MAY 24 - the DETAILS | from Mid-Mod Dream Homes

welcome to the DETAILS

with Mid Mod Dream Homes

05 2024

Hello Modernists

It's Preservation Month. There is a lot of fuss around preservation.

It's my personal opinion that as we introduced mass-produced products into the the supply of products consumers desire, people began to lose respect or interest in how things are made, and by extension, interest in preserving or maintaining those things that might have, at one time, lasted a long time but are now "easily" replaceable. Don't get me wrong - mass-production has made so many things more accessible over time to more people because supply increases, and there is a place, economically speaking, for mass-produced goods (as long as we are considering how we might make those processes sustainable). But what happens when we start to apply modern consumer tendencies to housing - especially mid-century style housing (yes, some mass-produced) that was a direct result of advances in production methods, construction, and building technologies?

I do think it is important to draw a certain line in the sand. If we start to casually throw away examples of well-designed, and well-constructed homes that pushed the envelope just to throw up a few tract homes, where do we look back to when we're searching for inspiration? Don't we lose some of the connections we have to innovation and ingenuity? Don't we start damaging some of the urban fabric that was so delicately and deliberately sewn together to create connection? Maybe I should call Chris Pratt and ask his opinion. Respectfully though, I believe preservation is not simply about preserving an object so it can just be seen. We aren't necessarily filling snow globes or stocking museum exhibits. Preservation is about remembering and hopefully building off of how and why we did things a certain way, just with an application of new technologies. I tend to believe that doing what we can to preserve the homes, the urban spaces, the art that got us here (within reason, of course), will inform positive and creative movement forward, while allowing us to remain present to the demands of the times we are currently living in. Thanks for tuning in.

-Stephanie & Lawrence | Mid Mod Dream Homes

the ARCHITECTURAL SPOTLIGHT

Alan Gass' personal home received Historic Landmark designation May of 2023, and just this week, on Alan's birthday, he received the plaque, physically marking the home itself.

Preservation of his personal home was not without "opinions". If you'd like to read some of the public commentary during the evaluation period, you may do so HERE.

Gass, a native Coloradan, graduated with a Master in Architecture from Harvard Graduate School of Design in 1956. Gass interned with I. M. Pei in 1954 during the construction of the Mile High Center in Denver. He went on to help shape the public fabric of Denver, and has been an ongoing advocate of "intelligence, not fashion" driving Denver's built environment.

A supporter of informed design decisions, I like to think that he supported progress, but progress that isn't short-sighted. While the following interview occurred eight years ago, I still feel it is relevant now:

Confluence Q&A: Alan Gass of AGGA Architecture and Urban Design

Hopefully preservation of Gass' home represents, ultimately, a preservation of his ideas, and helps people understand how those ideas, along with other forward-thinking designers and builders, can be applied to positively impact the way we create today.

Alan's Instagram: @gassalan

For more on Alan Gass', visit https://network.aia.org/network/members/profile?UserKey=4026f74b-841f-44fb-8753-508fcca71da8

Photo Credits:

denvergov.org

Docomomo: @Docomomo

denvergazette.com - Timothy Hurst

the GUY

Hello, everyone! Lawrence here. I'm the guy behind the DETAILS.

Some of you may know me, some may not. I've recently made the transition to Mid-Century Modern Dream Homes, and picked this monthly newsletter up as a fun, and hopefully informative way to connect with all of you through a shared love of design culture, with a slight bias toward architecture. Sure, I'm a real estate professional, but underneath the jacket and tie lives a deep-seeded love for people, creativity, houses, and technical/interesting things.

I have degrees in Building Science and Architecture. I've helped design and build a floating classroom on a pond. I've built houses with Habitat for Humanity, and sat at closings as those families finally had a place they could call their own home. I've helped build a home inspection company here in Denver, and have been inside, on top of, and underneath over 2500 homes and buildings in and around the metro area. Stephanie and I met as I helped her clients understand and navigate the details and technicalities of the mid-century homes they were purchasing, and made sure they were in a place to not only manage owning their home, but appreciate what they had to offer. You see, I love helping people find their place.

My goal here is to hopefully open lines of thinking, and, if so desired, lines of communication. If I'm lucky enough to represent you during the sell or purchase of your home, regardless of style, it would be an honor. BUT - this is my space to connect with you all. I hope that I'm able to teach you something you didn't know about architecture in Colorado, the neighborhoods we all commune in, and expose you to the events and gatherings that might interest you, your friends, your neighbors. Design impacts us all, day-to-day, regardless of whether we recognize it or not. I hope this monthly newsletter opens your eyes to those interactions, and hopefully brings you a bit of joy. If you'd like, let's keep the conversation going. I look forward to hearing from you.

-Lawrence Lippard

MMDH

Photo Credit: April Martinez

the LIFESTYLE

First Fridays Are Heating Up

With the warmer weather comes less room for excuses not to visit a First Friday Art Walk

For more on the event times and locations, follow the image link.

Photo Credit: Colorado.com

Architecture of Form 5

Art show at Core Art Space, Juried by William Logan of Modern in Denver - May 10-26th

"Architecture of Form is launching its 5th annual exhibition hosted by Core Art Space in Denver. This national exhibition embraces an aesthetic of architectural hard-edge, minimalist, and various modernist styles and influences from various historical and contemporary art movements."

Courtesy of CORE Art Space

Mother's Day in Denver

"From flowers to incredible takeout cuisine, The Mile High City knows how to pamper and delight moms. Here are a few ideas to get you started for a memorable Mother's Day in Denver."

Courtesy of Visit Denver Convention & Visitors Bureau

Photo Credit: Giphy

meet the AGENTS

Thank You for reading this month's issue of

the DETAILS | by Mid Mod Dream Homes

Lawrence Lippard

broker associate

m: 704.880.8291

lawrence.lippard@compass.com

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Stephanie Kroll

broker associate

m: 303.345.5886

stephanie.kroll@compass.com

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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