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The Architecture of John Lautner
Scott Jarson, 9/8/08

Okay everyone, as the heat wanes it’s time to get refocused on Architecture and Design, and short trips and simple travels are always a great way to do it. One trip I highly recommend you take right now is a run over to Los Angeles to the Hammer Museum in Westwood to bask in the new exhibition. Between Earth and Heaven: The Architecture of John Lautner is on view now through October 12th and should not be missed.

We saw the show this summer and highly recommend viewing it! Lautner’s career is wonderfully presented with a wealth of drawings, slides, models and photographs. It’s great to track this Architects career from his youth and early days at Taliesin West, all the way through to the highly expressive designs that came later in his career.

We’ve had the good fortune to tour several of his homes and what a treat that was. This month and next, there are tours held in conjunction with this show that are available for you to attend so if you can sneak away, you should definitely go!

We loved the Reiner/Burchill Residence - also known as Silvertop. Having seen images before, I was expecting to be “wowed”. We were not expecting such a dynamic space or as interesting detail as we came to discover in this house in person. It’s a remarkable place, sweeping and intimate at the same time. We also enjoyed the geometric simplicity and thoughtful, née DEDICATED, restoration of the Harpel House It took current owner Mark Haddawy two years to get it back to the architect's original design and we saw it about 80% complete. I found it a joy to look at the connections and construction methods, plus Lautner’s Chemosphere as a neighbor.

The MAK Center for Art and Architecture at the Schindler House is one of our favorite institutions and this year they have partnered the presentation of its 2008 Architecture Tours in with the Hammer Museum and the work of John Lautner. These tours always provide a rare chance to experience great architecture, but this year’s a remarkable opportunity.

Here’s the line up” Tour II: Sunday, September 14, 2008 
includes The Jacobsen Residence (1947), 
The Harvey Residence (1950),
 and The Reiner/Burchill Residence – (a.k.a. “Silvertop” 1963). Tickets for Tour II are $145 per person, per tour. 
Tickets include admission to the exhibition, shuttle service, and discounted parking at the Hammer.

To purchase tickets for Tour II, you must be a member of the Hammer Museum at the Contributor level or above. And as a special Lautner Tour benefit, when you sign up for Hammer membership you will automatically receive MAK Center Active-level friendship at no additional charge. Up to four (4) tickets can be purchased per tour, per membership. Not inexpensive, but well worth it!

Next month you can attend Tour IV: on Sunday, October 12, 2008. This features the Sheats/Goldstein House (1963) only. Tickets for Tour IV are $55 per person, and include admission to the exhibition, shuttle service, and discounted parking at the Hammer. To purchase tickets for Tours IV, no membership is required, but you’ll want to become a member at least of the MAK Center, it’s a small fee with a big return! Have fun…

ARCHITECTURE TERRORISTS?
Scott Jarson, 12/1/07

If I had my way the marketing caption to the photo next to this commentary should read something like this;

“Timeless Desert home by noted regional Architect, Bennie Gonzales: spacious four-bedroom home, 3700+ Sq.Ft. located in the Town of Paradise Valley; a sublime interpretation of a desert-regional vernacular with a modern influence typical to these wonderful designs. This home features recent updates and a landscape designed by Christy Ten Eyck. A rare example of Mr. Gonzales’ work, this home was crafted in 1966 from hand mortar-washed block modulated to give adobe-like mass to the walls; one of just a handful of homes designed by this influential architect that remain in Arizona.

But, where’s the house? Mostly in the landfill. We never got the chance to expose this home to someone who actually cared about any of that. What someone saw, as is often highly typical in the destruction of architectural homes, was a building lot in Paradise Valley at a price that made economic sense.

I saw this home get built. Prior to its construction, this area was our private desert playground. I was horrified I was to see a “development” go in. What changed my mind was seeing these houses by Mr. Gonzales. I fell in love with them. I enjoyed our new neighbors, and this particular house became home to a generous and lively family that we called friends.

So what made this home disposable? It was of reasonable size and very good condition, offered materiality of great quality, great functionality and importantly, one with a rich architectural history and pedigree.

Just what made it a SCRAPER?

Greed? Well, absolutely at least a profit motive. A local penchant for massive homes of mediocre materials so large that they make an acre lot feel small? Sure.

I mostly think it’s a lack of education. Who celebrated Bennie Gonzales architecture? Who pointed this home in the right direction, to the buyer that possessed a keen sense for design and space? Who priced this home to reflect its irreplaceable nature? Unfortunately no one.

