Posts Tagged ‘tulsa’
Visit the TFA Archives July 1st
June 18th, 2008
Come put on your white gloves (literally) and see original photos and blueprints of classic Tulsa modern architecture. Should be fun! Thank you TFA for hosting this event. White gloves provided.
Tags: architecture, archives, event, tulsa
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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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Resounding Success
May 9th, 2008
Modern Tulsa’s debut last night was a resounding success. With 100+ in attendance it was quickly apparent that Modern Tulsa had hit a nerve that we believed to be there all along. Photographs of last nights event will be available shortly. Stay tuned for more event announcements as well as an increase in Modern Tulsa articles. We would like to thank those who made last night possible, The Fadem Family, Herman Miller, Maharam and RetroRedo.com. We would like to especially thank those who were in attendance. In order for Modern Tulsa to truly be effective we rely on the participation of those individuals in Tulsa who feel passionately about the architecture and design of our collective heritage.
If you have not joined TFA yet, please visit their website here and become a member to show your support in our mission to preserve and promote Tulsa architecture. (Membership is only $35)
Tags: architecture, modern, tulsa
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Tomorrow’s Event - How to get there.
May 7th, 2008
We have had wonderful response regarding our up and coming event and anticipate a huge turnout of genuinely interested people tomorrow. Now as long as the weather cooperates we are going to have a blast. Well, we will probably have a good time in any case though a sunny day would be nice.
I wanted to inform you that the address of the event is 6259 S Jamestown Ave. rather than 6529, as the first version of our flier stated. Please see the map below. Head for the green ellipse rather than the arrow. I will post some signs around the neighborhood as well.
I am personally very excited to get to know all of you I have yet to meet. See you all tomorrow! - cole
Tags: event, modern, 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 for Sale in Midtown
April 29th, 2008
This Mid Century modern home designed by Donald Honn is a rare opportunity. With many original materials and fixtures carefully preserved this home offers a wonderful style of home rarely available at this price. Though similar in architectural style this home is across Yale Ave. from Lortondale subdivision, nearer downtown Tulsa. For more information or a private tour please contact Dustin Thames @ 918.814.9555. $109,000
Tags: home for sale, mid century modern, midtown, 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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Tulsa is 72nd Most Walkable City
March 27th, 2008
According to the extensive survey conducted by Prevention.com Tulsa falls into the countries 100 most walkable cities, barely, at number 72. While not necessarily modern, this is relevant in my opinion in the sense that sustainability of society is very similar to the preservation of architecture. The goals are similar in my eyes and complement each other: preserve our cities architectural uniqueness and promote the walk-ability and charm of urban Tulsa. Do others agree?
100 Best Walking Cities- by the editors of prevention
When Prevention and the American Podiatric Medicine Association (APMA) evaluated the 100 most populous US cities for the ranking, the criterion that counted most was the percentage of people who regularly walked–either for fitness and health or to get to and from work. APMA President Dr. Harold Glickman says, “The Best Walking Cities competition recognizes those cities that don’t just ‘talk the talk’ but literally ‘walk the walk.’”
Other criteria included various walking-friendly attributes such as low crime rates, mild year-round temperatures, the number of cultural attractions, participation in recreational sports, and pet ownership.
The overall survey included more than 18,000 topics of information about the top 100 cities from sources including the Census Bureau, other government agencies, and market research surveys.
In addition to the top 10 walking cities, other major US cities ranked as follows: New York (25); San Francisco (34); San Diego (16); Los Angeles (43); Seattle (22); Boston (26); Phoenix (33); Philadelphia (31); Chicago (77); Houston (42); Minneapolis (71); Miami (79). The complete rankings are listed here.
Tags: tulsa, urban, walkable
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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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