Magic City Modern

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum - sweet mod rides!

2012-01-31T10:12:00.000-06:00

So we had company this weekend and were looking for something to do. We seldom have company of the gearhead variety, but this time was an exception. So we went out to the Barber Motorsports Track and Vintage Motorsports Museum near Leeds. This is the largest motorcycle collection in the world. Right here in Birmingham!

www.barbermotorsports.com

Yes, I know I should have gone there before now, but at least I finally went, right? And of course I had to take pictures. No, I don't have all the details on the swell bikes and scooters I saw there (and Lotus automobiles), but I know you'll appreciate them just the same. And for a mere $15, you can go check them out yourselves. So here's a little reminder of why we all love mid-century design so much . . .

Ciao, baby!

The Foundry Thrift Store in Bessemer

2012-01-24T09:45:00.000-06:00

The mister and I were near our old stomping grounds over the weekend so decided to stop in at our old Friday night haunt -- the Foundry Thrift Store. Now, we all know that MCM never really hit Birmingham like it did in other cities, But every now and then you find a gem. Not that these are gems in particular, but they are definitely options. You can have all four pieces for less than $100. So give thrifts a chance!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-18T14:58:00.002-06:00

I'll bet you thought I'd given up. Nope. Not in the least. But the last six months have found me focusing on setting up my law office rather than on sharing the MCM love. And yes, even law offices can be hip. Exhibit A (manufactured back in the day by the Alma furniture company and hauled by a sweaty me from Atlanta to the 'ham this last summer. I know you're jealous):

But I'm back, baby. And I'm committed to showing this blog some love this year.

Let's start off with a look around the 'ham at some mod listings. January 'tis typically not the season for house hunting. But you, brave readers, are exceptions to this rule. I just know it. So if that Womb chair just doesn't look right in the living room of your Hoover townhouse, say no more. Put on your mittens and get in the car. I am here to help you.

315 Linwood Ct. Forest Park. You know this house. You've driven past it for years and wondered what lurked behind the greenery-covered brick walls and the shrubbery. Now you know. After a price drop to $399,000, this Forest Park mod is calling out to one of you. There's an addition I can't quite sort out from the photos (maybe the double-height area?), and part of the garage was taken in to make an extra bedroom, but it's still pretty doggone cool.

http://tinyurl.com/315linwood

If your budget is not quite up to par for Forest Park, just wander a short distance down Clairmont to Crestwood and 5309 10th Court South where this cutie is listed for a mere $190,000. Sure the washer and dryer are in the kitchen. But what price style? And speaking of kitchen, these folks used the same Nexus Yellow-Brown IKEA cabinets that I used. They work well in an MCM home, if I say so myself. Too bad they've been discontinued.

http://tinyurl.com/530910thctso

And one for those in the top 1%. 4320 Old Brook Trail is near the Ireland House and the Fritz Woehle house, and is far enough off the road on its 2.5 acres that the protesters shouldn't bother you much. But we at Magic City Modern will bother you. Because we'll want to get inside and touch things and try hard to become your very, very best friends. A mere $1,290,000. But those clerestory windows and the folded plate roof are priceless, no?

http://tinyurl.com/4320OldBrookTrail

Stay warm, mod babies!

The Post Office gets its design on

2011-06-30T23:44:00.000-05:00

One wouldn't ordinarily expect such a thing, but apparently there is a little patch of hipness somewhere in the depths of the navy blue monolith that is the U.S. Postal Service. Behold, the "Pioneers of Industrial Design" stamps. Dreyfus, Loewy, Wright . . . they're all here. Well, at least twelve of them are here. And these are Forever stamps. That means that much like the designs featured upon them, these stamps will never go stale. So send a letter to your grandma, or write a thank you note. Then you'll have a reason to go pick up a sheet or two of these beauties. They'll be available in July, which by my clock will be here in about 17 minutes. Saddle up. Or click here and order them directly:

http://tinyurl.com/industrial-design-stamps

What's in the antique stores this week.

2011-06-10T08:44:00.000-05:00

I was in town with some time to kill earlier this week, so thought I would make the rounds.

Urban Suburban is in the former Crestwood Antiques location, in the shopping center on the corner of Crestwood Blvd. and 56th St. The folks inside tell me that the mod items their dealers get in tend to sell and get gone pretty quickly (as I would expect for Crestwood, the nerve center of hipness in the 'ham). So this is a place to pop into with some regularity.

First, this amazing china cabinet. With an amazing low price (under $300). It might not be there anymore.

How fun would these be for a summer picnic? I'm just not sure where to get the tiny cartons of milk:

Other goodies:

Then over to Fifth Avenue Antiques. How about this funky hifi?

And finally to Hanna Antiques, one of my favorite haunts, and where the mister and I had a booth back in the day:

LOVE this sideboard:

And these little patio lamps:

And there are seven -- SEVEN -- of these chairs. The upholstery is unspeakable, but that can be fixed:

Go forth and shop!

Corridor X Marks the Spot

2011-05-26T01:01:00.002-05:00

White brick, floor-to-ceiling windows, massive granite fireplace, in-ground pool . . . in West Jefferson. Who knew, right? At least now you do. And for a mere $204,000. It sits in the middle of 7.5 wooded acres, a hop, skip and a jump from Corridor X. You know, this used to be one of those areas that you just couldn't get to from here. Corridor X has changed all that. So, if your idea of swank involves serenity now, pack a lunch, drive out there and check this place out.

http://tinyurl.com/4960-Freewill

____________________________________
And a little something in Vestavia. This one's pretty nifty, and only $249,900.

http://tinyurl.com/2225-garland

More mods on the market: both Mid-century and More Recent

2011-05-14T01:12:00.000-05:00

Hardcore mods are few and far between in the Magic City. So when you find one with nice bones and a couple great features, and it hasn't been remuddled or Frenchie-fied beyond recognition, you add it to your list. Here is a new listing in Vestavia that I really like. $319,900, 4/4, big wooded lot, just off Shades Crest. It's a winner:

http://tinyurl.com/204-Montclaire

An entry from the Tiny Kingdom. Some Frenchification, to be sure (hard to avoid in the 35213 zip, but you know this already) but could be really nifty. 5/3 for $368,000 -- that's reasonable in Mt. Brook dollars:

http://tinyurl.com/3813-Rockbrook

A nice ranch in Crestwood. A little ungainly from the front, and a time capsule inside, it has some nice original features remaining, and is big with a nice big basement for only $209,900.

http://tinyurl.com/1028-54th-st-so

_______________________________

Sometimes newer houses are cool. Here's a contemporary home (ca. 2002) in Redmont, on Altamont, with a killer view. There's a definite reference to Louis Kahn's Esherick house (or at least I see it) with the peek-a-boo street side and the expansively glassed rear. Swap Kahn's espressive use of wood for more contemporary metal, add in a cool $1.395 mil, I think you'd be very happy here indeed. http://tinyurl.com/3508-altamont

Esherick street view:

Altamont street view:

Esherick inside out:

Altamont inside out:

Esherick rear elevation:

Altamont rear view (no complete elevation shots possible absent a crane or helicopter. But there's a bonus shot of the view as some compensation):

_______________________________

I've featured this English Village home before. At the time, I noted that there isn't much recent construction like this in the 'ham. I can think of only a few homes that are similar. And it appears that the field of potential purchasers is equally small, or smaller, as it remains on the market. But I think it's super cool, even at $699,900, so here it is again:

http://tinyurl.com/2211-20th-ave-so

Devastation in the Deep South

2011-04-28T17:02:00.000-05:00

April 27, 2011.

It is a day few of us in Alabama will ever forget.

There isn't much to say that hasn't already been said. The thoughts, prayers and most well wishes of Magic City Modern are with each and every person affected by these unprecedented events.

If you wish to help or volunteer, please consider contacting the following:

http://www.handsonbirmingham.org/

http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=COGP_AL_CentrlAlbm_main

Mods on the Market

2011-04-26T11:35:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted available mods, but here they are!

