The 1950s Mid-Century Modern Renovation Tour

Press Release From: The Alden B. Dow Home & Studio and Mid-Century Modern Midland.  
The Alden B. Dow Home & Studio and Mid-century Modern Midland are pleased to announce the 1950s Renovation Tour. This event features three exceptional residential structures, each designed in the 1950s, that have been beautifully renovated. The cost of this event is $30.

The Josephine Ashmun Residence by Alden B. Dow FAIA,1951.
This wooden A-frame design was affectionately referred to as the “Timber Teepee” by Josephine Ashmun, a cousin of the architect. Upon entering the house, the rafters of the A-frame support the upper gallery and extend beyond the interior to the supporting concrete buttresses on the exterior. The later addition of skylights in the gallery and porch areas expanded the spatial quality of the home. Multiple windows along the roof ridge lighten the interior spaces. The massiveness of the wood, in contrast to the lightness of the space, is breathtaking. Mr. Dow received more inquiries about the Josephine Ashmun Residence than any of his other designs.
 
Recently renovated to update the kitchen and dining areas, as well as changes to the bedroom wing, it is a perfect example of renovations that maintain the initial intentions of the architect while updating to meet the needs of owners in the 21^st century.
 
Blackhurst Realty #8 by Alden B. Dow, Inc., 1959.
In 1958, Blackhurst Reality engaged Alden B. Dow’s firm, known then as Alden B. Dow, Inc., to create five modest house designs they could modify and duplicate. The realty company built fourteen homes using these designs, with modifications for their future owners. Design #2, dated 1959, is the foundation for this home built in 1960 for the Walter Patten family. The open floor plan features a wall of windows which brings in natural light to the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
 
While maintaining the original three bedroom, two bath layout, the back half of this structure has been reconfigured and renovated to incorporate a large walk-in closet in the primary bedroom suite and to create access to the backyard and deck from the primary bedroom.
 
The Sherk Residence by Alden B. Dow FAIA, 1954.
From the street, the Sherk Residence appears to be a single-story concrete block home. A flat roof covers the garage while a low-pitched roof caps a long block wall that encloses the upper living area. Upon entering the residence, the space opens to reveal a two-story structure set into a sloping lot. Windows stretching fourteen feet high at the back of the house bring natural light and the outdoors into this space. Originally, a balcony overlooked the living room beneath the dining room.
 
Renovations by subsequent owners have included eliminating the balcony to add floor space by extending the living area floor to the windows, updating the kitchen, incorporating a wine room and upstairs laundry, as well as remodeling the primary suite bathroom.
 
 
Policies & Tour Information:
Pre-registration is required for all participants. No tickets will be sold on the day of the event. Children must be 8 years of age or older. Guests provide their own transportation and will be checked in at each home before entering. Each guest is allowed one entry per residence and can visit them in any order. These private residences are not wheelchair accessible. Shoe coverings are mandatory and will be provided. Docents will be stationed throughout the homes and will share details about the structures. No food, drink, or gum allowed inside the homes. No photos or recording of any kind will be permitted. Tours will commence rain or shine. You can register for the tour at www.abdow.org or by calling 1 (866) 315-7678. The cost of this event is $30. Home & Studio tours will be available at 11am and 2pm at an additional cost.