The Rosenbaum House (Frank Lloyd Wright in Florence, Alabama)

I first drove by the 1939 Usonian home back in about 1990 or 1991 when it was still in the hands of the Rosenbaum family. It was in need of maintenance and updates, as would be expected. It came into the possession of the city of Florence in 1999 and after an extensive renovation was opened to the public a few years later. This is the only Wright structure in Alabama, and I am thankful to the City of Florence and the countless volunteers who worked to save this specimen. We finally had a chance to visit the home a few weeks ago.

I had been to Fallingwater and some of the homes in Chicago, as well as two other Usonians, so I knew what to expect. What was interesting was coming to the realization that the home is simply one of dozens in a regular residential neighborhood . . . with a giant Elementary School building next door. It makes the house seem small, in a way. But it is wonderful, nonetheless.

I highly recommend you make the trip, if you can. It's a nice drive, and you can have lunch at Rosie's Cantina!

http://www.wrightinalabama.com/index.html




This was originally a play yard for the Rosenbaum's four boys, but after they were grown, the couple converted it into a Japanese garden. This will be my inspiration for the reimagination of our indoor garden. Of late, it had become a repository for wayward, huge houseplants. I think something more pared down is in order.




And a few shots from our kitchen. The Zodiaq Papyrus countertop is in place. Robot says yay!!!

Take off the chill with some new mod listings -- all over town!

I always try to keep an eye on available mod properties, because I trust you all will find good new owners for them. And since it is still a bit chilly outside, you can tour from the comfort of your favorite chair. Come along with me. We're walking, people! Walking, walking!

Some Birmingham city properties:

Crestline Gardens, the cute little development off Montevallo Road at Elder, for a mere $179,900:
http://tinyurl.com/144-Fern-St



Another in nearby Mountaindale, a wonderful location adjacent to Mountain Brook:
http://tinyurl.com/4405-Mountaindale



And something in Forest Park for $450K:
http://tinyurl.com/4736-S-Clairmont



Homewood offers a nice solid ranch for only $199,900. This is a steal for Homewood schools:
http://tinyurl.com/400-Crest-Drive



Another Homewood property for only $229,500:
http://tinyurl.com/1636-Beckham-Drive



Some Vestavia choices:

For $219,500 . . .
http://tinyurl.com/1825-Canyon-Road



and for $261,000 . . .
http://tinyurl.com/1816-Old-Creek-Trail



Here is one in Hoover - it looks unassuming from the outside, but is something quite different within for $219,900:
http://tinyurl.com/1924-Deo-Dara-Drive




This one is fabulous for only $219,900. It rests in the Historic Lakewood neighborhood in the city of Bessemer among other stately Tudors, etc. There are great neighbors there, so if Lucy-and-Ricky-move-to-Connecticut is your thing, don't let this pretty-much-intact colonial escape you.
http://tinyurl.com/106-Waverly-Circle



And a trip around town just isn't complete without a stop in Mountain Brook.

This one must be fabulous, because the listing shows no photo from the outside. Say what? Yes, no outside photo. I have learned that realtors selling in certain areas feel that "modern" is a wayward child to be hidden behind their skirts as they market a property. But they can't fool me. I know a good one when I see it:
http://tinyurl.com/4332-Old-Brook-Trail


And one in the area around Mtn. Brook Junior High, where we toured a few months back (on this one they're afraid to show photos of the inside):
http://tinyurl.com/3425-Mountain-Park-Drive


Happy traveling! Don't forget to tip your bartenders and waitresses.

I Love WPA Art

I know it's not technically MCM. But I just love this stuff. This mural is in the ca. 1929 Montevallo, AL post office:



I understand the funding for these murals wasn't always through WPA, but that is how they are known. Here is a link to other depression-era art in Alabama's libraries,post offices and courthouses:

http://www.wpamurals.com/alabama.htm