The Better Homes and Gardens 1955 Idea House. Right here in Vestavia Hills. This was a FSBO a couple of years ago and at that time it was still fairly original. It has had some remuddling done to it, but is still a great place with intact bones. $209,900. That's a bargain, folks. Check out the linked flicker set for the vintage magazine articles and some photos of the Vestavia home prior to the recent remodel.

http://tinyurl.com/2201-Great-Rock

Flicker Set: http://tinyurl.com/BHG-1955

__________________________
Vestavia on the other end of the scale. If you've got a cool million in your pocket and an appreciation for saltillo and talavera tiles, this 1987 contemporary could be the thing for you.

http://tinyurl.com/412-Vesclub

_______________________

A Bluff Park Beauty. This is unusual for the 'ham, folks. Take my word for it. The triple barrel vault and the awesome circular fireplace in the basement rec room re well worth the price of admission. Swap out some of that 1990s tile and you've got a rockin' pad, for sure. And on an acre, to boot, for only $239,900! Heck, if someone wants my place, I'd consider selling to move into this one.

http://tinyurl.com/2449-Savoy

________________________

An entry from the Tiny Kindom. This is a Mod in the Mountain Brook "Way". Meaning that it has mod tendencies, but in a nice, Southern way. Play it up or play it down -- your call at $599,900.

http://tinyurl.com/3652-Rockhill

________________________

A couple of Crestwod Cuties, all on the same street and ranging from $169 to $209K! (personally, I like bachelor number three):

http://tinyurl.com/5304-10th-Ct-So

http://tinyurl.com/5313-10th-Ct-So

http://tinyurl.com/5305-10th-ct-so

http://tinyurl.com/1044-53d-st-so

______________________

Gardendale. Yep, Gardendale. Not heavy on style, but it has some original features and is HUGE. And for $140K, not a bad commute.

http://tinyurl.com/5305-10th-ct-so

____________________

Anniston again. I know, it's not Birmingham, but there are an inordinate number of cool mods over there. I'll attribute it to the military influence over the years, or something. Anyway, for $135K, this is pretty cool, and on a golf course to boot.

http://tinyurl.com/60-fairway-place

Happy hunting!!

The IKEA kitchen sale is BACK!

2011-03-22T11:04:00.000-05:00

There had been some indication that the semi-annual IKEA kitchen sale was to become a thing of the past. Too many people waiting for the sale, which led to slow sales in the other parts of the year, or something like that. But apparently someone saw the light in the Netherlands (no mean feat in winter) and the sale is back, mod babies. So if you have been waiting and pondering and tweaking that planner schematic for the last year or so (I know who you are) now is the time to leap.

Everything is 10% off with a purchase of $2,500. Buy two appliances and the discount increases to 15%. A third appliance gets you to 20% off the whole shebang. Not too shabby.

We can have the philosophical debate of preserving the original vs. updating, but this is really for the folks who have already crossed the line from the land of the strict restorationists. There are some great original MCM kitchens out there, but not in most of our houses. And while I admire the custom work done by Henrybuilt, Kerf, et al., the fact is that I am on a budget. And I know most of you are, as well. That is what led me to IKEA.

You'll recall that this is what we started with back in the dark days of 2009:

And through Ikean elfin magic (with my own sweaty pixie dust and that of the mister and my dad), it was transformed into this:

We purchased during the fall, 2009 sale. All of the cabinets and hardware came in at around $2,600. You really can't beat that. So, there it is. Your IKEA testimony for the day. I don't know that there are a lot of IKEA kitchens in Birmingham yet, but it is totally doable. If you've got any questions about it, shoot them to me. I might even consult with you in return for chips and a bowl of queso. The sale runs through May 1, so hop to it!

Spring, she has sprung!

2011-03-02T15:15:00.001-06:00

Today I've got some shots of random local beauties, to get you all ready for spring. I'll have another post shortly with new listings on the market, and stay tuned for a post or two from our first guest blogger, Alx, who is freshly returned from Modernism Weekend in Palm Springs. Where I'm crazy about the houses, she's crazy about the furnishings, so you all will love her, I'm sure. She and her hubby have a fabulous MCM place, too. I'm going to try to nudge her just right so she'll agree to let us feature it here at Magic City Modern.

Time is of the essence, mod babies. Spring brings with it many goodies, like sunny days, balmy breezes, and bountiful foliage. But that means the clock is ticking on that window of opportunity for MCM viewing that we in the Magic City call "winter". So I made the rounds last week to bring you shots of a few fab places that soon will be again seasonally sequestered behind their carbon-based curtains.

But first, a hearty welcome back for the previously shuttered shopping center at 280 and Hollywood/Oxmoor Road. The ill-fated towering condo project abandoned at last, Mexico Lindo will soon be back where it belongs, joining an egg joint (is that a new trend, like all the yogurt spots?), and whatever is going into the newly Dwell-ed up Coffee Kettle. I know the purists will balk at our new retro, but I say we should take what we can get!

A drive into Mountain Brook, on Brookwood, Woodridge and thereabouts, brought these beauties:

See that wall of glass beneath the vaulted ceiling? Yeah, I didn't think so. Stinkin' trees.

This one, when viewed in a sat photo, looks to have two enclosed atrium areas. From the road it appears as a blank facade until you look more closely. The Facade is actually a screen that appears to hide a lot of glass. I'd love to see more of this place, as it looks as though its owners embrace its MCM-ness.

Another lovely on Brookwood Road:

And on Cherokee Road, about the fourth house on the left when you turn off 280, one of my favorites. My photos don't do it justice:

On the other side of Cherokee, tucked up behind Brookwood Village, is a little section of Mt. Brook with some nice MCMs. I'd encourage you to pop in there and drive around on a pretty day. You'll see lovelies like this:

Turning off 280 at the Water Works and heading up Shades Crest and poking down Big Springs leads you to these:

Happy hunting!

Nest feathering: Old-school style

2011-02-04T10:47:00.000-06:00

You know those stories about the friend of a guy whose cousin found this great thing one time? This is one of those stories. First you have to know that I was a horse chick in my past.

Go Bobby Bar and me, ca. 1980:

The girl sitting on the ground, to the left, is my dear old friend Suzanne, who is now a dressage trainer in Atlanta. I have come to learn that Suzanne has a roommate who apparently can source any kind of birdhouse you could ever need. Because it is not strictly our own nests that need feathering, mod babies, I direct you to the retro bird feeder, for reasons that need not be enumerated once you see the picture:

And of course in an up-to-the-minute grellow:

And a stark white, for you purists out there:

Go here to acquire these mod nests:
http://www.thebirdhousechick.com/product/KZ-BF

And if dressage is your thing, go here to see Suzanne's Blog. She's got a special way of facilitating communication in the oft-contentious triangle that is horse, rider and instructor. And she had the guts to stay in horses and excel while the rest of us wandered off into engineering, law, and other far lesser callings:

http://tangodressageblog.com/

Scouting report: MCM pieces currently available in the 'ham

2011-01-31T11:37:00.000-06:00

I was downtown Friday and had some time to wander over to one of my favorite spots for shopping: Hanna Antiques on 7th Avenue South. We found a lot of great things there when we were furnishing our 1920s houses, and we even had a booth there for a while. But mid-century was never their strong suit. I thought I'd take a shot and see what I could find.

Rattan is well-represented for the Tiki set:

And some other fun stuff:

Keep up the good work, Hanna dealers!

Will it or won't it? Some new listings to peruse while you wait for the snow.

2011-01-08T00:32:00.001-06:00

I trust everyone had a felicitous holiday season and a rockin' new year. So while you're dragging yourselves back to work or school or wherever it is you have to go when you'd rather be reading this blog, here are a few things to think about. Mod listings in the Magic City -- nothing really phenomenal right now, but some definite opportunities for those with vision.

This one on 20th Avenue South -- this is in the Diaper Row area, and there is no picture of the front of the house. So it is either really ugly, or fabulously modern -- either one is grounds for the standard B'ham realtor to wave you off and encourage you to look instead at the . . . billiards pit? Well, you just have to see for yourself. The brick paver floor is pretty cool. $247,500:

http://tinyurl.com/1930-20th-ave

This one is in Fultondale, which is just north of B'ham, before you get to Gardendale. $450K is a LOT for Fultondale, but you get this ginormous ranch and something like 4 acres. It's traditional, but I think I see some slate floors in there . . .

http://tinyurl.com/2313-Elkwood

These next two are in that area of Mt. Brook near the Junior High School (prime hunting grounds for MCM). The first one is $335K with a possible owner finance. That's a good deal for that neighborhood. Get you some Brookie swank on the cheap:

http://tinyurl.com/5-Ronnie-Wayne-Circle

This one is more in the standard MB price schedule, but it's huge. "Five new HVAC units" -- I'm not sure I am equipped to handle such a beast, but maybe you are. Check it out (hit the "voice guided tour" button and you'll catch a glimpse of marble floors and what appears to be a slick vintage Poggenpohl kitchen):

http://tinyurl.com/119-Hillsdale

One in Vestavia (thanks Martina for reminding me of this one!). I'm not at all sure what is up with the funkiness on the front, but it looks pretty cool overall. It's a hip mod that has clearly been loved . . . albeit perhaps in a late-night cable kind of way. For $245K, it's a must-see.

http://tinyurl.com/2224-Great-Rock

And back to Anniston. For a mere $119,900 you get this sprawling ranch. I'm thinking it could still be with the original owners:

http://tinyurl.com/355-Brookwood

Happy hunting, and don't do anything crazy in the snow! The last time we had snow, it looked something like this:

But 4-8 inches? In Birmingham? Buy that milk and bread now, mod babies, because you're about to be homebound for a few days.

A visit to Tuscaloosa, my encounter with green vandals, and things I love.

