Mid-Century Restovation Done Well

This mid-century modern A-frame in the Lynwood neighborhood recently came on the market. Needless to say, it went under contract in mere days. While it was not our listing and we are not involved with it in any way, we wanted to give it more exposure as an example of how to fix and flip a unique modern home.

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We love that many of the original finishes, like mahogany veneer walls, were refreshed and highlighted rather than painted. To prevent the abundance of wood from darkening the interior, the wood floors were lightened and non-wood walls and ceiling kept white.  This really makes the architectural details standout while providing a light and bright space.

Choosing timeless rather than trendy new kitchen cabinets and surfaces retains the original modernist aesthetic and will prevent the home from feeling dated in a few years. We also like the bathroom refresh, timeless fixtures and finishes with a touch of distinct character.

There was also a lot of overgrown landscape removed which reintegrates the home with its mod neighborhood and makes it easier for MCM sightseers to appreciate!

Entering our 15th year of specializing in historic modern and mid-century real estate, we’d love to help you buy or sell yours when the time is right. Just need some advice on remodeling ideas? We’re happy to help you with that, too.

Contact us!

Photos courtesy of: Metro Brokers Realty Oasis/ REColorado

International Style Intersects with Streamline Moderne

SOLD

Denver’s first few International Style homes were built in the mid-1930’s. Subsequent International inspired homes, like this one built in 1939, were commissioned by “upwardly mobile young people with urban orientation. They were willing to experiment and to live in noticeably different housing.” * Sound familiar?

 

3 bedroom | 3 bath | 1788 sq. ft. | 2 car garage | .14 acre

As you can see the difference from the 70’s era photo to today’s, this recently refreshed gem has withstood the test of time. While we would have liked to see a more preservation minded approach to the kitchen and bath updates, we are pleased to see the original fireplace tile, window sills, and some other details still intact.

 

 

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

 

Listing Office: Cherry Creek Properties

*B/W Photo and quote from D. Etter

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

What Our Buyers are Looking at This Week | July 14-20

Here’s a sample of the homes we’re showing our buyer clients this week…

 

80% of our transactions are historic modern and vintage mid-century homes. We’ve specialized in these type of homes since 2002 and have extensive knowledge and personal appreciation for what makes them great!

Please contact us when you’re ready to 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

Historic Modern Homes For Sale | Spring 2013

 

Several historically significant mid-century homes have hit the market recently.

 

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(click the thumbnails for larger pics)

Pictured above is the Nordurland House (1938)  one of the few remaining Eugene Groves’ designed structures. Groves’ residential designs are singular and defy the usual architectural labels. This is one of only 4 residences Groves designed using primarily poured, cast, and reinforced concrete…including concrete studs. More about Groves here.

 

Sink1

The iconic  Beck House (1960) was designed by Charles Sink and this is the first time it has been on the market. Of all the homes showcased here, this one is in the most danger of being razed. Sadly we lost Mr. Sink last month, but his contribution of over 250 commercial and residential projects across the west has enriched vastly the modernist landscape. More about him here.

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This streamline moderne  was commissioned in 1938 as wedding gift and has remained in the same family ever since. Lovely original details are still intact along with a sensitive addition done in the 1950’s. If you know anything about the architect of this home, we hope you’ll share with us.

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The Grant House by Thomas Moore and Victor Hornbein (1954) with a distinctive butterfly roof. Another “one-owner” home with original details overlooking the Denver CC golf course with views of downtown. More about Hornbein and Moore.

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The Knedler House (1963) was the personal residence of architect Marvin Knedler who designed primarily commercial structures, notably One Denver Place in 1981.  The  large 2 story living room and wrap around deck were designed for entertaining and maximizing  the 180 degree mountain and city views. This is the first time this well preserved Usonian home has come to the market.

These are not just houses, but works of art clearly cherished by those who lived in them for 40-70 years. Please contact us for more information on these and other historically significant modern homes in the Denver/Boulder area.

Our Clients’ Homes on Apartment Therapy

Boulder

Boulder MCM Tour

 

Not only do we get to look at gorgeous architecture every day, we also get to work with incredible people. We are thrilled that a few of these homes and their owners have been featured on Apartment Therapy!  All photos by Ashley Poskin. (Click the orange text for the full tour).

ArapahoHills

  Historic Usonian Tour

 Finding the perfect modern home can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. But with patience, diligence, and a little luck, we have been able to help these clients find their dream homes.

 

DotHouse

 The Dot House Tour

 

We do not engage in fix & flipping, doing so would create a conflict of interest by potentially putting us in competition with our own clients.  We want you to reap the benefits of finding and restovating your own mid-century gem. Please contact us when you’re ready to benefit from our extensive catalog and in-depth knowledge of Metro Denver &  Boulder historic modern architecture!

 

720.279.4884

shannon@5280mod.com