Archive for the ‘Historical’ Category
Wagon Wheel, Oxnard, CA Faces Demolition
July 16th, 2008
I received an email from the administrator or Lotta Living on this subject. Text as follows…
The Wagon Wheel Motel is a unique architectural specimen, worthy of restoration. The Wagon Wheel’s adaptive reuse should be looked at as an opportunity to have an authentic gateway feature that embraces local history and memorializes an Oxnard pioneer – Martin V. Smith – instead of yet another endless stretch of 18 foot high cinderblock wall, like every other community from Orange County to Silicone Valley.
The Wagon Wheel maintains its integrity from its period of significance (1947 through 1965), and therefore qualifies as an historic resource. It should be adaptively reused consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The Environmental Impact Report and 2 peer reviews find that the Wagon Wheel Motel, the Wagon Wheel Restaurant, bowling alley and the El Ranchito restaurant are potentially eligible as a City of Oxnard Landmarks. The Oxnard Cultural Heritage Board has found the four buildings eligible for City of Oxnard Historic Landmark status. The San Buenaventura Conservancy has also found these buildings worthy of preservation and inclusion on their list of 11 Most Endangered Historic Resources.
These structures are eligible on the basis of Oxnard landmark criteria #2. (Is identified with persons or events which are significant in national, state or local history). And #8 (It is one of the few remaining examples in the County possessing distinguishing characteristics of an architectural or historical type or specimen). In this case the significant person associated with the structures is Martin V. Smith, the most influential developer in the history of Oxnard. No better monument to Smith exists, and many of his projects have already been demolished or redeveloped. The Wagon Wheel structures are an excellent example of the themed roadside motel, and development from the pre-Holiday Inn era. Mid-century roadside Americana is being demolished or redeveloped at an alarming rate leaving few intact examples. The Wagon Wheel was Martin V. Smith’s pioneering development, featuring unique architecture, a western theme, and an ever-expanding destination for weary travelers on the 101. These qualities still exist, although since the property was closed, in 2005 no maintenance or care has been given to the buildings and they have suffered recent vandalism fallen into a state of cosmetic disrepair. Their tourism value is fantastic, because like Farmer’s Market on Fairfax in Los Angeles, the Wagon Wheel is authentic, not a themed mall, but a truly American resource, that with restoration will become more and more desirable over time as other structures of this type are razed. The Environmental Impact Report, referencing the historic resource peer reviews, states that the four buildings are historic resources and therefore their demolition cannot be mitigated. The project could be modified to maintain the Wagon Wheel or one of the EIR alternatives could be accepted. The EIR lists a range of feasible alternatives, they all include preservation of the historic resources and adaptive re-use thereof, any of the alternatives are favorable to the project, which would demolish all structures on the site.
Tags: demolition
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Modern Tulsa at the TFA Archives
July 15th, 2008
Located in the basement of the Kennedy Building at 4th and Boston, the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture Archives houses over 30,000 architectural drawings, historic photographs, remnants of buildings, and other related architectural ephemera. Two of the five major collections are comprised of mostly modern designs, the Murray Jones Murray Collection and the Robert E. Buchner Collection.
Murray Jones Murray was an architectural firm formed in Tulsa in 1957 by David Murray, Robert Lawton Jones, and Lee Murray. David and Lee, brothers, attended Oklahoma State University. Robert Jones attended the University of Notre Dame as an undergrad, the Illinois Institute of Technology, studying under Mies Van der Rohe as a graduate student, and Technical University in Karlsruhe, Germany on a Fulbright Grant. Some of MJM’s designs include the Tulsa International Airport, the Tulsa Civic Center, the Robert Jones House, Center Park Plaza, First Place Tower, and the Tulsa Assembly Center. MJM’s work been recognized nationally and in Europe in publications as Bauen + Wohnen and Schoner Wohnen.
Robert E. Buchner practiced architecture in Tulsa from the early 1950s until the 1970s. After attending the University of Michigan, Robert Buchner worked at a number of different architectural firms in various cities; as draftsman for Donald McCormick in Tulsa, as a designer for Raymond Loewy in New York City, and as a designer at Sidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) in New York City. Mr. Buchner was a founding partner of the firm Ramey, Himes and Buchner in Wichita, KS before returning to Tulsa to start his own practice. In conjunction with his architectural practice, Buchner maintained an interiors division for furniture, fabric, and accessories. This would eventually lead Mr. Buchner to open Robert Buchner Selections, a unique gift store in Utica Square. Some of Mr. Buchner’s designs include the Ponca City Savings & Loan building (7th & Boston), the Florence Park Library, Engler Photo (Springer Electric), the H.L. Singletary Residence, and the Scherbatskoy Residence.
In addition to the thousands of modern architectural drawings, the TFA Archives also houses over 300 historic photographs of modern architecture in Tulsa, including numerous photos taken by the famous modernist photographer Julius Shulman. The TFA Archives also owns an extensive collection of bound architectural periodicals such as Architecture Forum, Progressive Architecture, and Architectural Record, many featuring modern buildings in Tulsa. Because Mr. Buchner also dealt with interior design, his collection contains numerous advertising pieces, catalogs, and promotional items for vintage modern furniture.