2010-12-27T23:25:00.003-06:00

We were in T-town this weekend for the newest grandbaby's christening (welcome, Metyl!) and I did a double take as we drove past this place on the way to a relative's home. MCM, but with reference to the earlier Streamline Moderne style. Probably stucco over concrete block. A family member tells me that it was originally built for a college professor and sports terrazo flooring throughout. It comes up for sale regularly, then doesn't sell, so is leased out again for the school year. It's occupied now so I didn't get too close. Nifty place.

And just because I thought you would enjoy it, something I came across on a trip to the post office a few weeks ago . . .

It's not every day that we in small-town Alabama see school buses in anything but an upright position. And what are those bins across the parking lot?

Why, those are bins for plastics, glass, etc., because . . .

This is the town recycling center. If only all thugs and vandals could be this environmentally conscious.

And here are a few things I love. Just because.

My Sunbeam toaster, a wedding gift to Mom and Dad in 1960. Makes the best damn toast in three counties:

An awesome Chris Craft runabout, ca. 1958. It was for sale at a nearby dealer last summer:

My dad's 1949 Ryan Navion. 'nuff said:

Oh, the Navion is for sale. Let me know if you're interested.

Another interesting find (satellite image style)

2010-12-08T22:55:00.000-06:00

I should be troubleshooting the lighting issues on the Christmas tree, but instead I sit here perusing the greater Birmingham area via satellite images. Man, I love these satellites. As you probably know, or as you have probably seen from prior posts on this blog, MCM architecture in Birmingham is largely hidden from view. It is primarily custom, architect-designed, and built by folks who can afford to sequester themselves among the creatures of the wild. So driving around with a camera only gets you part of the picture. The progeny of Sputnik gets you the rest.

You may not even know Cahaba River Estates exists. But now that you do, you'll realize what a rare gem it is. Turn between Carmax and Wal-Mart on 150 in Hoover and start driving around. These folks have acreage, horses, and many of them are on the Cahaba. Some of it is Jefferson County, some is Shelby County, all is unincorporated. Yes, there are some McMansions back there, but there are some swell mid-century places as well (though of a more traditional bent). Then there is this place:

Honestly, I'm not sure what to make of it. The part of the structure to the rear almost looks like an older, traditional home. But the portion facing toward the river has a definite modern vibe. There are the clerestory windows. And then the three descending tiers of . . . of something I can't really identify.

But it's pretty interesting. Some wandering around on the interwebs tells me that the owner participates in Mustang racing, which probably explains all the parking and what might be a huge garage toward the rear.

Does anybody have the scoop? I'll bet they throw a heck of a party!

Another Mid-Century Mystery -- what is this place?

2010-12-01T22:29:00.002-06:00

OK, you people are letting me down. Don't sit there all lazy in your Eames Lounge chairs and make me do all the work. I begged for your assistance in getting the scoop on a mystery residence once before. This was the place:

No help.

Not a peep.

I learned the Cathay cathedral on Drummond Lake was indeed in the Drummond family, but NONE of you have managed to wrangle me an invite. Here's your chance to redeem yourselves. You've seen the gate to this place on Old Leeds road, just across from Regency East Drive. I know you've seen it. I know you've wondered about it.

The gate itself is sort of Roy-Rogers-meets-The-Last-Samurai. So you know something interesting has to lurk beyond. Indeed it does. I just have no idea what it is. Did you know there is a lake down there? Osborn Lake? And this . . . structure. I hesitate to call it a house, because it looks more like a World's Fair pavillion, or perhaps an Air Force Officer's Club. But the parking is limited, so I don't think it is intended for heavy use. Oh, and there is a swimming pool, a wooded statuary garden of some kind, and a decagonal (surely that is a word) barn.

Seriously, what is the deal? Is this some private club for those Eyes Wide Shut parties? Perhaps a hush-hush rehab retreat for the rich and tortured? Just a DIY remodel that got seriously out of hand?

Tax records show that the owner is one Mr. Osborn. (I'm sensing a pattern here with the lakes bearing the same names as the property owners -- I'm insightful that way). Mr. Osborn apears to be a real estate developer, and there is some reference to a private club. So somebody sponsor me, already. I feel like having a cocktail and maybe taking a paddleboat out for a spin.

Fritz Woehle Residence

2010-11-20T23:01:00.001-06:00

Most may know him as the proprietor of The Garage Cafe (and bar and architectural fragment repository) in the Highland Park/Five Points area. Others may know him as the namesake of a fried lobster dish on the menu of the fabulous Fish Market. But Fritz Woehle is also an architect who built some wonderful modern homes in the 1950s and 1960s. I happened across some images of Woehle's own residence (an Architectural Record "Record House" in 1964) and thought I would share them with you all.

I have to confess that I have no idea where this house is, but I understand that it is nestled snugly on 20 secluded acres. So, even if I knew where it was, I wouldn't be able to see it. I think sometimes it is better not knowing.

UPDATE: The house is on Old Brook Trail, which is off of Pump House Road in the Altadena area. But it is in the center of the large wooded lot, so may not be visible anyway. Of note, one could hike from the Woehle house through the woods to the equally groovy Ireland House on Pump House road.

Woehle's home is lovely. Photographs are attributed to Alexandre Georges. Enjoy.

Your bonus for ordering today: The Ireland House, ca. 1965, also a Woehle design, in all its crisp colonnaded coolness:

Mid Century Mishap!

2010-11-18T16:35:00.000-06:00

This is the kind of thing that happens to you when you're preparing for an Atomic Crash Party. The house is clean, the beer and wine are bought, and then . . . CRASH!

I may use this as an excuse to never again mow the lawn. Clearly, I am not qualified. It may be part of some grand biennial plan, as the same thing happened to the Mister back in 2008. he got the one on the end. So, by 2014, we'll have new 49" x 78" windows across the entire north side of the house. Just another day at the ranch. People in glass houses, and all.

But, if you're still in the mood for something with windows, try this one. This is a Henry Sprott Long home in Mountain Brook. And, surprisingly for the zip code, it hasn't had a groovectomy. $548,000 might be a bit high in this market, but it is 5/3 on a fairly private lot.

http://tinyurl.com/3114-Overbrook

Go forth and populate!

Meet Kermit . . .

2010-11-16T13:07:00.000-06:00

. . . the newest addition to the family and the Mister's pride and joy. Not necessarily mid-century, as 1972 is about as mid-century as, well, as 1928. But the design for the Karmann Ghia originated in 1953, so I am officially bootstrapping Kermit into the era.

He sports his original Willow Green paint and that VW anomaly, the automatic stickshift.

I have been shocked to learn that there are apparently many folks out there (all under age 30) who have never seen a Ghia before. So it is our task to inform the world of the magnificence of the Ghia.

We are now a VW tight family. I don't know if that makes us incredibly hip or tragically unrealistic (I think the parts are made by union elves in a secret fortress deep in the Black Forest). But for now, gerne auto!

(Happy motoring!)

Atomic Crash Party was a Blast!

2010-11-15T23:30:00.000-06:00

Nevermind the plate glass window that I shattered the day before with some apparently overly aggressive mowing -- the gathering was great! A special thank you to all of you folks who made the trek out to the woods to join in the fun and frivolity. Crestwood, Eastwood, Crestline, Forest Park and Calera were all represented, and these intrepid early adopters have been knighted and assigned the quest to go forward and spread the word of Magic City Modern.

Until then, a bit of what you missed!

Unfortunately, John Fuller wasn't feeling well and was unable to make the gathering. But we're going to try to work something out after the first of the year where we can bring the party to him. There is also murmuring about a possible spring spectacular shindig complete with a swing band at an undisclosed fab MCM location in town. Keep your transistor radios tuned right here for more details.

Atomic Crash Party this Saturday! Oh, and MCM homes are on sale, people!!!

2010-11-09T14:08:00.002-06:00

Don't forget the Atomic Crash Party this Saturday! Open house, 1-5, at my pad in Montevallo (20 minutes from the Galleria). Hit the Facebook Page and RSVP and let me know if you can make it.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124292180938438&v=app_2344061033

___________________________________________________

The current economic cycle is the pits if you want to sell, but if you want to buy . . . well, the Magic City is your oyster. I have featured some of these homes before, but they are still on the market, some with price reductions, and some actually in short sale position. It is time to leap, mod babies.

