2014 EVENTS
Tour Day: 2014
Docomomo MN is excited to present a unique opportunity this year for Tour Day 2014. This year we are going to explore modern residential design in two Saint Paul neighborhoods, one that is familiar to many—University Grove, and one that is a hidden gem—Stonebridge Boulevard.
University Grove is a highlight of residential modernism adjacent to the University of Minnesota’s Saint Paul Campus. We will have the rare opportunity to tour a house by Elizabeth and Winton Close that has not been previously open to the public. Additionally, we will provide a short guided walking tour to explore the distinctive planning and design of this neighborhood. Then we will meet at Stonebridge Boulevard, built between 1947 and 1959, which contains a unique collection of modern residential design developed in the heart of the Macalester Groveland Neighborhood in Saint Paul. Surrounded by classic examples of early 20th Century design, Stonebridge Boulevard was carved out of a 40 acre parcel of land once owned by Oliver Crosby along ridge overlooking the Mississippi River. The collection of houses are not unique because of their highly recognizable designers, rather, they are unique in their pure modernist design as a collective whole. The influence of east and west coast high modernism is clear, but also understood is their manipulation and adaption of these pure ideas to the site and climate of Minnesota. We will walk along this quiet boulevard and be able to tour the interior of a number of these houses, ending the day at the house built by industrial designer Karl Larson. A number of houses, fourteen to be exact, will be open for tours in University Grove and Stonebridge Blvd. Many home owners, including Dudley Riggs, will be at their homes to greet guests and answer questions. Architect Gar Hargans will be at University Grove between Burton and Folwell to answer any questions about updates and additions to Midcentury Modern homes. |
The homes open for tours are as follows – address, current owners and architect (if known):
10 to noon, University Grove
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Mod Mixer 2014
June 19, 2014
Meet up with your fellow modern design enthusiasts at a fabulous location – MidModMen’s store at 2401 University Ave W Saint Paul. This year we will offer beers from local craft brewers and, of course, we’ll have some non-alcoholic beverages available. Also, great snacks from Foxy Falafel. Thursday, June 19th, 6-8pm at MidModMen!