Vist tulsaarchitecture.com or email Derek at derek@tulsaarchitecture.com for more details.
Tags: Add new tag, arhives, buchner, murray jones murray
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Woodward Park
June 12th, 2008
I’m sure many of you have visited the renowned Woodward Park near Utica Square to see the picturesque lake and lovely scenery. I was there the other day enjoying the weather and was drawn to this recreational structure, which has a great look to it. Though weather worn the design of this structure is quite modern. It has a massive cantilevered roof which I think is really cool. Does anyone know who was responsible for designing or commissioning this work of art? Please share in the comments if you do.
Tags: woodward park
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Roadside Architecture Log
June 5th, 2008
Debra Jane Seltzer is a New Yorker on a mission to photograph roadside architecture across the country. Her travels and road trips take her all over the nation, and she documents it all, obviously a keen observer of roadside life. She meticulously categorizes and indexes her photos by state and type, which includes a nice mid century modern section. A fantastic online museum of roadside design, the organization works. I was able to find this beauty - the Neptune Sub building in OKC I have admired in the past.
Tags: oklahoma, photos, travel
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Modern Homes Make Way for I-44
May 28th, 2008
courtesy of Rex Brown at modernoklahoma.blogspot.com
The widening of I-44 through Tulsa passed a new milestone last week.
Skelly Drive between Riverside Drive and Yale Avenue has remained virtually unchanged since it was built in 1957. In 2005 ODOT released this PDF showing plans of the proposed highway widening west of Yale. The massive, and controversial, undertaking of widening this stretch of interstate began on the west end near Riverside. Homes near Peoria have been moved or demolished.
But last week the first recent work on the west side of Yale Avenue was visible as two duplexes were leveled.
This area along the north side of I-44 is the edge of the Patrick Henry neighborhood, an area known for nice examples of Fifties and Sixties architecture. Most of the dwellings being razed to make way for the highway are duplexes between Pittsburgh and Toledo. Unfortunately one block of very nice mid-century homes on 49th Place will also be lost. Not to mention the old brick gateway for Patrick Henry IV!
Some of these doomed houses are unique, and I thought worth documenting. So I grabbed my camera to snap a few pix before the bulldozers arrived. Here’s a view showing the row of homes soon to be torn down, we’re looking east along 49th Place from Knoxville.
Here’s a house I’ve always admired (and pondered why anyone would molest it with porch lights like that). Jackie calls it the Cake Frosting House because of the mortar squishing out between the bricks. It’s quite original, including the gravel roof and skylights over the patio.
This is one of the more unusual houses in the area. It’s interior patio/entryway is very reminiscent of an Eichler, or what we used to call Patio Homes. We usually refer to it as the Office Building House.
There are many other historic Tulsa structures and businesses being moved or demolished to make way for I-44. But widening of of this portion of highway is long overdue. It’s just sad to see them go.
Tags: demolition, I-44 expansion, patrick henry, tulsa
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New Historic Buchner Photo Set
May 13th, 2008
Modern Tulsa is excited to release the new photo set of the Robert E. Buchner collection, which the TFA Archive has graciously allowed Modern Tulsa to display. Buchner designed many of Tulsa’s iconic Modern buildings including the Ponca City Savings and Loan and the Mayo Meadow Liquor Store (which is no longer with us) among many others. A warm thank you goes out to TFA Archives for their effort in providing digital scans of the Robert E. Buchner collection, which is a must see. View the full photo set here.
Mayo Meadow Liquor Store (above) - From the Robert E. Buchner collection, the TFA Archives, photo by ben newby
Barnes Whitehill House, (above) From the Robert E. Buchner collection, the TFA Archives, photo by Bob McCormick
Tags: architecture, modern, robert buchner, tulsa
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Revisiting Bruce Goff’s Architecture
May 2nd, 2008
Like any other art, architecture must be experienced before one can write adequately about it. Bruce Goff designed many remarkable buildings but I will comment on one of two I have visited and why I think, his work needs to be revisited.
Bruce Goff - a child prodigy who started working in an architectural firm at the age of twelve was the Dean of the College of Architecture at the University of Oklahoma in the 1950s. His creative spirit looms large in that school where his remarkable architectural renderings and those of his students hang on the walls around the College. Like Frank Lloyd Wright, he took pride in drawing and saw the art of drawing as part of the architecture that would take shape. Nowadays, I fear drawing is seen as a means to an end. Like the ancients who created myth, Goff saw drawing as a vehicle to articulate our humanity. The purpose of myth was not to give an historical account of heroes but rather to try to articulate the inexhaustible dealings and feelings of people. It is to Bruce Goff’s credit that he had the skill to translate his ‘dealings and feelings’ from drawings into architecture.