If I had a couple hundred grand burning a hole in my pocket, I would move to this one tomorrow. It's in Mountain Brook and is now a short sale with a suggested price of $434,900, so start working on your offer. Original flooring, built-ins, and a newer Cantley kitchen that was done right.

http://tinyurl.com/3325-Springhill

Another short sale, this one in Vestavia on the golf course. It has a sort of odd addition, but the main house remains very original, with loads of swank. You buy this place and the next Atomic Crash Party is at your house -- guaranteed. Short sale suggested price: $435,999 (was originally listed around 750K, I think). Again, get your offers ready:

http://tinyurl.com/320-Beaumont

Another short sale in Vestavia. 170K is the suggested offer. It looks like there have been some dis-improvements of the big-box variety, but you can fix those. I have driven up to this one and it is on a dead-end street on a fairly private lot. A must see. Really. How do you say no to that fireplace?

http://tinyurl.com/2500-Glendmere

This is one I really need someone to buy. It has been on the market a while now with no price reduction, but it feels like a flip, so I'm guessing that the sellers will be negotiable. Perfect Homewood location, but a big lot and some privacy! Huge rooms, long and lean -- get in there and strip out the big box mistakes and do it up right. $328,000.

http://tinyurl.com/1621-Dobbs-Lane

Now, for some newer listings:

Mountain Brook, $399,900. Built in 1968 and may be the original owner. Definitely worth a look:

http://tinyurl.com/3050-Westmoreland

Vestavia, A-frame, wooded lot, $549,900.

http://tinyurl.com/2201-Gay-Way

Homewood, $399,900, lots of possibilities:

http://tinyurl.com/907-Saulter-Road

Now, a couple in Anniston. Where? Yes, Anniston. At some point in the 1950s, folks with money built some great pads on this road. The first one is a new listing, 5/3+, huge, clean, dramatic view, super original, $299,500.

http://tinyurl.com/539-Hillyer-High-Road

This one is right down the road from the first one. Bigger, and it's been on the market for some time, now with a price reduction to $449,000. Still seems a bit high to me, but this is a LOT of house. I'm thinking it may be empty now -- perhaps an estate -- because the photos in the MLS look to me like they were taken a couple decades ago. Or maybe they moved in in 1959 and never shifted a piece of furniture?

http://tinyurl.com/527-Hillyer-High

A Mid-Century Mystery -- what is this place?

2010-10-30T14:10:00.002-05:00

Birmingham's topography and beautiful tree canopy are wonders, indeed. But for the MCM stalker, they have more in common with the Berlin Wall than one might imagine. So, with the advent of online satellite mapping, a simple girl once shut out of many architectural wonders can now get a peek through the fence, as it were. But peeking isn't knowing -- that's where I look to you all for information.

So, feast your eyes upon what appears to be a swingin' spot on Drummond Lake. Where is Drummond lake, you ask? Why, it's just south of I-459, between the Grants Mill Road and Liberty Parkway exits, north of Overton Road. You never knew it was there, did you? That's why I'm here, mod babies, to keep you in the loop.

And a wondrous loop it is. This double-vaulted, A-frame, Cathay-inspired place could easily host the Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Price Christmas party -- I just have to figure out how to wrangle an invite. I'm guessing, purely based on the name of the lake, that it is or was a Drummond family retreat. We should all be thankful that a chunk of mining money was put to such good architectural use. So, does anybody have the details? The rest of us are dying to know.

I've found another one, too. Not far from this place. But you have to help me with this one before I post the next one. Tit for tat and all that.

(Note - if this is your personal residence and you'd rather it not be posted on this blog, just let me know and I'll take it down -- I'm not here to invade privacy, but to laud great MCM architecture).

Inaugural Atomic Crash Party: November 13, 2010!!

2010-10-19T23:36:00.003-05:00

And I really mean it this time. No kiddin'. No joshin'. This is the real deal. This is a chance to meet other MCM-minded souls scattered around Birmingham and enjoy a crunchy canape and a tasty beverage at the same time. Consider it a kick-off for the holiday season. It will give you a chance to stretch your party legs and blow the dust off of your chit-chat. We will discuss flat roofs, plate glass windows and strange bathrooms. We will debate the merits of the wet bar, and whether an aluminum tree and color wheel are mandatory for a proper MCM holiday.

We are offering up our own Better Homes & Gardens "Better Homes for All America" dwelling as the locale for this first shindig. Ours is a 1978 build of a 1965 plan and is one of very few MCM homes out here in the wilds of Shelby County. The plan, of course, is for the Atomic Crash Party to move about the area as other MCM owners emerge from the shadows into the light of our collective adoration.

Some of what awaits you:

But wait, there's more! Modernist architect John Fuller of Fuller, Thompson Olds will be in attendance and will share with us some history on MCM in Birmingham and his thoughts about the future (special thanks to Andy Olds for arranging this for us). I've featured some of Fuller's projects here before, but here are a few tasty morsels:

So, here is how it works.

Date: November 13, 2010

Time: 1 pm – 5 pm (Open House: come early, come late, or stay all day)

Location: Montevallo, AL (20 miles from I65/459 interchange - address will be provided upon RSVP)

Treats: Light refreshments will be served.

Imperatives: Good attitudes required.

Please RSVP to Facebook invite:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124292180938438&v=app_2344061033

If you and your other are coming please have both RSVP, or tell us how many in your party. If you haven't done so already, please join the "Magic City Modern" Facebook group. If not on Facebook, please RSVP via email with a subject line of, "Atomic Crash Party #1" Let us know how many you’re bringing.

We’re an all-inclusive exclusive group, so if you know other Mid Century Modern enthusiasts, invite them. Just have them RSVP by one of the above methods.

Note: This is your last chance to attend an Atomic Crash Party until we decide to have another one. No pressure.

Until then, live modern!

Jennifer

Seriously cool - Aviator Chair from Restoration Hardware

2010-09-20T16:00:00.003-05:00

I know. Believe me, I know. It's all about vintage decor, honest construction and creative sourcing of just that right flea market item. But, come on. This thing is right out of Buck Rogers. A steampunk dream. I want one. Correction: I want two. If you loved me at all, even a little bit, you would make this dream come true for me. And then we could fly them together around the living room.

Channeling my inner Clampett

2010-08-26T14:43:00.002-05:00

This is the music room:

This is the side of the carport where my VW Beetle normally lives:

Doesn't the van seat just complete the vignette? There would be a stove there, too, but I couldn't get it out of the barn. I have been "planning" a yard sale for, oh, about two years. About two months ago I jumped up, posed with legs akimbo and fists firmly on my hips and pronounced "I'm gonna DO it!" The mister either rolled his eyes or actually laughed out loud. I can't remember his exact reaction because I was FOCUSED on my MISSION! So I proceeded to drag all this detritus out from where it had been cowering since the summer of 2007. But it was just so hot. And my mom punked out on me. And I started a new job. And I needed to get my nails done. And . . . I am a master procrastinator, people. I'm hoping that between committing to the Atomic Crash Party on October 9, and posting these truly embarrassing photos today, that I will be shamed into having the sale at long last.

September 11 looks to be the day. So if anyone is in need of VHS movies from the 1980s, cute small stuff that never sold in our old antique booth, wayward linens and speakers, or a plastic nativity scene for the front yard, I'm your girl. I'm hoping to make at least $50. Then I'll really be able to spruce the place up by October 9! (Seriously, be warned in advance that the yard is not . . . optimal).

Mark your calendar for October 9, 2010 - the inaugural Magic City Modern Atomic Crash Party

2010-08-24T14:21:00.001-05:00

Mod babies, we have at last reached what my physicist father would call "critical mass". In liberal arts terms, that means there are now enough of us for a decent throw down. MCM cohort Baz at the Atomic Indy blog initiated the whole Atomic Crash Party movement and has visions of it sweeping the U.S. like a viral video of a New Jersey wedding dance. We shall do our small part to help fulfill his dreams.

What is an Atomic Crash Party, you might ask? Why, it is whatever one wants it to be. Primarily, it is a gathering of lovers of all things mid-century. We can chit and chat and wax philosophical to our hearts' content. All the while eating tasty canapes, drinking refreshing libations and enjoying vintage tunes. Do we want to organize home tours? Do we want to become architectural activists? Do we just want to party? You have to attend to find out. Much thanks to Lee Ann Brown of the mybirmingham blog for encouraging me to just pick a date and DO IT.

And, as if the thought of MCM camaraderie might not be enough, I have a special surprise for you: Architect John Fuller, of Fuller Thompson Olds, will be in attendance! I have featured Fuller projects on the blog before, and now you'll have the opportunity to hear the behind-the-scenes tales of these places and learn what lies in store for Fuller, Thompson Olds in the current century. Some projects:

I am going to host the first one (note to self to inform sweet husband in the kindest manner possible that we are hosting this) and hope to get a rotation in place so we have a "destination" for each gathering -- an MCM home or building. I was planning on an evening gathering, but daylight might be more conducive to attendees actually finding our home and escaping it later, absent a trail of breadcrumbs. So pencil in 1-5 PM, or thereabouts. If you haven't already done so, please join the Magic City Modern facebook page so I can get you updates about the event.

Kirklin House - MCM beauty (and a mystery solved)

2010-08-13T11:12:00.002-05:00

Back in the spring I noticed this house on Altadena Road had been listed for sale:

It looked to be a spectacular place. But the listing showed only a few exterior photos and the property was gated and not visible from the road (a curse for the MCM stalker). I put out a plea for additional information and none was forthcoming, until . . .

I was checking out the site of local architecture firm Fuller Thompson Olds. Lo and behold, this is the Kirklin residence, an early project of the firm's modernist John Fuller. He describes the project: "Located in the suburbs on 12 acres, the house is very private; it cannot be seen from the street or the neighbors. This home was designed to be a private retreat for the Client where he could put aside the stress of his daily work. Most of the site has been left as natural woodlands with a half mile lighted walking trail for evenings walks. The house is fire resistant construction; concrete floor slabs, masonry walls, metal stud & gypsum board partitions and steel joist roof structure. A friend of the client stated that we must have crawled into his brain to come up with a design that matched his personality so completely."

