The Trowbridge House | Architect Frenchie Gratts

This custom 1964 beauty was designed by architect Frenchie Gratts. While you may not have heard his name before, you are probably familiar with his work in Krisana Park and Lynwood. Gratts helped developer Brad Wolff realize his desire to bring enclaves of Eichler style homes to Denver.

The modest appearance from the street belies this homes impressive modernist design. An interesting departure from his A-frames, this home’s hexagonal central shape with vaulted ceilings and walls of glass make for a dramatic space.

(Click arrows in upper right corner for larger images)

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3 bedroom | 2 bath | 2,000+ square feet | 2 car garage | .37 acres

When you’re ready to restore, buy, or sell your unique residence, we’d love to put our in-depth knowledge and 15 years of experience to work for you. Let’s chat!

 

 

Listing Brokerage: Porchlight Real Estate
Photos Courtesy of Listing Brokerage and REColorado

Hirose House | Architect Gary Landin

constructivist fireplace wall

A wonderful example of early 70’s rustic modernism perched on a hillside, sited to take advantage of an expansive front range and city view.  Outside the use of wood and stone makes the home seem a natural extension of its setting. Inside, the use of glass further marries the home to its environment by inviting ample sunlight while highlighting the views of trees and sky.

Designed by Gary Landin of Crowther, Kruse, Landin & Associates. He graduated from Greeley High School and received his architecture degrees from the University of Colorado. In 1973, he was a founding member of Intergroup, Inc., now known as Intergroup Architects.

This original owner home is currently on the market for the first time and we hope the new owners will do very little to disturb this historic modern jewel. (Click the arrows in the upper right corner for the full size slide show)

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5 bedroom | 4 bath | 3300+ square feet | 3 car garage | .28 acre

When you’re ready to restore, buy, or sell your unique residence, we’d love to put our in-depth knowledge and experience to work for you. Let’s chat!

 

Listing Brokerage: Re/Max Alliance
Photos Courtesy of Listing Brokerage and REColorado

A Peek at Historic Modern Homes Sold in 2016

 

Last year I was surprised when a colleague suggested that there were very few noteworthy mid-century modern architects in Colorado.

Considering the entire state’s population in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s hovered around 1.5 million, I’ve always been impressed by just how many noteworthy architects contributed to Colorado’s modernist landscape. Quite a few were born and raised here and graduated from ivy league schools while others came here from other states to launch their careers. True, some moved on to work in more populated areas, but they all left us with some really unique historic modern architecture.

Certainly, many examples of their work have been lost over the years, but we saw many examples come on the market in 2016. We love looking at them and thought you would, too

We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about a house and/or architect.

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Considering buying or selling modern architecture?

Please contact us to find out how you will benefit from our extensive catalog and in-depth knowledge of Metro Denver’s vintage mid-century and historic modern architecture! 

720.279.4884

shannon@5280mod.com

The Zavislan House

 

Photo courtesy of Alan Golin Gass

$595,000

If you follow our Facebook page, then you probably recognize this wonderful example of historic modern architecture.

The architect, Alan Golin Gass, considers this 1960’s custom home the best of his residential designs. We are happy to report that it still maintains most of his original design features. One of our favorites is the fireplace…we’d love to show it to you in person and share what else we’ve learned about the house from its creator.

 

Photo courtesy of Alan Golin Gass

4 bedroom | 2 bath | 3200 sq. ft. | walkout basement | .60 acre

Photo courtest of Alan Golin Gass

Take the Virtual Tour 

 

 

Considering buying or selling modern architecture? Please contact us to find out how you will benefit from our extensive catalog and in-depth knowledge of Metro Denver’s vintage mid-century and historic modern architecture! 

720.279.4884

shannon@5280mod.com

Farewell to the Lof House

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This unique 1956 Usonian home, designed by architect James M. Hunter with associate Tician Papachristou in collaboration with Prof. George Lof, is considered internationally significant for pioneering the use of modern engineered solar building design. Last Spring, I became aware that the heirs of George Lof had been advised that the home had no value and should be torn down. I contacted Lof’s son and asked him to reconsider in the hopes we could locate a preservation minded buyer. The heirs postponed the demo and gave me the opportunity to alert 5280mod followers and every local preservationist I knew about the plight of the Lof House. Here is the announcement we sent last April:

Lof House Announcement

There were several interested parties, one who even put the house under contract and diligently scoured every possible financial resource  and incentive to make the restoration project viable. Unfortunately, five decades worth of water damage and deferred maintenance made the scope of the project too burdensome for any private buyer to take on. Subsequently, the property was sold to a young family at the end of January and will be razed.

I would like to thank everyone who helped to spread the word, considered taking this project on, or took the time to document it. (No millionaires were harmed during these preservation efforts.) The Lof Family wished to see the house saved, but they take solace in the knowledge that they did their best to find someone who could restore it.

Here is a picture of Prof. Lof with the solar collectors on the roof of the house and some more photos. (Click for a larger version)

Even more pictures and information at Historic Denver!

I am passionate about matching historic modern homes with the enthusiasts who love them. While there have been some losses like the Lof House and the Wallbank House, there have also been success stories which I hope to showcase in the coming months.

Marlow House – Then and Now

Recently the home of Joseph and Louise Marlow came on the market. Not surprisingly, it was under contract within a week.

A remarkable residence from 1948 with original features we consider contemporary…waxed concrete floors with radiant heat, for instance. The Marlow’s designed the home for their own family and it is still a very livable, family friendly space. Here is a photo spread from the 1952 Architectural Record book “A Treasury of Contemporary Houses.” (Click the thumbnails for larger pictures)

The home has been altered slightly to create a larger master suite and the kitchen appears to have been updated in the 80’s. The concrete floors have been tiled over and the wonderful original fireplace has been enclosed. I don’t think it would be too difficult to get the house back to its original loveliness and we hope the new owners are preservation minded!

THE HOME IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR RENT.

Click for the virtual tour of the home as it looks today.

Stanbro Real Estate llc, the new home of 5280mod, is a full service brokerage helping buyers AND NOW sellers. Contact us when you are ready to put our knowledge of historic modern architecture and passion for preservation to work for you!

720.279.4884

shannon@5280mod.com

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Listing Brokerage: Distinctive Properties