Big D Mid Century Modern by Prinz & Brooks

Here’s a gem that was on the Dallas market a year or two ago. This is (was) the Hayes Residence, designed by Harold E. Prinz and LeVere Brooks in 1956. Recently, I discovered some b&w pics taken when the house was new, so I decided to do a little then and now comparison. The b&w photos are by Maynard Parker and are from the Huntington Library. Clicking on the b&w pics will get you a high-res shot and the color ones will take you to my Prinz & Brooks Flickr set to see more.

Here’s an article from the Sept 07 issue of D Magazine by Mary Candace Evans -

“This mid-century modern beauty was designed by Harold E. Prinz and LeVere Brooks in 1956 for the first Chevrolet dealer in town, Earl Hayes. The property was published in the American Institute of Architects Guide to Dallas Architecture. Cantilevered over a spring-fed lake on a Kessler hillside, the 7,301-square-foot home features floor–to-ceiling windows, brick walls, travertine floors, and original rich wood interior walls. The house boasts four bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths, four living areas, three carport stalls, and separate three-car garage on nearly 2 wooded acres. The master suite has an adjoining sound-proofed office or sitting room with balcony. Further amenities include a wine cellar, two separate quarters, 10-foot-deep pool with solid brass four-tiered fountain, two poolside dressing rooms, and a green lawn irrigated by lake water. Hidden storage abounds, including two walk-in basements.”

Google Street View: 718 Kessler Lake Dr

Say Hey, It’s Willie Mays’ Hillside Pad

From the pages of Ebony, August 1963 is phototour of Willie Mays‘ mod house. It’s interesting to see the mix of styles in here, particularly Willie’s bedroom. It goes to show that not everyone who lived in a Modern home filled it with furniture by Eames, Nelson, Knoll, etc.

The home was constructed by speculative builder Al Maisin and even though the article says an architect was involved they don’t mention his name.

The house still exists, but I couldn’t find any other details. Here’s what Google Maps shows. I’ve included some snapshots from Google at the bottom of the page.

Click on each pic for a larger view

Rare Morris Lapidus House in WSJ. Magazine

The Wall Street Journal is featuring one of the three residences that Lapidus designed. Take a look:

WSJ. Magazine -The House That Lapidus Built

More Links about Morris Lapidus:

The Luxury of Lapidus Glamour, Class, and Architecture in Miami Beach

Lapidus Resurrected

Hiding in Plain Sight (3) – Matsumoto’s Lipman Residence

Another one of our favorites here is George Masumoto’s Lipman Residence. Located in Richmond, Virginia, it was built in 1957. This “split-level” was included in the book Contemporary Houses Evaluated by Their Owners (1961). Here’s a pdf of that article: background-of-simplicity-lipman-residence-matsumoto

It was a pleasant surprise when I came across these new photos of the Lipman house on ryantevebaugh’s Flickr page. Although it looks like there was an addition built, Matsumoto’s design still looks good 50 years on. Enjoy these full color pics of Mid Century Modern goodness:

Links:

Lipman Residence article from Contemporary Houses Evaluated by Their Owners (pdf)

George Matsumoto Set on Flickr

ryantevebaugh’s Lipman Residence Set on Flickr

George Matsumoto video interview (1997)

Is This A Tear-Down?

Save This House!

Well the realtor certainly thinks so. I haven’t seen this neat example of Mid Century architecture in person, so I can’t vouch for it 100%, but the available pics make it look pretty well taken care of.

This California-style ranch, built in 1960, is a rare find in the Atlanta area. Even more interesting is that it appears much of the original detail is still intact. It would be a shame to see a soulless McMansion taking its place. Hopefully, the slow housing market and the $975K asking price will prevent a developer from knocking down this gem.

Entry...Looks like original door hardware and check out the planters.

Family Room & Kitchen...Beams, bricks, wood paneling

Links:

Jenny Pruitt & Associates