I also featured some time ago another project of FTO -- this swank place on Altamont Road:

And now the baby picture of the Pensinger Residence:

These are truly wonderful places. Thank you, Fuller Thompson Olds, for sharing them with us. Other projects and additional information about the firm can be found at http://www.fuller-thompson.com/Home.aspx

Edited to add: I have just learned that the new owner of the Kirklin Residence loves the house even more than the rest of us do . . . if that is possible. A sensitive restoration is planned. The gods of MCM are smiling upon us, Birminghamsters.

New Wright-inspired house in Alabama

2010-08-08T11:20:00.001-05:00

A young Talladega couple has completed a labor of love -- a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home on the picturesque property of a faded plantation. It was featured in the Birmingham News today and is well worth a look.

http://photos.al.com/birmingham-news/2010/08/061024_awesome_house_9.html

Swingin' Summer Listings - lots of opportunity here!

2010-07-23T17:24:00.004-05:00

Oh, Mod Babies -- strap in and get ready. There are a LOT of beautiful options on the market right now. Many are (ahem) "upper bracket." But, think about it. If you had one of these places, you'd never want to leave, right? So no need for that car, or much clothing, or many grocery trips. I'm thinking the budget is definitely tweakable.

Let's start with some super-affordable pads in unexpected places . . .

In South Roebuck adjacent to historic Roebuck Springs, with Ruffner Mountain Park in your side yard, and for only $136K. I lived in Roebuck Springs for 6 years and have never had better neighbors. There are no interior photos, but I'm betting it's pretty swank.

http://tinyurl.com/305ChestnutSt

This one is in Skyview Estates, and this whole Bessemer neighborhood is pretty cool. A 5/4 for $179,900? Please.

http://tinyurl.com/600Somerset

Crestwood. Time capsule. $169,900. Get crackin'.

http://tinyurl.com/1424Ferncliff

Homewood, in that little hip patch just off Valley Avenue. No, it's not Edgewood. But it is still Homewood. And it is $219,900.

http://tinyurl.com/1616Beckham

A lake house! (Logan Martin Lake, Talladega address). Under $300K

http://tinyurl.com/902-Ridgeway-Circle

OK. This one is special. It appears that some flippers got hold of it and removed what could have been cool original fixtures, but there is a lot left of the original vibe. $328K in Homewood, huge private lot. Make them an offer, buy it and do it right.

http://tinyurl.com/1628-Dobbs-Lane

I've featured this one before, but there has been a price reduction to $559K. Mt. Brook, original features intact. You'll love it.

http://tinyurl.com/3325-Springhill-Road

In the Altadena area, unincorporated JeffCo, $749K, 5 acres, "lot value" price. But check out the aerial photos and see if you don't think there is something interesting there. And also a big greenhouse, or pool house, or something. Anyway, if you go look at it, post back and let me know what's there!

http://tinyurl.com/2685-Altadena-Road

Mountain Brook again. A big, well-kept place with interesting built-ins and original features. $649,900.

http://tinyurl.com/49-Ridge-Drive

Mid-century, no. But Modern? Heck, yes! This may not seem special to those of you in areas where there is a lot of recent modern architecture, but this is a big deal for us here in the 'ham. It's nestled in the Diaper Row/English Village area. $799,900. But the bragging rights are priceless.

http://tinyurl.com/2211-South-20th-Avenue

Go forth and move!

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

2010-06-19T23:16:00.000-05:00

Birmingham embraces MCM. Or at least one reporter and one photographer from the Birmingham News embrace MCM (thanks, Linda and Mark!). And our kitchen was the catalyst. Sadly the online version of the news features more high school sports stories than home-and-garden entries, so my photographs will have to do for now. The deep drawers in the base cabinets were a big hit.

A hint of coming MCM excitement, and new Swingin' Summer listings

2010-06-12T19:42:00.002-05:00

A little bird tells us that our recently renovated kitchen will be featured in the "Spaces" section of the Birmingham News next Saturday, June 19.

Come, one and all, and rejoice with us as we celebrate function, design and completion!

But until then, a little something to keep you occupied. Summer, of course, is the time when young folks' fancies turn to . . . all thing MCM, of course. Here are a few lovely spots that could be yours.

In Crestline Gardens, a little 3/1 that backs up to the park/creek. A nice price at only 139,900:

http://tiny.cc/341Bush

In Crestwood South, this one is just off busy Crestwood Blvd and is a bit smaller than some over in that area, but at $189,900 it is cheap entry into a great neighborhood:

http://tiny.cc/530010thctso

A foreclosure in the Bluff Park area of Hoover. This one is H U G E at 5/3.5 and looks to be a pretty swell place. $234,900.

http://tiny.cc/215shenandoahdrive

A nice one in Vestavia with a fully-contained in-law suite in the basement. $279,900.

http://tiny.cc/1789indianhillrd

This one is in Mountain Brook, near the junior high. $349,900 is a good price for the area (the single picture in the realtor listing tells me there is work to be done inside).

From 1977, this one is a bit newer than what I usually feature, but that VIEW!! $369,000.

http://tiny.cc/732shadescrestroad

My husband once asked the new general manager of an industrial concern where he lived. The GM replied "why, Mountain Brook, of course." So, here is something for you general managers out there. If you've got the swag, you can buy the swagger. Original beams, wood ceilings and paneling are still intact. An extraordinarily well-preserved specimen for $599,900.

http://tiny.cc/3325springhillroad

And a couple outside of town:

This one is in Anniston. It's been listed before, but I believe the price is much lower now. Anything over $400K is a LOT of house in Anniston, but this one is pretty great, what with the pool and the Rat Pack vibe and all.

http://tiny.cc/527hillyerhigh

In Alexander City. Who knew, right? And only $132,500. Of course, I don't think there are any jobs in Alex City anymore . . .

http://tiny.cc/482sleepyhollow

Kitchen Accomplished

2010-04-17T13:21:00.000-05:00

The planning started the day we moved in. The cabinets showed up in October. The demo began in November. It is April, and it is done. This was a 95% DIY effort and I'm excited to finally be able to share it with everyone.

We had a 15K budget and actually came in a good bit under, including appliances. We kept the same essential footprint and plumbing locations and kept the original paver flooring. The original pantries stayed in place and got a coat of paint (and the microwave moved into one of them). We built a new wall to create a fridge alcove and separate the range area for the backsplash feature. It was all DIY except for the countertops and the plumber. (Rest assured that the vintage Norge fridge found a great new home).

New Listings for Spring.

2010-04-03T18:10:00.000-05:00

The kitchen is one coat of paint away from the reveal. So, while I wait for the next-to-last coat of paint to dry, I'll share with you some recent mod listings in the Birmingham area.

I try to ferret out the available mods because . . . well . . . because no one else is doing it! I wish income weren't so important to me. Because if it weren't, I'd become a baby realtor specializing in Magic City mods. We have them, it's just that they aren't marketed particularly well. Maybe in ten years or so. A girl can dream, can't she?

In Birmingham, on Scenic View, for a mere 99K. This is still Crestline Gardens, but at the top of the hill on the ridge. It hasn't been as well-kept as the area below, but that means there are bargains, and up that high, possibly some views:

http://tinyurl.com/5152-Scenic-View-Drive

And in Crestwood for 179,900:

http://tinyurl.com/1036-53rd-st-so

And in Homewood -- This little neighborhood is just off Valley Avenue, so I can't vouch for its family-friendliness. But you can get a lot of mod bang for the buck and Homewood schools to boot.

http://tinyurl.com/1645-beckham-drive

On to Vestavia . . . this one looks really interesting, but you wouldn't know it from the one gloomy, fuzzy picture on the listing. I drove by and it is on a nicely secluded wooded lot on a dead end road. 259,900.

http://tinyurl.com/2500-glendmere-place

Now, over to Mt. Brook, where there are several new goodies. This one near the junior high for 449,900:

http://tinyurl.com/111-Richmar

For 490K, not as mod as I might like, but the covered pool is pretty darned cool:

http://tinyurl.com/3713-overbrook-circle

For 549,900, this one looks to be somewhat huge, complete with velvet-couched theater room and wet bar. Some standard Tiny Kingdom updates (kitchen and baths), but a lot of the original charm is still there.

http://tinyurl.com/3733-valley-head-road

This one is pretty swank. I'm sure it has seen many a shindig in its day, and is ready for many more. The Old Leeds Road address is a coveted one. And because most homes on this road are well above or below the street level, one seldom gets to see them. 899K is steep, but you're talking location, location, location:

http://tinyurl.com/4912-Old-Leeds-Road

I love this one. I think. Because there are no interior photos. So, I am expressing my love based on the exteriors only. For all I know there have been farm animals living inside the ca. 1967 home for the last decade, but I'd still give it a chance. A mere 1.8 million in Altadena (Vestavia), but it looks to be a custom-designed architect home . . . on 12 acres . . . and could be something very special. Does anyone know anything about the history of this place? I may try to contact the listing agent and see if he'll let me get some photos for posting on the blog.

http://tinyurl.com/2564-Altadena-Road

At long last backsplash.

