As Houston grew to become the fourth largest city in the United States, part of its growth cycle was for older homes and commercial projects to be torn down to make way for new construction. Basically, the closer an older property was to downtown, the Energy Corridor, or any developer created destination, the more the land became worth more than what was on it.
This website, Houston-Modern-Homes.com, focuses on mid-century modern (MCM) and contemporary modern homes, and highlights the historical context of Modernist residential architecture in the Houston area. Our intent is to add value to those homes and contribute to their preservation.
Some of the classic examples of MCM architecture have been lost, while others continue to be threatened in the name of ‘progress’. It was already a struggle to preserve smaller architecturally significant homes in Houston suburbs built in the 1950s and 60s. Their lots were desirable for builders who could tear them down and build larger multi-million-dollar homes. Then Hurricane Harvey arrived, accelerating the potential demolition of some of the best examples of MCM architecture in neighborhoods that never previously flooded.
While many more MCM homes are being torn down and replaced by homes that are at least twice the size, the irony is that the features in homes that are most popular today – open floor plans and informal living areas blending indoor and outdoor living – originated with mid-century architecture. That architectural style not only had sleek and futuristic lines but was also driven by new ideas about the relationship between the home and the people who live in it.
MCM homes are characterized by a low, horizontal profile, open floor plans, large expanses of glass, and innovative design. It also reflected a new social philosophy, that the homes connect the outside environment with interior living space. And, open floor plans promoted a more casual and integrated living experience. Larger spaces could be used for a variety of uses, rather than traditional floor plans that divided living spaces into smaller areas for specific uses.
Organizations like Houston Mod and Preservation Houston work to preserve and promote awareness of these homes and highlight the resurgence of appreciation for their classic architecture. It is sad, however, to see many of its best examples in subdivisions like Memorial Bend, demolished after Hurricane Harvey, and its empty lot listed for sale and the construction of a large new home.
We are keenly interested in seeing as many Mid-Century Modern homes as possible in Houston protected from the same fate. I know we can’t save them all, but by promoting awareness and education, as well as matching homes up with the right buyers when they sell, we can try to preserve their history for as long as possible.
What You Can Do
- Find your own MCM home to restore and protect by learning its story, its architectural features, and modernize it in ways that respect its architectural history.
- Educate yourself and your neighbors about the history of your MCM home.
- Work with your local community to obtain protection for MCM homes through the establishment of historic districts or restrictive covenants.
- Work with us, if you don’t already have a realtor, as the real estate agents for your MCM home purchase or sale. We specialize in and care about the preservation of these iconic homes.