As we continue to develop the story of Michigan’s role in modern design, we would like to include your stories, articles, and photographs, or simply tell us about a mid-century modern building in your community. To be a partner in this project, all you have to do is send your story or information to the address below, or you can email one of the project contacts by clicking on their name.
Mailing Address
Michigan State Historic Preservation Office
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
702 West Kalamazoo Street
Post Office Box 30740
Lansing, Michigan 48909-8240
Telephone: (517) 373-1630
Facsimile: (517) 335-0348
Electronic Mail: preservation@michigan.gov
Project Contacts
Brian Conway, State Historic Preservation Officer
Amy Arnold, Project Coordinator
Todd Walsh, Social Media Coordinator
10 responses so far ↓
erich bolinger // July 28, 2009 at 1:13 pm |
This house was also built by Harold Turner. It is in Southfield not in Bloomfield Hills as listed. There are some great shots of the home. After Harold Turner’s association with Wright, he became a “designer-builder” in the Detroit area; just like Mr. Henken and Mr. Resnick, who put Wright’s theories into practice in Usonia, the Wright community in New York. I feel that Harold Turner should also be recognized as a great Michigan mid century modern Designer/Builder
Paul Ringstrom // August 11, 2009 at 10:30 pm |
I would like to suggest that you add floor plans to the exterior photos of your residences. This would greatly enhance the educational quality of your site.
Please add ALL of the Alden Dow houses.
MI SHPO // August 12, 2009 at 6:04 pm |
We agree with you about adding plans. Unfortunately, we do not have plans for many of the buildings we have in our files. We’ll be sure to add them as we get them.
We’ll be adding more information on Alden Dow’s work, as well as many of the other architects and designers who worked in Michigan. Be sure to check back often to see what’s been added!
Dan Hardin & Cindy Frey // September 2, 2009 at 2:00 pm |
Erich’s note above references our home, (new link below), but there are numerous other Turner homes in the Bloomfield area, and some outside Grand Blanc. Turner’s own home is off Telegraph north of Long Lake.
Turner was Frank Lloyd Wright’s master builder on two homes you have already listed (Affleck & Wall) as well as the Goetsch- Winkler home in Okemos.
http://suzannecagwin.reinhartrealtors.com/find_a_home/5547765/29997_Briarbank_Ct_SOUTHFIELD_MI_48034
Amber Cecil // September 25, 2009 at 2:05 pm |
There is a most amazing example of modern residential design in Oakland Twp., Mi. It is the Walter P. Reuther and May Wolf House, designed by Oscar Stonorov. There are two main residential structures, Reuthers house and a smaller guest house built on an island in the near by river, reachable by a small wooden footbrigde. There is some great information at the following website: http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/hso/hstypematch.asp?abp=113&mrkr=nrl
Karl Lafler // December 20, 2009 at 9:19 pm |
While I have no background,I do appreciate history.Out for a Sunday stroll down Oakland st. I happened to find an old 20”x12”(approx.) certificate frame lying in the gutter.In it was an original New York state license to practise architecture,complete with state seal.Dated 12 Sept.1941. Grantee was Elmer J. Manson. Although time worn it is in good condition.Does he still have relatives in the area? How would this end up in the street?Any help out there? email me at lafler.karl@yahoo.com
Tim Bosanoz // January 29, 2010 at 9:51 pm |
Great project! Long overdue!Before moving to Chicago, I am orginally from Detroit and worked in many Detroit offices.I believe you should include the following Architects: Harvey Ferrero, still practicing, Earle W. Pellerin, deceased former head of architecture at Lawrence Tech. Richard Rochon, recently deceased architectural delineator, Sigmund Blum, former head of design at SH&G architects. If I think of more I’ll let you know.
MI SHPO // January 29, 2010 at 9:56 pm |
Hi Tim,
Thanks for the heads up on the architects you noted. We really appreciate your contribution, and, yes, please send us more names as you think of them… or, if you are aware of any buildings constructed by these individuals, please let us know that too.
michelle wiedenbein // January 29, 2010 at 11:54 pm |
I live in Midland and work at Midland Memorial Garden Cemetery. Our chapel was built in 1957 approx. We believe it is Midwest Modern and might be Alden B Dow. How do we find out? The chapel has a steep pitch to the roof that overhangs the building quite far. What is interesting is that the architect put large square holes in the roof so when you stand in the chapel you see the ground and the sky but, nothing inbetween. It is as if he was saying: to the ground I commend the body to the heavens the spirit.
William Blair Scott, Jr. // February 17, 2010 at 1:07 am |
I am developing a monograph on a Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Traverse City Architect named Francis William Willsey. If anyone has information on Mr. Willsey, I would be very interested in including in my research.
Thank you
William Blair Scott, Jr.
Architectural Historian