I’m a realist. Not every home and building can be saved or will last forever. But this home was not obsolete in a functional sense. Any shortcomings that made this home less desirable could have been easily overcome.

As I write this, there’s a Gonzales on the market in the area and I fear for its continued existence. or what about the few remaining Al Beadle designs in PV?

We regularly attend real estate meetings where someone routinely promotes a new listing as a “SCRAPER”. This translates into anything over twenty years old and smaller than 4000 square feet. Hmm. That’s about EVERY ranch-style or MCM home plus just about every Modern design prior to 1980.

As for Historic in P.V., forget it. What’s left, and there’s VERY little, will probably be gone in ten years. Within the last two years I saw a 1920’s adobe guest ranch go away. The photo-caption that accompanied the pile of rubble in the local newspaper was laughable; “local group looking for history of home”. A little late! There used to be an original homestead from 1914 just off of Mockingbird near Cheney. It too is now gone. They reused some of the adobe blocks in the landscape, or so I’m told.

I cringe at the thought of the architect-designed homes we have seen destroyed by this thinking. If this destruction continues what will we celebrate architecturally? A handful of public buildings and select post-war tract homes?

As a morality story this is an example of why we do what we do at J&J. This is why in 1990, we followed our shared passion to research, present and support architecture and design in a manner that is respectful and promotes the art.

These homes are a part of a cultural legacy that should endure. Thankfully, we have saved more than a few. We’ll work hard to save many more. Some owners don’t know what they have. Many buyers never find what’s available until it’s too late. We are here to help with that.

But the hard fact is builders still watch the MLS every day. And a slower market means people are hesitant to take risks on a home that’s less than mainstream.

He who hesitates is lost, or he who hesitates on BUYING Architecture may watch it get lost.

Heath Ceramics
Scott Jarson, 8/16/07

Finally, Heathware® and Heath Ceramicsis getting its due. Edith Heath, a pioneer ceramic artist and Modern Designer, has become noticed again and it’s about time, even if she is gone, at least some people with design vision have carried it on.

Heath Ceramics is a touchstone to my youth. One of my earliest design inquiries surrounded Heath as I remember asking my mother, “who made these plates?” “Made by a small studio in California” I was told. Designed in 1947, a year before my parent’s marriage, they were ten years old by the time I got to them. My mom picked them out for their first apartment, pretty cool and ultra-hip for both the times and suburban Michigan.

Growing up with a set of Heath ”Coupe” plates and mugs, beautifully speckled stoneware brown with a robin’s egg blue interior that was like eating from a piece of the Arizona Sky. I ate countless bowls of cereal from them, drank gallons of percolated coffee from them and best of all, it was the plate of choice used for cooling off buttery sugary home-made chocolate fudge. So you see, I have a very strong and happy memory anchor tied to all things Heath.

Later, as the set slowly dwindled to a couple of mugs, and saucers, we bid farewell to the Heath as everyday design, but we kept the bits and pieces stashed, too good to say goodbye to. As a ceramic artist, the shape and glazes always intrigued me. Then, by shear luck Debbie and I found a complete early set of Heath “Coupe” in a shop in California. An early light-weight issue, the color combo, a matte green with opaque black interior, was told to me by Heath some time later was one of Edith Heath’s personal favorites. Fairly rare and unusual, she called it Black Olive. The name suits it perfectly.

DWR has picked up on the Heathware® line, so we’ll start seeing some around now and that’s a good thing. Edith Heath fought all odds to launch and successfully create a studio business based on two tough fields for women; design and ceramics. Personally, I find the shapes perfectly fitted to the hand. Form combining with the rich texture of the glazes and the visual compliment of color make them timeless, a perfect hallmark of design that is as functional today as it was in its 1940’s debut. Some restaurants have discovered it; notably The Slanted Door in San Francisco and even locally, we spotted some at Olive & Ivy.

I heard of the salvation of this iconic company a few years back and vowed to drop in next time we got a chance to get to the Bay Area. As if one needs any extra reasons to go to Sausalito, the Heath studio and store was amazing. A working ceramic studio combined with a humble shop that is firmly rooted in its funky artist/MCM past, the intact originality was comfort food for my soul. If you can, shop at the store just for the experience.