2010-03-27T00:19:00.000-05:00

This DIY kitchen has been a long time coming. From the Ikea cabinet trek in October, to the initial demo over Thanksgiving, to just last weekend, we've come a long way, mod babies. The range hood should go up this weekend, and a little painting should happen as well. After that we will consider novel weekend experiences, such as sleeping in, going to the movies and driving past Lowe's with nary a glance in its direction.

The tiles are Sendai silk in the stacked brick pattern from Lunada Bay. These came face mounted on paper -- something I wouldn't recommend everyone try at home. If you are kitchen obsessed and a perfectionist (me) and have the aid of a willing and patient spouse (the Mister), then have at it. It took a good nine hours to get them set. A few more hours a few days later to grout and clean up. We're thrilled with the result. The hope was that it would bring an updated look with reference to materials past, and I think it is doing its job.

Oh, and the spot for the range hood chimney? You'd think it was intentional. You'd think wrong. I simply miscalculated the square footage by about two sheets of tile. This was our ad hoc solution, and I'm hoping no one will be able to tell the difference once it's all in place.

Updating an MCM home is always difficult. There are the purists who believe that technology is secondary and period-correctness is paramount. Then there are those who totally compromise the space with insensitive "improvements". I'm hoping we've landed somewhere in the middle. The footprint is the same, as are the pavers on the floor. But the cabinets, countertop and tiles are new, with a touch of the "Dwell" sensibility.

Let us know what you think!

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

2010-02-26T16:58:00.000-06:00

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!

2010-02-20T01:31:00.000-06:00

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

2010-02-10T17:40:00.001-06:00

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

Much progress in the kitchen.

2010-01-28T00:30:00.001-06:00

You may recall how it was in the beginning. Bonanza-meets-Boogie Nights. Puffy particle board, slack-jawed doors, nail-pocked laminate -- all in an unappealing fleshtone that we tried to tart up with aluminum wire handles shortly after we moved in back in 2007. Who were we kidding.

The demo started Thanksgiving weekend when the entire range wall was ripped out down to the studs. Sadly I forgot to take photos of the exposed bathtub and the vent stack that required the wall to have a slight hump. Because I couldn't figure out how to deal with the backsplash when it got to the fridge, we just built a new wall to make a fridge alcove. We lost maybe 6" of base cabinets, but would get a nice deep cabinet over the fridge in return . . . and a nice clean look.

Drywall was hung in the kitchen with care, in hopes that new cabinetry soon would be there.

New pot lights do shine out their lumens so bright, the Mister ecstatic about seeing at night!

Fridge alcove:

I had my appendix out on December 20 (clearly not figured into the construction schedule) and hunched my way through the holidays, accomplishing little but the loss of 7 pounds - excellent! Christmas weekend we got the cabinets installed on the range side and giddy like kids wearing new shoes out of the store, we had to put some of the drawers in to see how the whole thing would look.

Dad came back up the week after Christmas to help (bless him!) The three of us wrestled the over-fridge cabinet into place, and the range and fridge went back into their proper locations. (Trim above and below fridge cabinet not yet in place).

Then we got started on the long side of the kitchen.

Note the state-of-the-art cardboard spacers used on the original electrical. I used to think this house was someone's Eagle Scout project. Now I'm thinking more Webelos.

Dad and Mister then started to take off two courses of brick.

Losing the backsplash was a tough decision. We knew we wanted to keep the existing brick wall -- it matches the fireplace and exterior brick, and it's just pretty darn cool. But we wanted to keep the wiring to code, which meant there had to be a change from the existing countertop outlets. Too much trouble to try to hollow out the brick to make room. Thought about building a wall in front of the brick wall to accomodate the wiring and outlets. But in the end we decided to go with the clean look of a flat countertop and just put the outlets on the ends.

The cabinets couldn't be saved. And no craigslist/freecycle takers for the intact cabinets from the range side, so . . . hasta la vista, baby.

And what did we find underneath? Well, a trough, of sorts. The cabinets were on a frame that sat down inside this hole in the floor.

Now, the cabinets on the range side sat on the floor -- novel idea, that. But this hole (an island for the dishwasher notwithstanding) was perplexing. What to do? Turn it into a water feature? Fill in with concrete? Who wants to deal with that -- we've got a kitchen to finish here! The decision was made to fill in with more lumber just where the cabinet legs would rest.

Then construction of the 2 x 4 wall which (1) provided support for the brick, (2) allowed the cabinets to be screwed into something and (3) gave us a deeper countertop.

I built cabinets while they constructed. I can do it in my sleep, thankyouverymuch. I highly recommend power screwdrivers for cabinet assembly. Your wrists and elbows will thank you.

Note creative cardboard template for effecting sink cabinet plumbing cutout.

Then came the lining up, leveling, attaching, leveling, tweaking, leveling, shifting, leveling . . .

Countertop was ordered on 12/31 (military discount -- ask for it!) but my analysis paralysis as to seam location delayed it a week. Then fabrication issues delayed it a week. Then . . . well, it's still not here, but I'm hoping it is by the end of next week. Do you have any idea how hard it is to wash a crock pot in a bar sink? But the flip side to that is, do you have any idea how grateful I am for a somewhat smarmy circa 1978 wet bar with said tiny bar sink?

A shot of the only member of the family who managed to stay well-rested during this ordeal:

Stay tuned for the final reveal. Until then, here is a shot of the eventual final look, in 3-D thumbnail form (IKEA Nexus yellow-brown cabinets, Sendai silk tile, Zodiaq Papyrus quartz):

Stay tuned!

Oak Mountain Opportunity

2010-01-16T10:11:00.002-06:00

A you drive down Highway 119 from 280 to I-65, you might catch a glimpse of this one on the right among the mansions. My guess is that when it was built in 1957, the original owners had no idea that 119 would become a path among 6,000 square-foot gentleman's ranches. So instead, they built a simple 2/2 modern pavillion with a pool and a tennis court, and began to relax. The price is $749K, which appears to be a lot value proposition, as it can be subdivided into three 2-acre lots. But wouldn't it be nice if it remained intact?

http://tiny.cc/86Arrowhead

Showstopper on Cherokee Road

2009-12-09T21:49:00.001-06:00

This one is just stunning. I had a chance to tour it several years ago when I was still a die-hard bungalow gal, and I never forgot it. I think it helped me realize how comfortable a "modern" house could be. Yes, it's pricy at $875K, but it's in Mountain Brook, and it's . . . it's . . . well, just take a look:

http://tiny.cc/CherokeeRd

Please, please buy this place and then invite me over for a visit. I might not ever leave, but then I might just start cleaning it for you so you won't throw me out.

Lakeshore Estates (Homewood)

2009-12-06T21:58:00.002-06:00

Lakeshore is a main east/west drag that takes you from Bessemer to Homewood (where it becomes Shades Creek Parkway) and on into Mtn. Brook (where it becomes Mtn. Brook Parkway). Yes, our roads have a lot of names. I attribute that to each municipality not wanting to play second fiddle to the next. Unfortunately, a lot of first fiddles does not an orchestra make. But that is a political discussion for another day. And probably for another blog. But, none of our street names start with the word "Peachtree" followed by a hyphen, so we're good.

Nestled just off Lakeshore, and accessible from Green Springs Highway/Old Columbiana Road (South Lakeshore Dr., Murray Hill, Lakeridge, etc.) is Lakeshore Estates. For those still puzzling on the naming conventions in the Magic City, the answer is no: there is no longer a lake. This is where imagination comes into play, much like in the "Lakeview" district near Highland Park and the "Lakewood" district near East Lake. We Birminghamians are an imaginative people when it comes to water. Just watch how we convince ourselves that railroad tracks are a river as we redevelop downtown. But I digress.

Back to Lakeshore Estates. These are some great homes on large lots, and can be had reasonably considering their highly coveted location:

Trippin' in the Tiny Kingdom

2009-12-06T21:24:00.003-06:00

That's Mountain Brook -- "The Bubble" -- for those of you who aren't local. One typically thinks of stately manors, guest houses, circular drives, debutantes . . . but there are mods there, too. Unfortunately, many are on secluded lots and therefore unobservable by yours truly. But there are some that can be seen without a Land Rover and a native guide. Just head toward Mt. Brook Jr. High and you will find them on Mountain Park, Hillsdale, Montevallo Lane, Richmar and thereabouts. Here's a sample:

Here's a close-up of the detail on the shingles -- Greene & Greene go atomic!

Happy exploring!

