Kenneth Birkemeier designed mid century modern home
The Architectural Heritage Center is presenting a program about the local builder Kenneth Birkemeier. Birkemeier is known mostly for building Colonial and traditional Ranch style homes but he also built a handful of unique mid century modern homes in the Alameda neighborhood.
From the AHC site:
“The post-World War II building boom in Portland presented many opportunities for architects and builders to interpret their own versions of the “modern” home. Ken Birkemeier was one such Portland builder, who designed and constructed completely original homes during this period. Though also credited with building Colonials and conventional Ranch Style houses, the Birkemeier Modern home remains his most identifiable house type. These brick (or partially brick) houses often incorporated avant-garde or whimsical features in their design and looked forward to an optimistic future filled with technological promise.
Whether futuristic or conventional, the quality of construction in Birkemeier homes and his always pleasing designs have earned him legions of home-owning fans over the years. A real estate listing today with the name Birkemeier in the title always commands attention and respect.
AHC Education Committee members Jack Bookwalter, Karla Pearlstein, and Morgen Young will discuss the distinctive features found in all Birkemeier houses. You’ll also learn about Ken Birkemeier the man, whose remarkable career spanned the 1930s to the 1970s.
Pre-registration is strongly suggested
Sponsored by: Rejuvenation”
The event is on
Saturday, November 20, 2010
10:00 am–11:30 am
Members: $13
General Public: $18
Register on the Architectural Heritage Centers website.