In addition to a full line of plates and dishes offered, there were a few one-of creations made by the shop artisans. The big secret, the one I’m almost hesitant to share, is the TILE. Incorporating Heath Tile into your life in any way is a visual luxury, the glaze textures and colors difficult to give justice to unless you actually touch them.

The visionary savior/new owners since 2003, Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey, have been getting some much deserved press on their endeavor and also on their own home, which was recently featured in Publication. I’m grateful that this line lives on; it’s like an Eames® chair for your table, I hope that these designs and colors are around for another 60 years!

Summer In Seattle
Scott Jarson, 8/23/06

How ridiculous would it be to travel to Seattle to look at public libraries? Well I guess to most it would be the call of the wild salmon runs or something similar that would bring them to Seattle, but I just could not help but harbor a burning desire to take in first hand all the Modern Architecture I could find in Seattle in the shortest amount of time. Thus began what I call the “Great Library Run of ’06”.

Once properly ensconced in a superb small hotel in the Belltown area, we quickly realized this was a great location in which to walk to virtually everything on our agenda. Hotel Ändra was just the right balance of charming and hip and had a great little bistro attached, LOLA , where we ended up fueling our bodies for the long walk more than once.

Where does the Modern Architecture lover begin in Seattle? Well, not having access to any private residences, (Bill Gates barred us after learning of my preference to Apple products), we had a short list that took three days to see all of! Seattle and Phoenix are in many ways sister cities in the way they support modern design in their Public library system. We began at the Mother of all Seattle libraries: The Rem Koolhas designed, Main Branch

This is a large structure and the design dominates the street, with overhangs that reach out over the sidewalks in an embrace that seemed perfectly fitting with the way the libraries here reach out into their respective communities.

I tagged on to a tour group that gave a good overview of the structure by a dedicated Docent: It became immediately apparent that this building met with some considerable local conflict and budget problems and local pride. Largely privately underwritten, this is the sort of structure that is not likely to be built in Phoenix. I cant’ imagine a civic atmosphere that would privately support a public building outside of a sports arena, Orpheum Theatre not withstanding.

What’s remarkable to me about this design is how it disappears in use; something that I think makes it successful. It is LARGE but very well used, full, even on a Tuesday morning. The light was well suited to the Seattle climate and one quickly adapted the volume of space. Sadly, safety concerns disposed of the more intimate nooks and crannies that I find comforting and human in a Public Library, but this structure offered uses far beyond what we typically see in our Libraries.

This is a signature building; its design makes a statement. Its mass and scale are perfectly suited to its bustling civic and business location, surrounded by many older buildings that can hold down its mass. Anywhere else, it would be an Imposing monolith, as it was; I was unable to take in the complete elevation. As interesting as it is, I found two other Libraries much more human-scaled, interesting intimate and enjoyable.

James Cutler is an architect whose work I highly admire, so I had to search out the Capitol Hill Library .Here’s a work that’s as quiet and unassuming as the Koolhas design is bold. Ensconced in an older residential setting, it was designed with a very tight budget constraint. This building could easily be overlooked, covered as it was is a grid that will allow a network of vines to encase the tumbled brick and trowel finished exterior. This design quietly reflected the local environment and respected its location. A much smaller Library, it is again well used and brings a community together to a center gathering spot. The light was soft and delightful and the detailing no less special for the budget.

Breaking from the Library search, I planned a double treat just for me: Combining my guitar-passion and architecture-addiction into a single destination, the EMC brings them together under one undulating roof! Frank Geary’s building was a blast to look at and while a little on the playful side, it’s completely successful in setting the stage for what the Experience houses. One attendee offered the perfect compliment: Unaware of any high-brow architecture ideals, I noticed one visitor looking around in wide-wonder at the explosion of texture and form, exclaiming in excitement, “Dude, this building is SO completely cool”

Now if you like music and guitars, this is a spot you need to plan some time for. They house a wonderful little collection of all the significant guitars that evolved into the modern electric, some great video and photos, plus a hands-on center where you can actually play, mix and record. All this and the Hendrix display to boot. I am now experienced! Debbie had to drag me out, displaying extreme patience with me offering guitar-tolerance that I love her for.

Taking a drive to out to nearby Ballard capped the Library search. The Ballard Branch designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson is green as green can be, with a plethora of energy saving designs and details incorporated into the building, including a sod and grass covered roof. Read this link for the details.

