Day Trippin’

 

Since a Spring Break beach trip was not in the cards for us this year, we wanted to do a little something for a change of scenery.  So a couple of weeks ago we took a day trip to Columbus, Indiana (72 miles from Cincy).  For those of you who don’t know, tiny Columbus, population 39,000, is a hotbed of modern architecture.  The late Irwin Miller, owner of Irwin Union Bank and Cummins Engine was a huge fan of modern architecture.  To enhance his local built environment, Miller started a foundation back in the 1950’s where local Columbus businesses, churches and government agencies could apply for a grant which would pay the architectural fees of a world renowned designer. 

So, in little Columbus, IN, they have a church by Eliel Saarinen, a church by Eero Saarinen, a library by I.M. Pei, schools by Harry Weese and enough cool modern buildings and public works of art to fill a two hour bus tour!  The tour was a lot of fun and at $10 per person, a bargain.  We had great commentary from a local tour guide bursting with pride for her community – and perhaps the best feature, inside tours of the two Saarinen churches.  My husband and I were both awestruck by the Eero church.  It was stunning!

 

After the tour, we walked through the charming downtown to the Irwin Union Bank building – an absolute time capsule from 1954.  This working bank branch has original desks, Saarinen side chairs, lighting, flooring, everything….  Not only was Irwin Miller a visionary in terms of developing his hometown, he had the incredible restraint to resist ‘updating’ his bank building in the 1970’s and 1980’s. 

 

After our whirlwind tour of the town, we did a little driving around on our own.  Off of the main road just outside of downtown, were these really cool streets with houses built around small man-made lakes.  Lots of modern houses mixed in, but as my 16 year old daughter pointed out, “these people don’t know that they have modern houses.”  Yes, even in a town that treasures its public modern  architecture, people still make horrible missteps with their modern homes – vinyl replacement windows, Lowe’s cut glass doors, and even the occasional yard goose……

 

The real goal of the trip, to catch a glimpse of the Miller house designed by Eero Saarinen in 1953, went unfulfilled – the location a closely guarded local secret.  But hopefully one day it will be open to the public – and we’ll be back!!

 

Check it out at www.columbus.in.us/

 

 

 

 

 

saturday morning – cincinnati modern style!

As we emerge from our cocoons – from a far too long winter if you ask me – it’s time to think about how to get out and enjoy our great city, modern style.  Last Saturday morning, I took the family down to Findlay Market for our favorite breakfast.  It wasn’t exactly warm yet, but it felt good to be at the market, especially for some of the best food in town!  The breakfast bowl from Aunt Flora’s is fantastic (smashed potatoes, egg, cheese and bacon….), especially with a side of Belgian waffle from Jean-Francois (www.tastefrombelgium.com ).  Words cannot describe these waffles – like nothing you have ever eaten before.  Trust me – just go down to the market and get one (or two)!

After loading up on our market staples (Krause’s roast beef, Eckerlin’s pepper goetta), we headed over to Country Club gallery to see the Charley Harper exhibit (http://www.countryclubgallery.com/current.html).  For those who haven’t been, Country Club is in the same building as the Carl Solway Gallery, also on Findlay street, but west of the market in the West End.  We were all completely speechless at the beauty of the works, and believe me, it’s not like any Harper exhibit you have seen before. 

 

These are the original drawings from the Golden Book of Biology and The Animal Kingdom books, illustrated by Harper in the early 1960’s for the Golden Press.  And they are all for sale!  OK, the prices are kind of steep – most in the $2000 – $6000 range – they are a treat to look at nonetheless.  Many have the original crop marks and printer notations. It really makes you wonder about the investment value of these rare original Harper pieces.  I have a feeling that in actually, the prices really aren’t so steep…..

And while you are there oogling over the works, don’t forget to go in the back room and see the video of Todd Oldham, fellow Harper groupie, talking about his friend Charlie on an episode of CBS Sunday Morning.   

The last stop on our ‘downtown tour’ was Park + Vine, Cincinnati’s very own green general store, to check out the cf3 modern architecture exhibit (http://www.parkandvine.com/?page_id=153 ).  Yes, I’ve seen the exhibit before – having worked on it with Chris Magee and Mike Keifling – but I wanted to see how they had it displayed in the store.  I also wanted to check out the store since I hadn’t been before.  The exhibit looked great, prominently displayed along a wall – easy to read and see the photos.  The guy behind the counter even said that Ben Dombar’s family had been down to check it out and take pictures of it the week before.  Very cool!

