Archive for the Mid Century Modern Category
Modern Events – Film Modern Views: A Conversation on Northwest Modern Architecture
Modern Views Film
This Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 the Architectural Heritage Center will be hosting 2 free showings of the film Modern Views: A Conversation on Northwest Modern Architecture. I had the opportunity to see this film at an AIA event last year and it is full of beautiful NW Regional Style homes from the Pacific NW, mainly the Seattle area.
Showings are at:
6 pm and 7:30 pm
43 minutes
Admission is free
AHC address : 701 SE Grand Avenue Portland, OR 97214
From the Architectural Heritage Centers Website:
A studio/216 film presented by the University of Washington Department of Architecture in the College of Built Environments
Focused mainly on the works of “Northwest School” architects Arne Bystrom, Wendell Lovett, Gene Zema, Ralph Anderson, and Fred Bassetti. The architects discuss how the Pacific Northwest landscape and climate guided their design decisions and choice of building materials.
Pre-register with an email to info@VisitAHC.org and please specify which showing you would like to attend.
For more information on the film or to purchase the DVD, please go to: http://www.modernviewsfilm.com/
Modern Events – Pietro Belluschi Exhibit – Oregon Historical Society
Belluschi
The Architecture and Legacy of Pietro Belluschi - an exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society that will share for the first time, an overview of Pietro Belluschi’s architectural contributions during his long and richly productive career. The exhibit also uses the Belluschi Family archives to share personal mementos from his remarkable life.
Belluschi is one of my favorite local architects whose work I am fortunate enough to be able view and appreciate almost daily in the local churches, commercial buildings and on rare modern home tour occasions, the Belluschi’s own modern home.
The exhibit opens on May 17th, 2012 at the Oregon Historical Society
Museum Hours:
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday
Noon – 5 p.m. Sunday
From the Oregon Historical Society website:
Although born in Italy, Pietro Belluschi (1899-1994), became known as the most important architect to have lived and worked in Oregon. He was recognized for being a prominent contributor to a style known as Pacific Northwest Regionalism as well as for mastering modern design innovations. While his buildings and influence can be found throughout the United States, many of his significant works are here in Oregon – including churches, homes and office buildings. Belluschi’s success was not only as an architect, he was also known and respected as a philosopher, educator, collaborator, advisor, and mentor.
There were three major phases in Belluschi’s career, two of which were in Oregon. First as a Northwest regionalist, his work reflected the influences of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Arts and Crafts movement and also Modernism. The next phase began in 1951 when he became Dean of the School of Architecture and Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). During this time, in addition to educating and lecturing as Dean, he collaborated on buildings with numerous firms around the country, most all of which were better off with his input and advice.
This exhibit shares, for the first time, an overview of Pietro Belluschi’s architectural contributions during his long and richly productive career. The exhibit also uses the Belluschi Family archives to share personal mementos from his remarkable life.
New Rummer Listing – Modern Homes Portland Exclusive -SALE PENDING
5790 SW Spruce Ave - Royal Woodlands Rummer - priced at $415,000
UPDATE 4/19/2012 – SALE PENDING
Very rare opportunity to own a Rummer built home in the Royal Woodlands neighborhood. There were only a small handful of Rummer homes ever built in this wonderful neighborhood in the early 60′s and have remained quite elusive.
The homes owners have taken excellent care of the home keeping many original details in tact while providing modern updates.
Details:
- Built in 1962
- 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms
- Open living room that flows to dining room
- Family room off of kitchen with glass doors to the atrium
- Updated kitchen and bathrooms
- Vaulted, exposed post and beam ceiling throughout the living space
- Fireplace in living room
- Floor to ceiling windows along entire back of home
- Sliding glass doors to the backyard patio
- Indoor, covered atrium allows natural light to flow throughout the center of the home into the living spaces
- Interior clerestory windows between the kitchen and living space allows natural light in while keeping the spaces separate
- Landscaped, low maintenance yard
- Fully fenced, private yard
- Single car garage, covered carport and off street parking pad
- Air conditioning
- Forced air gas heat
- Priced at $415,000
This preview listing is currently available through Modern Homes Portland and not yet to the general public please contact Marisa Swenson at Modern Homes Portland to schedule a showing – marisa@m-homes.net – 971.285.7955
Additional details:
Oregonian Features Modern Homes Portland in Mid-Century Modern Article
Modern Homes Portland was just featured in the Oregonian in an article about the Concordia Birkemeier mid century listing (which is sale pending!):
Birkemeier Home
“One of the most prolific midcentury proponents was Ken Birkemeier, who designed and built dozens of city homes, particularly in Northeast Portland neighborhoods. Some of his hallmark touches include Roman brick facades (using longer, narrower bricks), spacious rooms, large front windows and stylized round “oculus” windows. Many of his modern homes featured a combination of rooflines.