Mountain Brook Office Park

2009-12-06T20:54:00.000-06:00

This isn't really a place you go by accident, but you probably drive past all the time without really thinking about it. Below are some shots of buildings on the east side of the park (the west side is more 1970s utilitarian). It's just off Highway 280, between Hollywood Blvd. and Lakeshore.

Here is a close-up of the elevated walkway from above. I have no idea where it goes -- into the woods, it appears. Anyone game for a hike?

Two amazing new Magic City Mod listings - city views!

2009-11-15T12:18:00.001-06:00

They're out there folks. They really are. It's just that you can't see them from the road. Fortunately, you have me to help you on your mission.

The first is a personal favorite: a great Redmont-area "urban cabin" if I've ever seen one. $325K seems steep for a 2/1, but you're paying for the view and the in-town location. And, of course, for the ca. 1955 fabulousness of it all.

http://tiny.cc/Smolian

This one is also in Forest Park/Redmont. It is bigger with 3/3, and the price tag ($675K) is larger accordingly. From 1973, it has a bit more funk to it, and similar amazing views.

http://tiny.cc/altamont

So, I need somebody to go buy these places and then invite me to a cocktail party so I can be part of the splendor, if only for a few hours.

Cheers!

New mods on the market - winter edition

2009-11-06T12:15:00.000-06:00

One typically doesn't expect to see a lot of new listings going into the holiday season. But apparently the Magic City is bucking that trend in 2009, as I have found some great mods in search of loving new owners. So, whether your leanings are for entry-level, posh estate or a quirky rural property, there is something for you.

First, something quite grand on 9 acres(!) in Mountain Brook. $2.5 million, but it is quite the place, and you could sell off the two extra lots. Some nice updating by local architect Bill Ingram.

http://tiny.cc/3KaoP

Now for the quirky. This one is in Jacksonville, which is between Gadsden and Anniston. Built in 1966 by someone who must have been the swinging-est rancher in town. Just think Dean Martin-meets-Gunsmoke. $299,999.

http://tiny.cc/KKwi3

A time capsule in Vestavia. I love this one. I think I would make my offer contingent on all furnishings remaining in the house (thanks to Tracy for finding this one for me!). A mere $199,500.

http://tiny.cc/o4YIt

For $259,000, an option in that little pocket of Birmingham that is snugged up next to Mt. Brook. A great location.

http://tiny.cc/XQQuA

And one truly can be modestly mod: some sub-$200K options. . .

In Crestline Gardens:
http://tiny.cc/2T178

and west Homewood:
http://tiny.cc/A62vs

and old Hoover (this is an REO, and I can't vouch for the neighborhood, but it would be worth a look for the price alone):
http://tiny.cc/y4QYW

Happy hunting!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch . . .

2009-11-01T10:49:00.001-06:00

THE KITCHEN

The kitchen plans are starting to actually take shape. By shape, I mean something with actual definition, and not the amorphous, foggy compendium of ideas they have been until now. Cabinets have been purchased (IKEA Nexus yellow-brown) and are stacked in the dining room awaiting assembly.

Dining room and hall status as of 11/01/09 - condition critical:

*(Yes, that is a Stickley Brothers costumer and a giant A&C grandfather clock that you spy in the photos. We couldn't bear to part with all the old A&C pieces, and those two made the cut).

THE RUB

Back to the kitchen, and the rub that lies therein. The spouse is a granite fan. We put an amazing, high-movement granite in a traditional home we had in Crestwood back in 2003. It was great there, but I'm thinking not-so-great in this MCM home. I've always pictured a clean, off-white quartz in this home, and he is OK with this. But I still sense a wistfulness for the lost granite, as he has also picked out another quartz -- this one with a larger aggregate. It is really pretty cool and terrazzo-looking. So I am seeking input from my fellow MCM peeps. You people know what looks good, and I know you're not afraid to express your opinions. In my usual manner of placing carts before horses, I have already fallen for a particular backsplash (Sendai Silk by Lunada Bay Tile). I know it is a bit backward, but I am trying to find countertop to suit the backsplash.

Here are the options:

ECONOMY STIMULATION

We try to do our part. Thankfully, consignment stores make it easy to do so without breaking the bank. Below is the fabulous wire patio set we impulsively purchased and crammed into DH's Element yesterday afternoon. (Elements really are outstanding wessels -- everybody should have one). I think we'll just leave the set orange. Imagining sitting outside with friends on a crisp autumn day with a mug of mulled cider. Yummm!

A Mod Gem in Old Hoover - it can be yours!

2009-10-16T20:33:00.000-05:00

I found out about this fabulous Gene Jones designed place and just had to include it here at Magic City Modern. The owners (who bought it from Jones himself) have done a wonderful job maintaining the integrity of this 1958 post and beam gem and really want it to wind up in good hands. (Tuscanizers need not apply). It's 3/2 with a den, an office, a trap-door accessible safe room (!) and lots of MCM swagger. The price is $269,900 and you can contact the owners at Wendytatum@me.com if you're interested. And, seriously, who wouldn't be interested? Heck, I would be interested if I didn't have a yard that looked like something out of Grey Gardens and a dining room full of IKEA cabinet boxes awaiting install following demo of the existing Bonanza-meets-Boogie Nights kitchen. A few images to whet your appetite . . .

Not yet? All right, you've forced me. Check out the fireplace.

OK. If that didn't do it for you, I no longer have use for you. Please leave your membership card with Dirk at the gate.

Two finds . . .

2009-10-07T11:32:00.000-05:00

For years I have driven by, but I actually stopped and looked this time. Henry Sprott Long is primarily known for grand historically-referenced designs. But the office is pure MCM. Love the atrium.

And a bit of a find at 5th Avenue Antiques (at the top of the stairs) -- three shallow aggregate planters. $225, I think, for the three. I almost bought them, but then realized I didn't know what to put in them. Now I realize they'd be great with succulents.

More from Forest Park and Crestwood

2009-10-07T09:55:00.000-05:00

I happened to be in town last Saturday so did a bit more exploring in what I knew to be fruitful ground -- Crestwood and Forest Park. This first one I have admired for years. A true treehouse. The trees obscure it, but to the right there is a full-height glass section. A wonderful place.

More goodies:

And a few more in Vestavia Hills . . .

Love the Asian flair!:

Verve in Vestavia

2009-09-05T17:56:00.000-05:00

I always knew Vestavia Hills would prove to be a treasure trove of mods. It is one of the older "Over the Mountain" suburbs, incorporated in 1950. It was developed at the right time, so I was hopeful. I just barely dipped my toe in the neighborhood off Canyon Drive . . . lo and behold!

Note the butterfly roof:

The handrail on the stairway has a touch of the Titanic to it, but . . .

Interesting massing of the brick here -- if I could only vaporize trees for the duration of a photo shoot.

Another butterfly roof. This one is pretty grand, and just needs some love. Two big caddies in the carport.

This one is a FSBO -- maybe an estate? Lots of potential.

This last one is fabulous, if difficult to photograph. Sited beneath the road, the back of the lot drops into a gorge. The cantilevered design makes it appear to float over its site. An enchanted place.

New mods on the market for Fall.

2009-08-30T19:42:00.000-05:00

I try to keep my eye on available mods in the area, so here are a few that are new to the market over the last few weeks. Some are in the expected areas, but some I hope are a surprise. Like the first two estate homes between Columbiana and Chelsea. Rural mod -- who knew?!

From the early 1970s, these two are a little later than the homes I typically feature. But it is clear they were dream homes when built and still have a lot of panache. For $639,500 you get soaring ceilings, 14.5 acres, a barn and a private pond.
http://tinyurl.com/nfo3wq

If you can find a bit more change under the sofa cushions you can get this nifty Asian-inspired place with 44 acres and a bigger pond! A mere $695,000.
http://tinyurl.com/me7cbp

Now, let's come back into town. This one in Hoover is sort of traditional-ranch-meets-mod. So if you just want to dip your toe into the mod world, but have 6(!) bedrooms in a nice neighborhood, this is the one for you for $326,000. (Check out the mailbox -- it's a scale model of the house!).
http://tinyurl.com/mx4x5s

Now over to Vestavia for $319,500. To me, this one looks like a cover shot for Better Homes and Gardens, ca. 1967 -- landscaping and all.
http://tinyurl.com/m2tl7a

The next two are in Crestline Gardens, which is a city tract from 1958 that was built about the same time Eastwood Mall (R.I.P.) was built (the first air conditioned mall in the South!) It's really the only good-sized mod tract in Birmingham. The houses are small, often 2/1 or 3/1, and there are maybe 5 floor plans to choose from. But they are close-in, convenient to the interstate and have remain reasonably priced. Elder is the main drag through the neighborhood. Get yourself to Montevallo Road and Elder, go South on Elder, and you will be in amongst 'em.