 

Of course, while at Park + Vine we  had to do a little shopping – an aluminum water bottle, recycled motherboard keychain, bamboo spoon.  I resisted the urge to buy the “Florence Y’all” t-shirt with a vintage “Carol Brady” photo on it.  AND, we were home in time for my teen agers to go off and do things with their friends.  Ya gotta love Cincinnati!

IKEA and the modern home

I went to Ikea on opening day.  I don’t know quite why I did it, other than I knew it was crazy and I tried not to go, but I felt the pull and I gave in.  It helped that I went with a friend who, due to a recent back injury, has a temporary handicap parking pass.  We zipped right in to the main parking lot right about 1:00.  No problem!

The store was crowded with Ikea virgins, not quite sure what to make of the whole thing, but if you build it…….  I also spotted a few Ikea veterans, like myself, who heard the call.  I could just tell (OK, and I knew some of them).

I made my first of many pilgrimages to Ikea in 1988 when I was pregnant with my (now 19 year old!) son.  On that trip to the Philadelphia store, we bought porch furniture and a changing table for a the baby.  To the people who say that Ikea is poor quality and disposable, I have this to say:  That furniture is still on our porch (holding its own right next to a classic Saarinen table w/ Bertoia chairs – see photo below) and the changing table has been ‘remodeled’ and is now serving as a desk in our kids’ art studio. 

As I walked around the store, I couldn’t help but be saddened that I will never again feel that particular rush you get from a long road trip and finally spotting the blue and yellow Swedish flag and ginormous blue building (sigh!).  But it’s here, and it’s ours.  And it’s only 10 miles from my house!

While my Ikea finds will no longer seem so special (sigh again!), I can’t imagine having a modern house in the 21st Century without Ikea to fill in the gaps that classic mid century can’t fill.  Be it media storage or accessories for the laundry room, it’s cool factor with a purpose.

Never again will someone have to live in a turn of the (last) century Hyde Park house with tiny closets.  Ikea wardrobes are here!!  Add an entire wall of storage to any room for under $1000.  Re-do a kitchen for $5000.  Now, anything is possible!  I just need to remind myself that we’re incredibly lucky to have our own Ikea and that it will always be cool no matter how used to it we get!

Update!

Wow, a lot has happened since my last blog entry.  The 20th Century Cincinnati Show was a huge success.  The cf3 Architecture in Cincinnati exhibit (which I spent the last few weeks working on with Chris Magee and Mike Keifling – Bravo guys!) was extremely well received and will be touring around town this Spring.  It’s at Park & Vine until April, then will be travelling to UC and the Cincinnati Magazine offices.

As for the west side modern that I mentioned last month.  The house was completely trashed.  I didn’t know it was possible for a house to go so bad in just two years since I saw it last!  And it sold – for nearly $40,000 less than it sold for two years ago.  Ouch!  How can people let this happen?  I hope the new owner brings it back to life and enjoys living in a modern (Henn, we think) house.

And lastly, I am working on a small book(let) of Cincinnati Modern homes & public buildings with a couple of UC profs – Patrick Snadon and Udo Greinacher.  After I put this project behind me (this week, hopefully), I will get on with blogging and updating my website like I should be.  Thanks for sticking with me!

what is going on in the market??

I get asked this question all the time.  Here is my take on what is going on:  There are great houses out there and you can get a lot of house for your money.  But you have to be prepared to buy!! 

People are just not as willing as they used to be to see a house that they love, buy it, then try to sell their old house.  To many, it seems too risky to own two houses.  So what I see is people becoming very frustrated.  They find a house they love, but are unprepared to buy.

So here is my suggestion.  Talk to a lender.  Find out exactly what your buying power is – lending guidelines have changed and rates are coming down.  If you are really going to take advantage of increased buying power created by this ‘move-up’ market, then let me evaluate your current home.  Let’s be realistic about what it is worth.  Face it, what your neighbor’s house sold for in 2006 has very little bearing on what your house is worth in today’s market. 

But look at the bright side – even though your house may not be worth what it was a year ago, you are probably going to get your ‘move-up’ house for less, too!  You still come out ahead!