For sale at 7005 N.E. 29th Ave. in the Concordia neighborhood is one such Birkemeier, built in 1956. Focused on two fireplaces, one that faces the living room and the other the dining room, the home is a striking example of Birkemeier’s mantra of the hearth as the heart of the home.
“The owner is an interior designer,” said listing agent Swenson, “and the home has been tastefully updated while retaining its period details. It has lots of natural honey-blonde wood built-ins, beamed vaulted ceilings on the main floor and a built-in entry planter. The kitchen has been updated with custom cabinets and Pratt and Larson tile, and the lower level, which was a bar, is nearly a completely separate living quarters; it just needs a stove.
“Birkemeier was a creative builder who designed and built high-quality homes with character,” she said. “These homes rarely go on the market.”
Priced at $424,900, the 3,216-square-foot home has four bedrooms and three baths. It will be open Sunday, March 11, from 1 to 4 p.m.”
Read the entire story here
Modern Home Events – Save the Date 2012 Tours
A couple of 2012 tour dates to add to the calendar now and we will keep you posted on when tickets will be available:
Rummer Tour 2012 Bohmann Park
The Historic Preservation League of Oregon is hosting it’s 2nd annual Rummer home tour. This years tour will be in the Bohmann Park neighborhood where there are more than a handful of wonderful Rummer designs.
Save the date for June 2nd from 10am – 4pm, when tickets are available they can be purchased on the HPLO website.
Bohmann Park Rummer
AHC Kitchen Revival Tour
The Architectural Heritage Center is hosting it’s 14th annual Kitchen Revival Tour. Tour some of the most amazing original intact kitchens and some that have been carefully renovated to reflect the homes original condition and architectural style.
Mid Century Kitchen from Past Revival Tours
Save the date for – Saturday, April 14th, 2012 from 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Ticket Cost: AHC Members – $20 General Public – $25
Concordia Mid Century Birkemeier Design – New on Market
7005 NE 29th Portland, OR 97211
This is a rare opportunity to own an original Birkemeier mid century home in immaculate condition. The home has been tastefully updated by the designer owner keeping in tact the period details while enhancing the modern aesthetic and conveniences. These homes rarely go on market and this is a great example of one that has been updated while keeping the details that make the Birkemeiers highly sought after homes. Original, natural wood beamed vaulted ceilings greet you as you enter the main floor living space. The slightly curved edges on each of the beams are a clear indication that you are in a Birkemeier original. A creative builder that enjoyed designing and building high quality homes each with original characteristics and details. Large fireplaces in both the living room and around the corner into the dining room remind us that the hearth is indeed the center and heart of the home.
Features:
- 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths
- 2,916 sq ft
- Vaulted Natural Beamed Ceiling in the Front Room
- 2 Fireplaces
- Double Car Garage
- Full Finished Basement with Full Bar (Will Easily Convert to a 2nd Full Kitchen)
- Updated Kitchen and Baths with Custom Designer Tiles and Finishes
- Landscaped Backyard with Large Patio for Outdoor Entertaining
- Roman Brick Facade with Unique Birkemeier Detailing
- Located in the popular Concordia neighborhood
- More Photos and Details at the Concordia Birkemeier Site
Concordia Birkemeier
No listings found
Concordia Birkemeier
No listings found
Contact Marisa Swenson at Modern Homes Portland to schedule a showing – marisa@m-homes.net – 971.285.7955
Modern Events – Documentary: Eames – the Architect and the Painter
Eames Magic
It’s almost here, the Eames documentary by Jason Cohn and Bill Jersey! Playing here in Portland November 25th – December 1st at the Clinton Street Theater, showings at 7 and 9pm.
