DO.CO.MO.MO (International working party for Documentation and Conservation of building sites and neighborhoods of the Modern Movement) sponsors a tour day every October, and this year our Minnesota tour was titled Time Capsules. Every year includes stunning examples of modernism but this year had a focus on properties built 1955-1960 that were largely unchanged or restored.
The top part of the photo above is of a home in St. Paul tucked back on a steep slope overlooking Lexington Avenue. It seems many architect designed homes are on lots not suitable for traditional, stock floor plans… resulting in interesting sites as well as architecture designed to fit the site. This house was built in 1957, designed by Fasth, Hillstrom & Horty… a one-story with beautiful wood and custom built-ins throughout. Note the full wall of built-in media storage in the top right photo.
The bottom group of photos above are from the ALCOA Aluminum house in St. Louis Park, also built in 1957, designed by Charles M. Goodman. It is one of only a handful of aluminum houses in the US and the only one in Minnesota. A ‘California’ rambler design, it has floor-to-ceiling walkout patio doors in nearly every room including the bedrooms and a carport that is partially enclosed including a garage door… adapted for Minnesota weather? I love the decorative windows patterns, the playful purple exterior, and open floor plan that still feels current.
I have been driving by the house above in Golden Valley for years and have often wished I could see it. Built in 1960, it was designed by architect Thomas B. Hendrix who lived there with his family until it was sold to only the second owner in 2013. This one made me feel like I was at Palm Springs Modernism Week… simply stunning. I love the original turquoise cabinet interiors in the kitchen.
The last house above, overlooking Diamond Lake in Minneapolis, was built in 1955 by Carl Graffunder. He owned Dale Tile Co. and it shows… there are mosaic tile designs on the floors and walls in every room, and even on the exterior… it truly is a one-of-a-kind!
Look for next year’s tour in October 2019!
Interested in finding your own mid-century-modern gem? Let’s get together, I would love to help!
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com – 612-419-0560
