Mid Mod Marvel: Mendota Modernism, The Dorset Road House – Thursday, October 23, 2025; 5:30-7:30pm.
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Join Docomomo US/MN to tour The Dorset Road House, a home built in 1956 by Architects Thorshov & Cerny. The Dorset Road House is a striking example of postwar modern residential design. Conceived by Minneapolis architects Thorshov & Cerny, the plan was first published in Better Homes & Gardens (September 1953) and later included in Reinhold’s Quality Budget Houses (1954). Only two houses using this plan were built in the Twin Cities; this is the second, constructed in 1956. The original version - the Jensen Residence in Minnetonka (1949) - has been altered over time. By contrast, the Dorset Road House preserves the architects’ vision more closely. Designed for a couple “constantly on the go,” the plan emphasized low maintenance, crisp detailing, and an intimate connection with nature. Heidi and Scott Swank, the home’s fourth owners, purchased the property in 2021 and have undertaken careful restorations in the spirit of Thorshov & Cerny’s original intent. The house is located in Mendota Heights, and remains a vivid expression of how mid-century modernism sought to blend natural materials, efficient planning, and openness to the outdoors. It is a quiet marvel nestled into its wooded setting. If you are interested in how this home was bestowed with its unique house number, just ask Heidi. She loves to tell the story. In-Person (self-guided) Tour: Thursday, October 23, 2025; 5:30-7:30pm Transportation is on your own, or with a friend or two! General admission tickets: $7 Docomomo US/MN members: FREE* (registration is required). * To access free member tickets, please enter your member email address in the 'Promo Code' field of the Eventbrite ticket window. Members may add up to four tickets per registered email address. Address will be provided in the Eventbrite registration. |
About Docomomo US/MN Series of Mid Mod Marvel Tours:
Docomomo US/MN seeks to highlight Mid-Century Modern properties across Minnesota that have been sensitively preserved or adapted for contemporary use.
The Mid Mod Marvel series of tours are pop-up events that showcase the stewards of Modernism in the present day – the efforts of homeowners, architects, designers and builders to shepherd modern design into our new century.
The Mid Mod Marvel series of tours are pop-up events that showcase the stewards of Modernism in the present day – the efforts of homeowners, architects, designers and builders to shepherd modern design into our new century.
