It’s not on the scale of Palm Springs Modernism Week, or even Modern Phoenix Week—the home tours that ardent fans of midcentury modern architecture flock to (budget permitting) to steep themselves in long days of oohing and aahing at gorgeous, big-time wow-factor homes. But Docomomo US/MN’s Tour Day 2017 isn’t anything to sneeze at, either.
This year’s tour, which takes place on Saturday, October 7, just added a house designed by Minnesota modernists Win and Lisl Close in the University Grove neighborhood of St. Paul. Among the seven other properties on the tour are four in St. Paul and three are in the urban enclave of Twin Cities modernism, Golden Valley.
The lineup of modern and midcentury homes includes residences with recent updates that adhere to the homes’ classic styles while supporting 21st century lifestyles and contemporary living. At some of the houses, the original owners will be on hand to spill the beans about the design, construction and renovation of the property.
Visit docomomo-us-mn.org for continued updates. Tickets are available through Eventbrite: $50 for non-Docomomo members, $30 for Docomomo members, and $15 for students with valid school ID.
DOCOMOMO, short for the DOcumentation and COnservation of buildings, sites, and neighborhoods of the MOdern MOvement, is certainly memorable. So are its programs. The Minnesota Chapter of DOCOMOMO was founded in 2010 to extend the national organization’s work in promoting the study, interpretation, and protection of the architecture, landscape, and urban design of the Modern Movement. Throughout the year, the Minnesota Chapter provides access to films, speakers and parties that spread the love of midcentury modernism.
By Camille LeFevre