It offers an abundance of small surprises that seem completely appropriate given the nature of the users: a good many were children, completely enjoying themselves in this unique space, all taking a turn to view the hidden periscope view of the grass covered roof. I love the civic pride these buildings represent: everyone knows they are enjoying something unique, even if the don’t quite know why. Remarkably, this branch also spilled out into the public elements of the surrounding space as if to say: We the people of Seattle, care about this place too”. This branch was recently completed and won a much deserved AIA award. I only regret that we did not have more time to explore Ballard, as we saw lot of interesting shops, galleries and restaurants that we did not have time to explore: maybe next time.

Several other building stood out, Steven Holls’ beautiful Chapel of St. Ignatius at Seattle University is beautiful, spiritual and serene: check out the movie posted here. Offering a scale that humbles and softness to the interior that marries modern design with the spiritual, it is as good as it comes and well worth the quite time spent there.

If you know me you know the penchant I have for coffee and books. Seattle was no less for either. I recommend top-pot doughnuts for both a superb cup of coffee, but damn fine doughnuts and as much walking as we did, I could justify three visits! What’s more, the building in Belltown was as interesting as some of what we can here to see.

Fellow architecture Junkies must go and visit Peter at Peter Miller Architecture and design books. A delightful man, he offered a great selection of architecture books and select design items, plus a generous nature that took time to discuss local eats, architecture and all things interesting. If you are sincere and humble, he might offer you a handout on local architecture worth its weight in the books you will no doubt take home with you!

Most everything we looked at was located in a reasonable walk or Bus ride (free Downtown), and all in a physical space not much larger than Phoenix’s own Copper Square. It was loaded with life and pedestrians, small shops and cafes, boutiques and hotels, most of which are local and one of a kind, in contrast to our lack of all of the above (but I have hope for us I really do!)

Here’s something that I have to reflect on. Seattleites seemed to bring cars to work with them downtown just like we do. As evidenced by a fair amount of parking structures. But I am certain that the City Codes must not fixate on available parking as we love to do in Phoenix. Every street has some available parallel parking and there was no apparent requirement for a restaurateur to “park” his table count. In addition Valet parking was not all that common. So why the car fixation for Downtown Phoenix? Are you listening city planners?

While Seattle has us beat in library worship and user dedication (Each and every branch was PACKED!) I still feel that we have them beat in unique infill development. In that regard all I saw was interesting and “loft-like” developments but it was still a bit too apartment/condo in design. I think of The Vale and others here and still marvel at what has been created in little-old Arizona.

Real Estate Market 101- Summer School
Scott Jarson, 6/14/06

The Truth about Real Estate: (or why the house pictured next to this won't go down in long term value...)

EDITORS NOTE; WHILE THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN OVER ONE YEAR AGO, IT STILL RINGS TRUE, EVEN IN THE ADJUSTED MARKET WE ARE IN TODAY. MANY OF THE PROJECTS THAT ARE DISCUSSED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MARKET THEN HAVE COMPLETED, SOME HAVE GONE ON TO NOT EVEN BEING BUILT. TODAY, A GOOD PROJECT IS A GOOD PROJECT... THE CREATION OF NEW GREAT ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN ARE SIGNIFICANTLY CHALLENGED BY CURRENT MARKET CONDITIONS. IF YOU WANT UNIQUE, THEY ARE STILL NOT MAKE MUCH MORE OF IT :)

Recent articles in the Arizona Republic, reporter Catherine Reagor (whom I like and respect a great deal) picked up on an item that no doubt came across her desk as a press release.

The headline read: “high-end condos’ low opening bid signal glut”. It went on to cover an auction of four condos in Optima Biltmore and three at The Vale in Tempe. I have to quote a part of it so as to be in context: “Here’s a sure sign that too many high-end condominiums are going up in metropolitan Phoenix: Units at two pricey new developments are being auctioned off, and the minimum bids are half of what the homes originally cost.”

The coverage was really misleading in my opinion and it’s typical of what is being fed to the public almost daily. I am going to include most of what I sent to Ms. Reagor in reaction and will single out The Vale as an example…So here goes my big rant of the year concerning this article and the general state of real estate:

For the record, while there are a number of Luxury condo towers going up in the Valley, I feel it’s a misleading to consider The Vale as one of them and that this auction is an indication of a drastic change in the market. I may agree that we have A LOT of luxury condos, what we do not have is A LOT of condos with unique architecture. And Luxury Condos do not a complete real estate market make.