So browse listings online for inspiration, talk to a lender and get pre approved (see my recommended lenders below),  and let’s put your current home on the market.  No sense putting the cart before the horse.  Don’t spend months looking at listings and  fall in love with your dream home only to be heartbroken.  Be prepared and buy your dream!

For no obligation loan pre qualifications, please call:

Michelle McBride @ Huff Mortgage 513.505.0354

Dick Engle @ Summit Home Loans 513.266.3160

fantastic west side listing!!

 

This new listing has just come to my attention.  I was in it about 2 years ago when it last sold and it was surprisingly cool.  West Side MCM’s are kind of rare – when I have a west side buyer, the right house is not always on the market.  Believe me, this is the right house for anyone looking for a modest sized modern! It’s on nearly an acre.  And are you ready for this?  It’s only $129,900!!  I’m serious!  PLEASE contact me right away if this is what you are looking for.  I am withholding the listing from my website so other agents don’t poach it for their clients.  It’s happening a lot (sad, but true!).  susan@cincinnatimodern.com or call 513.886.7841

the modern life, cincinnati style!

 Why the long absence from blogging?  I’ve been obsessed with preparing for what I believe to be the most complete presentation ever on modernism in Cincinnati!  Patrick Snadon, UC interior design professor extraordinaire, and I will be presenting an in depth look at commercial and residentail modernism 1945 – 1970 this Thursday @ 5:30 at the Mercantile Library.  See more info on Sara Pearce’s blog: http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/art/ .

what you get for the money – cincinnati style

Last year about this time, a crew from HGTV’s ‘What You Get For the Money’ spent a week in Cincinnati filming houses to feautre in upcoming episodes.  They contacted me because ’viewers like magazine ready interiors and mid century modern homes.’  Who knew?!  I guess it’s no accident that so many commercials are shot in modern houses!  Anyway, it was kind of a thrill because I got to hook them up with 3 great mid century modern houses in town (…including mine) and I got to do the commentary!  After thinking these episodes were never going to air, I finally got word that the first one will be on this coming Sunday, November 18, at 11:30 p.m. on HGTV, episode #607.  I believe it’s about a 3-4 minute segment that should be on toward the end of the show.  It’s the home of Kari and Mike Keifling in Madeira.  Mike is an architect with FRCH and their home was also featured in the February 2007 issue of Cincinnati Magazine. 

Upcoming episode #703 will feature my house and #708 features the Amberley Village home of Rick Kay and Jim Kelly.  No air dates are set for those yet, but they told me to expect them in January.  I’ll let you know!  Other Cincy homes were also shot while they were here, including a grand old North Avondale estate and a downtown condo.  I’m not sure when they will air.  The weather was absolutely horrible while they were here – windy, cold, rainy, gray.  The segment producer and the photographer were a lot of fun and kept wondering why the show’s producers sent them to Cincinnati in December!  Anyway, I’m curious to see the city scenes they got to spotlight Cincy!

More info is available on the What You Get For the Money website: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_hgftm/episode/0,2496,HGTV_21876_53121,00.html

the right house in the wrong(?) place

OK, I have to admit.  This one has me stumped.  The Armco Techbuilt House in Middletown is getting a ton of attention from folks on the east and west coasts (don’t believe me?  check out the lotta living message board: http://www.lottaliving.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=60117#60117 ), but no attention locally.  Why?  A modern Realtor in Colorado sent me this very pertinent article the other day about how location affects value.  We all know that rule, right?  Location, location, location……but with architecture, sacrificing location for style is often a great way to get in the market at an affordable price (see the whole article: http://www.portfolio.com/culture-lifestyle/goods/real-estate/2007/10/19/Inexpensive-Architecture ).  People on the coasts get it.  Why don’t we?  This house has to be the single best value I have seen in an architecturally and historically significant home – and as an added bonus, it’s in a contextually perfect setting in a very nice mid century neighborhood in North Middletown, that perfect kind of location for couples where one half works in Dayton (or Oxford) and the other in Cincy.  It may be off your radar screen, but it’s not so far off the beaten path!  So I ask, where have all the modern folks gone?

Link to listing: http://cincy.rapmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Cincynky&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=c5iC6B31UNism43NCK5aSLmgxP%2BxaGt67fvVGcG18ks%3D&KeyRid=1