March 28, 2014/McLean Virginia /by Mid-Century Mike

MCM Pocket in McLean

Chilton Court is a cul-de-sac of mid-century modern homes just off Old Dominion Drive in McLean. Seven of the homes retain their mid-century modern exterior while one of the home has been altered. While I’m not sure who designed the homes, which are in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood, the mostly post-and-beam designs definitely evoke Eichlers in California. One of the homes (which has some updates) currently on the market for $869K features clerestory windows, extended eaves, open staircase and prominent fireplace in the living room. A nice outdoor space continues the California vibe. Looks like the house is open Sunday from 1 to 4 pm.

March 26, 2014/Docomomo /by Mid-Century Mike

It’s Official: Docomomo DC Recognized; Meeting This Thursday

Philip Johnson’s 1958 University of St. Thomas in Houston. Photo by Tom Jester.

After several years of discussions and planning efforts, Docomomo DC has been recognized as an official chapter of Docomomo US. The application for formal chapter status was approved by Docomomo US’s Board at the group’s recent national symposium in Houston. (The symposium was held at the University of St. Thomas, pictured above, which was designed by Philip Johnson in 1958.) The DC chapter becomes the 17th U.S. chapter of the preservation organization. You can join Docomomo US and the DC chapter here. Stay tuned for more as the chapter gets up and running.

The chapter’s logo created by local graphic designer Joshua Gomby.

If you want to be a part of this effort, the next chapter meeting will be held this Thursday, March 27, at 6:00 pm. The meeting will be held at Quinn Evans Architects, 2121 Ward Place, NW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20037. The group will need as many voices as possible as the areas mid-century modern resources face increasing threats. An example: The Montgomery County Council last night voted to knock down the Arthur Keyes-designed Wheaton Youth Center.

March 24, 2014/Mid-Century Modern /by Mid-Century Mike

Area Mid-Century Vacation Homes

It’s spring–at least that is what the calendar says–so it is time to get out of the house, explore and get ready for summer. I thought I would post some mid-century homes not too far from DC that could be nice weekend retreats — or full time residences if you want to feel like you are on vacation all year. This looks to be a 1980 Deck House in Arnold, Md. but the original design is more mid-century modern. It is listed for $479K. This 1976 A-frame sits on more than an acre in New Oxford, Pa. and is listed at $134K. I like this 1966 mid-century modern listed for $1.060 million near the water in Severna Park, Md. Here’s a 1965 beach house right on the Severn River. It is listed at $899K. And how about this 1978 passive solar and earth shelter home on more than 12 acres in King George, Va.? Listed for $359K.

March 11, 2014/Southwest /by Mid-Century Mike

Redevelopment Ready to Hit Southwest Waterfront

The major redevelopmet of Southwest DC’s waterfront is slated to kick off later this month. (See the recent Washington Post piece here.) More than 50 years ago, Southwest underwent a massive transformation, representing at the time the largest urban renewal project in U.S. history. The effort to create a “modernist Utopia” in the nation’s capital was led by the likes of Chloethiel Woodard Smith, Charles Goodman, I.M. Pei, Morris Lapidus, Keyes, Lethbridge and Condon, Marcel Breuer, Edward Durell Stone and Harry Weese. This mid-century modern redevelopment effort was even highlighted in a exhibition at the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels.

As the new round of redevelopment begins, mid-century modern buildings that contribute to the unique architectural heritage of Southwest will be lost, including the 1966 Saint Augustine Episcopal Church by Alexander Cochran of the Baltimore firm, C, S & D, Inc. (pictured above). From the preservation point of view, the question remains: how will this development ultimately impact the mid-century modern architetcure and aestehtic of Southwest. While revitalization of the area is needed, how can it be done in a way that complements the existing architecture?

In recent year, local activists have worked hard to have local residential complexes recognized as historic, including Tiber Island, Harbour Square and most recently, I.M Pei ‘s Town Center East (above). The expected formation of a local Docom0mo chapter will hopefully add another voice in these efforts to preserve the architecture of Southwest amid the major changes to the area.

Month: March 2014