a story about Loewy and the exhibit from CNN: ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN)

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.

Ed Hilla, architect of the 7706 Broadview Drive house, will attend the open house. He designed a number of houses in this area so he may be able to solve some mysteries.

Join us this Sunday, February 8th (2:00- 4:00 PM), at our first Mod of the Month open house event of 2009! 8114 Stony Dell Court Glenbrook Valley This very original custom built home in Glenbrook Valley sits on a 13,158 sq ft unusually hilly cul de sac lot. The entry features diamond-matched teak paneling and the original ribbon glass panels. The formals have a unique Hollywood regency style dropped ceiling treatment with indirect lighting. The large kitchen has the original mod style cabinetry suspended by poles from the vaulted ceiling. Enormous family room with fireplace, vaulted beamed ceiling, cove lighting and wall of glass. Three large bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Study niche or nursery off master. There is also a large bonus space above the garage that could be a play room, home office or converted to a tiki bar set. The home has redwood eaves, cedar siding and Chicago brick exterior. At approximately 3,338 square feet there is plenty of room for entertaining or family living. HAR Link 7706 Broadview Drive Barkerwood Barkerwood, situated just west of Glenbrook, is the location of this architect designed one owner house. Custom built in 1964, the house is referred to by neighbors as the Frank Sinatra House due to it's large size and contemporary/ranch style. The house features poured terrazo floors in beautiful condition, an asymmetrical brick fireplace wall in the family room, special tile work in the bathrooms, and many vintage lighting fixtures. There are four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. All the rooms are unusually large with ample windows and closets. The attached garage is also oversized. The lot is over one-half acre of attractive grounds with a circular driveway. Samson and Hilla designed the house. Edward Hilla worked with Lars Bang for many years. The plans will be displayed. For Sale by Owner See you there, Houston Mod