For $209,500, a cute place and the right to say "I live on Cinnamon Street":
http://tinyurl.com/lmy2mn

And for only $149,000:
http://tinyurl.com/noj9vh

I really like this one in Forest Park -- probably the premier city neighborhood (folks in Redmont and Highland Park may argue the point, but . . . they don't have the mods) For $229,900, a deal.
http://tinyurl.com/m4xogp

And just to show that mods often appear where least expected, here is one in Smithfield, a city neighborhood that has its challenges. But this is a lot of hip for $60,500!
http://tinyurl.com/lwdffr

Hip in Homewood

2009-08-16T13:20:00.000-05:00

Homewood is adjacent to Birmingham just over the mountain and in the shadow of Vulcan's substantial backside. Homes here are always in demand. Small bungalows in Edgewood, Spanish Haciendas in Hollywood, and ranches in the Saulter Road area just north of Lakeshore Drive are filled with young families who like the convenience and the schools. The city is also home to Southern Living Magazine, for which MCM does not typically serve as an inspiration. Nonetheless, I was on a quest.

This first one is a beauty that stands on Lakeshore Drive between Green Springs and I-65. It is canted on the lot, likely to catch a view of the lake that is no longer there. I have adored this place for years:

This one is on a bend on Saulter Road and just oozes Rat Pack, doesn't it? Check out the use of molded block, the brickwork on the carport column, and the lilypad-like front steps. If anyone knows the owners of this gem, tell them I'm dying to get inside.

There is also a cute little cluster of mods on Valley View, just off Valley Avenue:

Another weekend, another neighborhood. Enjoy!

More Available Mods

2009-07-31T23:22:00.000-05:00

Here are a few more nice mods in the Forest Park/Avonwood/Crestwood area of Birmingham. Again, I've got no connection to the owners or brokers/agents. I just think these great houses need all the press they can get.

This one in Forest Park looks as though it has been done right:

http://tinyurl.com/knp863

Two in Crestwood South:

http://tinyurl.com/mnysrg

http://tinyurl.com/m8publ

Another in Crestwood South, on a great, dead-end view street:

http://tinyurl.com/mvgtc7

Bonus Home: An A-frame cutie on a little private lake (pond, really) in Moody. We went to see this one, and it has a lot of potential, but would be a lot of work:

http://tinyurl.com/mbg95m

Available Mod Properties

2009-07-27T21:21:00.001-05:00

I thought I'd start providing links to some of the great mod properties I come across in the area. I'm not a realtor and am not affiliated with any of the agents or brokers who represent these homes. (If you are a broker or property owner who would rather not see your home mentioned here, send me a note and I'll gladly take it down). I just think these are great homes that may need a bit of a boost in order to be located and recognized for the MCM gems they are:

I posted this one earlier this year, and now it's on the market. A cutie in Crestwood South for a mere $229,900:

In Mountain Brook, a great Fritz Woehle house for $445,000:

http://tinyurl.com/mn77nj

Also in Mountain Brook, this Carroll Harmon design for $485,000:

http://tinyurl.com/nebnak

And the last for the Tiny Kingdom today, at $659,000, one that probably has a great MCM facade, because there is no shot of it in the listing(!):

http://tinyurl.com/nu72w7

Finally, this beauty in Vestavia, if you've got a bit more room in your budget ($825,000):

http://tinyurl.com/ltgcup

If you don't mind a bit of a drive, there is this grand place with a view to match in Anniston:

http://tinyurl.com/mgvjzr

Enjoy the tour!

Out and about on a Sunday . . .

2009-07-26T20:19:00.001-05:00

Birmingham is a beautiful, hilly, tree-laden place. As I have lived here lo these many years I have really enjoyed these aspects of my adopted home city. That is, until I decided I wanted to photograph some local MCM homes. Julius Shulman didn't have to work like this. There's a reason all those desert homes photograph so well -- NO TREES! Anyway, here are a few photos I was able to get. I've thrown in one of the Golden Rule on 31 in Hoover, just for good measure:

I remembered this great house in Hoover just off 31. unfortunately, the shrubbery has taken over, but I got a shot of the cantilevered, asymmetrical front steps. I LOVE these steps:

But I also found this cutie nearby (again, partially obscured by the druid gods of anti-photography):

Here is one in Montevallo that has been on the market for at least two years. The place is great, but the lots in front of and behind it have been cleared in anticipation of . . . a Mad Max remake, perhaps? It's a shame, because it has great views of the wasteland. I added one of the pristine kitchen (matching original avocado cooktop, wall oven and dishwasher) just for fun:

We're considering the below for backsplash tile when we do the kitchen this fall. Any thoughts?

Winter in Alabama

2009-03-07T19:37:00.001-06:00

I have lived in places where snow was just a part of life: Maryland, Ohio, Colorado . . . not so Alabama. Snow is something we see once a year when we watch "A Christmas Story" on TV. So everyone was giddy with anticipation for days before the storm was to come through. We've been teased this way before only to be let down. But last Sunday morning we woke up, looked out the window, and . . . S N O W!

And another:

True, it was pretty much all gone after lunch. But it was fun while it lasted! Today, you ask? Today it is 70 degrees and I am busy slapping myself because I have loaned my convertible to my stepson. There are always 2-3 perfect convertible weeks before it starts getting truly hot. Here's to hoping I don't miss those weeks.

Tour of MCM homes in Birmingham, Alabama - Part 1

2009-01-13T10:54:00.003-06:00

Birmingham is, shall we say, no Palm Springs. Traditional is the thing around here, and many MCM homes have been altered or disguised with the trappings of French Country or Old World. But there are still some great examples here. You just have to know where to look. And since there are few "tracts" here like you see out west, I think there are probably a lot of isolated MCM owners in various parts of town. I'm hoping this blog will be the start of a "gathering place" or network.

I started in my old neighborhood, Crestwood. This is a great, progressive, city neighborhood. Lots of young professionals, artists, etc. The north side of Crestwood has a lot of 1920s homes. My former home (ain't it cute? but the stump/stonehenge thing in the front yard was actually a nice River Birch when I lived there):

The houses in Crestwood get newer street by street as you get closer to Red Mountain. 1920s near my old house, then 1940s cottages, then 1950s ranches and MCMs, and up on the side of the mountain, 1960s/70s ranches.

These two are next door to one another, clearly built by the same builder. They are surrounded by traditional ranches:

Here is a particularly nice ranch:

A few post-and-beam beauties:

One of my favorites. But it looked nicer the last time I saw it, with a great spherical fountain out front. It must have changed hands:

This is a great ranch that spreads over 2 or 3 lots. I couldn't even get the entire house in one shot:

Adjacent to Crestwood is Forest Park and there are a few nice mods here. This one is amazing, but hard to see because of the trees. First the front, then the side:

Another nice one in Forest Park:

Stay tuned for more!

A belated holiday pic

2009-01-13T10:49:00.001-06:00

I know that it is January and all, but we did get the giant tree set up. After some frustrating diagnostic work involving one of those new little guns designed to magically make the lights work on the tree, it pretty much all lit up.

Welcome to Magic City Modern

2008-12-19T11:21:00.000-06:00

We had a perfectly gorgeous Mediterranean Revival bungalow, ca. 1925. All gleaming hardwoods, tile roof, 8' butler's pantry and four sets of French doors opening onto the terrace. It was our third wonderful home from the 1920s, and we felt we had found our era when it came to architecture. But while we loved our urban homes, we realized we really wanted more space, trees, and privacy for us and the dogs. So I started the search.

What I learned was that it was difficult to find that type of 1920's neighborhood architecture in a more rural setting. I found a lot of plantation-, farmhouse- and cottage-inspired homes, but they seemed to just miss out on what they even pretended to be. There were also a lot of modest 1960s-'70s ranch homes, but there was nothing inspired about them. And the newer neighborhoods of many gables? I was enough of an architecture fan to know I could never be happy in one of those.

And then, there it was. In a glossy real estate magazine in June of 2007. "Frank Lloyd Wright would be proud" it said. Well, I was a fan of Wright (I'd been to Fallingwater twice, and to some Usonian homes), and this didn't look like Wright to me. It looked more like something that had been transported from California and dropped into the woods in central Alabama. I was intrigued.

Not a bungalow. Definitely not from the 1920s. Something altogether different. But it was in the middle of three acres of trees, glorious trees. And it had a driveway that wound through said trees. (That was something I always wanted, a driveway that winds through the trees). So I called. "It's under contract," he said, "due to close the end of the week." (sigh). Well, it was a little far out, and maybe it was too much of a change, anyway . . . Back to the drawing board.

After a week or two of a continued fruitless search (the current leading candidate was next door to a water tower) I noticed that the cool house was still on the MLS. I had my realtor call. Miracle of miracles, the previous deal had fallen through. We got out there the next day.

Wow.

Did I say wow? Wow.

All glass and wood, protypical mid-century modern. The house brought the outside in through the windows of glass. And just in case you missed that, there is a garden right in the middle of the house, complete with zen stepping stones through the center. Of course 90% of our furniture wouldn't work in the house, but somehow I just didn't care. Oh, and it didn't hurt that the husband also thought the place was pretty darn cool. Somehow, in the course of about 20 minutes, I had transformed from Bungalow Gal to Mid-Century Maven. The adventure had begun.