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:
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.