Visitors to this website will know that The Vale is a Diverse Mixed-use project. Units sizes ranged from 622 sq ft studios to 3 bedroom loft units over 2200 sq ft. They are well appointed, but I would classify the project as “Near Luxury”. None of the units sold new for more than $600K. The Studio units sold in the mid to high $100’s. There are still re-sale units ranging from the high $200’s and right now there is a wonderful 2 bedroom+den that you could buy today at $399K (subject to prior sale of course!).

So honestly, this project should really be considered one of the most obtainable in the Valley. The re-sale prices are running well under $350/sq ft, which is WAY below what the other re-sale and new urban projects are getting. Our average price was in the $300’s so in what way can this project be considered in the same light as the Luxury towers along Camelback? It’s flattering, but inaccurate.

Nor is it new. All units are sold save one remaining commercial office condo space. The project has been completed since September 2005. The clear majority of Buyers are owner occupants that are now happily enjoying a creative urban lifestyle and superb architecture on a daily basis. Most of the die-hards reserved originally and waited, with great patience, for the project to complete.

Most of the units in this “auction” are owned by a sole investor and I am certain that there is a reserve on the units, much higher than the minimum bid. As the sales agents for this project, I am obviously familiar with the ownership on these units. Basically, I suspect this is a creative marketing idea, designed to grab exposure and create an expectation that there might be some advantage to a buyer in this sort of sales setting. I feel that it is very misleading to the public to indicate that the “opening bid” is what these homes will actually sell for. If there is a reserve, it should be stated.

These units had been offered conventionally through MLS. I do not expect this owner will consider any bid that does not return his expectation of profit. This is what is really happening in the market: Sellers continue to expect a return that may be out of step with the reality of available inventory, mostly seen in new construction. In fact, in most cases prices have not gone down, they just fail to sell for what many investors wish to achieve in sales price. If patience and reasonable pricing is exercised, there are still buyers for virtually any home. And a fair return for sellers. We advise buyers and sellers every day. When our seasoned advice is taken, it almost always results in a happy transaction for both buyer and seller. We do not have to result to trickery in an auction setting.

It’s my opinion that considering this auction as an indication that the values of these homes are dropping, or that there is an air of market desperation is completely inaccurate. What I believe is really happening is a real estate firm taking advantage of an opportunity to capitalize on negative press, so as to create a sense of urgency in Buyers. It is no more a marker of true market conditions then a broker open house. It is a method of marketing, no more. The low opening bid does not signal a “glut”, it signals a sales tactic.

I received many an inquiry about the project these last few weeks. A handful of misled persons were under the impression that you could buy at the Vale for less than its market value, which I cannot even remotely see happening. The Vale remains one of the most affordable urban in-fill projects in the area. It has world-class architecture, innovative floor-plans, diverse unit types, and superb location being just 8/10ths of a mile from ASU and Tempe Town Lake. It is still priced considerably less than new construction along the Mill Avenue corridor. I spent the weekend there and had a delightful time; the spaces are fantastic, the light wonderful and the neighbors friendly. Another recent article categorized this project as “empty” or something similar. It is not, and even if it was, they are all sold. Just wait until fall, people return after the summer.

Which goes to show that if buyers want real values they don’t need to attend an auction to do it: they need look no further than their seasoned real estate professional that can show them MLS inventory representing a majority of reasonable sellers offering quality homes at sensible prices.

All of this adds up to my big prediction: Anyone who wishes to buy a unique home, and can, should do so now. There will not be a better time. I am basing this opinion on lots of information and a fair amount of experience…

Consider the following:

• Steel, plastic and concrete: We are still facing increasing costs of materials and these is still world-wide demand for some construction materials that has not decreased, nor is likely to in the next 24 months. I have two thoughts: New Orleans and China.

• Bullets and bombs use a lot of copper. So do hybrid cars, plumbing systems and electrical wiring.

• Oil: not cheap. Gas not cheaper…

• Construction Plastics such as Carpet, paint, insulation, PVC are all made from oil…

• The cost of these materials will keep new construction costs from going down.

• Nationally, interest rates are still historically very low but are likely to go higher rather than lower.

• Large amounts of people are still moving here. Even if the number slows for 2006, it’s still staggering.

• Outlying suburban neighborhoods have historically been the most affected value-wise in a real estate market slowdown. If you want a stucco tract home in Pinal County, you can find several….that acre lot in Paradise Valley? How many are there left without tearing an existing home down?

• In the worst real estate recession since the great depression, home values in Paradise Valley went down about 6%. When they rebounded, they went up about 10%.