The pool and the sound of water flowing recalls Feng Shui and an Eastern reverence for nature and stillness. His daring cantilevered roofs show a disdain for conventions and throw down a gauntlet at gravity.
He had a fascination with a blue-green color, of which some of his other buildings have bluish-green stones.
Neither he or his work should be forgotten and we must try to preserve his surviving structures.
Written by my friend, Architect Doyin Terriba - who studied at the University of Oklahoma. Photo provided by http://www.narrowlarry.com
Tags: architecture, bruce goff, oklahoma, tulsa
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Mid-Century Modern Rental Available
April 7th, 2008
Great opportunity! Lease this Mid-century modern home designed by renowned architect Cecil Stanfield. This home has all of its original charm including floor to ceiling windows in the dining room, living room, master bedroom and guest bedroom along with modern updates. It has a very open and airy floor plan with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick inside. The large living area with wood burning fireplace is connected to the dining room and kitchen. There are 3 bedrooms total with the master having a private half bath. The main bathroom is good size and nice and bright with skylights in both baths. Newer, clean carpet, central air, high end fridge provided. The home is located in Mid-Town tulsa close to downtown and just down the street from shopping and eating. Great highway access. Lease for $900/mo. before it gets away! -sorry, furniture not included.
contact cole @ 918.779.7095 or cole@moderntulsa.net
Tags: modern, rental, tulsa
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Mod 50s Modern Furniture and Art
March 19th, 2008
Step into mid-century America to get your modern fix at Mod50s in Tulsa. As one of the regions premier retailers of mid-century modern furniture and furnishings, there is quite a bit to take in while strolling through the isles of this unique retail space. Stacks of Eames chairs, vintage dish sets, Danish pottery, designer mid-century living room furniture and colorful artwork decorate this space like an eclectic museum.
Owner, Maurice Powell, has been collecting modern furniture and art for years and has become the local authority on the subject. Between his years of experience, books read and numerous national conventions and auctions attended Maurice is an expert in his field. As a visitor to his store Maurice’s passion is apparent and contagious as he obviously enjoys discussing his merchandise.
“I began collecting 50s items in the 1980s, buying my first red analine dye Eames chair at our local flea market for $15.00. After reading Greenbergs Mid-Century Modern, I began buying designer items and became hooked! I am still hooked to this day, and love dealing in all aspects of the 20th century, from early to late,” said Maurice. “I specialize in mid-century modern furniture and decor, but deal in all genres of antiques. I also have expanded into the art field over the past several years.”
Originally opened as Deco to Disco, Maurice and his sister Jennifer were in business together selling vintage clothing and modern furniture on Cherry Street. They mutually decided to split the business several years ago, according to Maurice, who kept the phone number while Jennifer kept the name. Today both remain in their separate locations down 15th street from one another.
Customers of Mod50s range from avid collectors visiting weekly to hip college kids on the hunt for unique decorations for their dorm rooms. Maurice has also been seeing older customers recently fulfilling desires from years ago. They are purchasing mid-century modern furniture today, which they could not afford back in the 50’s and 60’s when it was released.
Over the past five years, according to Maurice, recognition and demand for modern furniture have flourished. With Mass media and large retailers such as Target and Pottery Barn carrying product lines of renowned designers, modern design has become more mainstream. Mod50s has considered selling some replica pieces though currently stocks primarily vintage collectibles. Mod50s also buys vintage furniture and art.
Visit Mod50’s Modern (Wednesday-Saturday 11-5, Sunday 12-5) at
2921 E 15th St
Tulsa, OK 74104
918.749.3620
visit mod50s ebay store Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: midtown, mod 50s, retail, tulsa
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Ride Over for Houston’s Carousel House
January 24th, 2008
January 24, 2008 By Elizabeth Lunday
In the early 1960s, as NASA opened its Spacecraft Center and the Astros constructed the Astrodome, Houston experienced a building boom with Mies van der Rohe and Phillip Johnson producing rigorously Modern structures. But innovative design wasn’t the exclusive purview of world-famous architects. A store designer and shipbuilder created the Carousel House, which combined the era’s exuberance with the aesthetic of Modernism.
“It was his dream,” says Jean Cohen of the 1963 residence designed by her husband, Bob. Its most distinctive feature was a circular living room with a pleated roof and round central skylight, furnished with a curving custom-made sofa and raw-silk wall coverings. Although it became known as a Mod marvel, the house no longer exists: a new owner began demolishing it in November.
The fate of the Carousel House is hardly unique in Houston. Historic preservationists contend that Modern masterpieces are at risk in a town more concerned with land values than legacy, while developers claim the city is championing individual property rights. Houston is the largest city in the U.S. without any zoning. It has repeatedly voted down such measures, most recently in 1993, in the belief they might stifle growth. Houstonians are accustomed to finding rock-crushing operations sprouting up in residential neighborhoods and rent-by-the-hour motels next door to Baptist churches, although occasionally the city will regulate land use through deed restrictions and ordinances created in response to high-profile cases.
Photos © Ben Hill
Tags: demolitioin, houston, mid century modern
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