About the film:
The husband-and-wife team of Charles and Ray Eames are widely regarded as America’s most important designers. Perhaps best remembered for their mid-century plywood and fiberglass furniture, the Eames Office also created a mind-bending variety of other products, from splints for wounded military during World War II, to photography, interiors, multi-media exhibits, graphics, games, films and toys. But their personal lives and influence on significant events in American life – from the development of modernism, to the rise of the computer age – has been less widely understood. Narrated by James Franco, Eames: The Architect and the Painter is the first film since their death dedicated to these creative geniuses and their work.
Check out the trailer:
Saturday Open House – John Storrs Original Northwest Regional Design
John Storrs Designed Mid Century Home
Open this Saturday from 1-4pm come by 11990 SW Butner Road to tour an amazing house.
Home Details:
- Listing – 1199o SW Butner Rd – John Storrs Original
- John Storrs Northwest Architect
- Visit to Butner Rd
- Virtual Tour – Butner Rd
Photo Gallery Slide Show
Modern Home Weekend Events – July 2011
Belluschi House
This weekend don’t miss the Architectural Heritage Center’s second annual Heritage Home Tour. This year the Pietro Belluschi house in Willamette Heights is on the tour.The home completed in 1948 and it was the last house he designed before becoming the Dean of the MIT School of Architecture & Planning, and was said to be his favorite. He liked it so much that he purchased the property upon returning to Portland in 1973, and lived there the rest of his life.
Tour Details:
Saturday, July 30, 2011
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Members: $35 per person
General Public: $50 per person
Visit the AHC website to purchase your tickets.
Summer Garage Sale and Other Events at The Good Mod
Head down to The Good Mod warehouse this coming Sunday for a summer time sale, art, MCM furnishing/decor, jewelry, lemonade, fun. Presented by Big Things.
Leroy Setziol – Oregon Artist
Door Carved by Leroy Setziol at the Frank Shell House
As some of you know, I have been reporting on the progress at the Frank Shell house, from short sale to bank owned and now saved and being restored by a skilled contractor with an eye for the architects original vision. I was always very curious about the front door to the home (pictured above). It is obviously hand carved and very much an original piece of mid century art. While chatting with the current owner a while ago, he mentioned that the door was carved by a local artist friend of Shells that gave this door to the Shells as an anniversary gift and that artist had done carvings that were featured at Salishan. As luck would have it, I was at that very moment less than a 2 minute drive to the Salishan Lodge, so I grabbed my camera and went on a lodge tour. The lobby, restaurant and stairs leading to the lounge are filled with huge wooden panels that were hand carved by this artist whom I found out is Leroy Setziol.
“Recognized as the “most accomplished and respected wood sculptor in the Northwest,” Roy Setziol was born in Philadel phia and grew up in cosmopolitan Buffalo. After graduating with a degree in art from Elmhurst College he married Ruth Davis in 1940. In 1941 he completed a theological degree and then worked as a minister in Bennington, New York. During WWII he served as a chaplain with the U.S. Army 43rd Infantry in the South Pacific. Soon after the war he joined his family in Portland, Oregon.
With Ruth supporting the family Roy began his career as an artist. Setziol’s art has been influenced by his experience interacting with the immigrant communities in Buffalo, the art he observed in the South Pacific, his personal interest in European art, and his experience living in the Northwest. He is a “sculptor who happens to work with wood,” in part because of the ready availability of the material in Oregon. Long admired by the architectural community, his work has been described as monumental and intimate, symbolic and abstract, geometric and organic. It is rich in color and texture with many of his pieces employing a grid system he discovered nearly 40 years ago carving a piece for the Menucha Conference Center in the Columbia Gorge. Roy has been commissioned for an extraordinary number of public pieces including those that can be seen at the Salishan Lodge, the Salem Public Library, the Child Development Center in Portland, the Chevron Building in Lagos, Nigeria, and at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. His sculptures are also in the collections of the Salem Art Association, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, and the Contemporary Crafts Museum and Gallery.”
From his Salem Art Association biography.
Now that I can identify Setziols work, I can easily recall having seen it before and that explains why the Frank Shell door was something that felt so familiar. See below for more photos of Setziols work and check out the Oregon Artbeat feature on the local artist from 2001.