• Building permits are down, which means eventually inventory will drop.

• The economy is good and employment rate is about as high as it gets.

• There is finally an actual inventory of unique architecture being developed and constructed. Celebrate this fact!

• If the market does actually soften, there will not be any new ones being developed for a while. That would be very sad.

• They are not making any more in-fill land, mid-century modern classics, Ralph Haver houses or Al Beadle homes.

• They are not making any more in-fill land, mid-century modern classics, Ralph Haver houses or Al Beadle homes (just in case you missed that last point…)

• ASU Downtown and the Light Rail have not even been built yet. Just you wait…

• Connecting Tempe with Phoenix via light Rail in going to create an urban powerhouse never seen here.

The same machine that delighted in covering increasing real estate frenzy will no doubt cover any possible negative effects of same, to their great profit. They are almost at the point where they are creating, or at the very least, spinning real estate issues to support an assumption that they hold about the market. It is interesting that we take information form the same source that sells real estate advertising as gospel. Consider this simple equation that even I can follow: Slower market = more advertising $.

Buyers are being frightened by stupid press. There's some amazing misinformation out there right now. We see a lot of buyers who feel that things will come down further, but realistically, this won't happen on anything they want to live in. Interest rates are probably going to rise so what will happen is that they will miss the window of opportunity to buy at a fair price and at a great rate!

Truthfully, the current market could be an amazing opportunity. Most Sellers who are sincere are pricing accordingly. Always remember that good Architecture in housing is a scare commodity. Way-cool houses are selling just like normal. Remember, much of what we represent cannot be duplicated, either because of talent or cost of building. If it’s unique architecture you’re after: there’s only so much after all…

LA 1: Schindler and Hollywood...
Scott Jarson, 2/28/06

Southern California was made for architecture, I’m convinced of it. Large, diverse and sprawling, you can fill your days searching out fine examples. A great place to start is West Hollywood, a location that offers designs by Frank Lloyd Wright, Lloyd Wright, Neutra , Gill, Lautner, Gehry, a variety of lesser known names, but in particular, R. M. Schindler.

Last fall I spent a few days there immersing myself in LA Architecture. I attended a UCLA extension class that focused on adding value to real estate through architecture. Who ever heard of such a thing? It’s gratifying to know there are others out there in like mind.

What was interesting is that class coincided with the anniversary of R M Schindler’s birthday. I had planned to visit his original LA residence on Kings in West Hollywood. I arrived the day before class (and Schindler’s birthday) and went right to the house since the light was good and the skies clear. The house is easy to find and parking is not too bad. There were just a handful of visitors.

The approach to the home is very modest and a small plaque plus an historical sign marked the spot. A hedge of mature Giant Bamboo lined a gravel path to the MAK Center and entry to the home. One pays a modest entry fee and has the run of a self guided tour.

Schindler designed and constructed this home in 1929 in a plan that would essentially be considered a duplex. Schindlers work under Frank Lloyd Wright certainly is evident in the home, yet there are clear indications of this man’s future work and expression reflected here as well.

There is a large amount of compression at the entry (read extreme) which allows significant relief upon entry. This makes the remaining spaces feel huge in comparison. This effect belies the actually very modest ceiling heights in the rest of the structure. The scale and serenity and comfort that come from this very human scale are remarkable. One tends to forget what joy smaller spaces can be spatially.

Materials are predominantly wood and cast tilt-up concrete panels. Exterior wall panels are often very thin and translucent, Shoji-like in nature. The home certainly represents a place, time and climate that allowed for successful experimentation architecturally. With current building and seismic codes nothing even close to the lightness of being this home has could be constructed today.

The home’s compact physical size is easy to relate to. It’s not unlike the later Usonian Houses by FLLW. The term "ship" like came to mind often. There is a wonderful rich patina about the place, amazing, since the cast concrete is beautiful, but had at one time been painted. Stripping the paint was a major expense in the restoration of these twin homes.

Indoor/outdoor relationships are superb as only they can be within fifty miles of coastal Southern California microclimates (and in Arizona for about six months of the year!). The light is serene and comforting, and the grounds conjure up visions of a tea ceremony.

It was interesting to see who was there: a few Austrians on an architectural heritage mission and a local high school group enjoying a field trip sketch fest first class. The MAK CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHITECTURE LA maintains the property and needs support. On-site there is a nice selection of architecture books. Admission is a modest $7.00 and if you come on Schindler’s birthday, admission is free AND there is a book discount too, so plan on next October 10th!

Since you’ll be in West Hollywood, you should take the time to check out and enjoy the plethora of nearby design sensitive shops on Melrose Avenue. The home is a short walk to one of our favorites: Fitsu Society for all your design item needs, and almost next door is Denmark 50,which is self explanatory and a must see if you like mid century modern and Scandinavian-designed furniture.

Superb coffee, amazing desserts and healthy, fresh food can be had down the street at Urth caffé, a small local chain that I’d love to see here (anyone who knows me well is aware of my coffee and pie problem). If tea is your thing, check out e.lix.r Tonics and Teas where if you have the time, you can be offered up a pot of Jasmine Pearl green tea, served in the simple and serene garden courtyard that belies the fact that you are in one of the largest metro-city complexes in the United States. Might be a nice time to relax and read that architecture book you just bought at R.M.’s house…

Architecture & Summer in San Diego
Scott Jarson, 8/16/05

August, 2005: What I did on my summer vacation. In my opinion, there’s TRAVEL and there’s VACATION. Travel involves something new and a lot of activity, but for me to have a vacation; it must include down-time, books and water, preferably a beach. For years, like most of Arizona, our family descends upon San Diego County for a summer respite. We have a favorite North County haunt that we no longer share with others because, frankly as it’s been said; “I vant to be alone!”.

As I leave the day-to-day of work behind, inevitably, I ‘m drawn back to Architecture. Obviously, exploring architecture is never work for me and this year, I thought that I’d share some of what we love here with others.

Much like Phoenix, San Diego has architectural roots that are often overlooked by those who have not spent much time here. There is a wealth of diverse and remarkable buildings, including some really remarkable examples of Spanish Colonial Revival (Let’s not forget Balboa Park and the Pan-American Exposition, that did more to spread red tile roofs in Arizona and California than Father Kino), and the entire covenant portion of Ranch Santa Fe is superb and remarkable, thank you Pioneer American Architect Lillian Rice.

The Post-War boom hit here too, so there’s great examples of Modern Architecture and a solid Modern ethic that remains to this day. There are several Neutra houses, great designs by case-study names and of course Louis Kahn’s Salk Institute is really a magic place.

If you make it this far north, keep going and check out the Solana Beach Train Station, by Rob Wellington Quigley (www.robquigley.com). Check out the movie… It’s a superb work that is completely modern, yet plays well and echoes the Quonset hut roots of the nearby Cedros Design District. Check out Susan Street Fine Art located in same and include a stop at Zinc Café on Cedros.

If Phoenix really goes for Transit Centers this nice, we all in for a treat and might find people actually will ride the train into Downtown.

I love a real bookstore and you can do no better than BOOKWORKS in Solana Beach/Del Mar. They have a great selection of Design and Architecture books, and the owner lays in some nice vintage jewelry, art and object finds too. PANNIKIN COFFEE & TEA is right next door for coffee. (Both located in the Flower Hill Mall, 2670 Via de la Valle) What more could I ask for?

I especially like what is happening in Little Italy. Maybe the locals may not like all the attention and construction, but it has been a remarkable transformation. I love to spend time there and highly recommend Architectural Salvage for everything eclectic and Boomerang for Modern is the real deal for sure. Zuccaro has the best Cannoli I have ever had (“leave the gun, take the Cannoli”)! All are on India Street .

The dynamic aspect of this is that we are in line for something similar for Downtown Phoenix. If you want a nice preview of our potential future, spend a day down here and you get a glimpse of what could happen at home if we decide to get it right.

Housing options in this area are superb and innovative with designs from a great group of architectural talent, notably, Smith and Others . Jonathan Segal . and Rob Quigley. Get a look at the LIND project , one of the first developments in Little Italy that spearheaded the transformation, . This project includes a collection of several buildings and open public spaces. I’m partial to Ted Smith’s Merrimac Building , I think for me it’s the light inside and the play of materials (see the other photo posted).

You can buy a loft-like condo in this area and compared to La Jolla, it’s down right affordable. Considering the ease to the harbor (oh, the Star of India!), the Airport (You can’t miss it with the Jets screaming overhead!), and a short drive to some of the best beaches this side if the Riviera, not a bad deal. Compare the prices to anything here and now you get what is driving our Market!

Hope you had a great summer; see you back in the heat! Scott Jarson

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