A Modern Home Search

When most people begin their search for a new home, they generally have a pretty decent idea of what they’re looking for. They know how much space they need in order to be comfortable. They know how many bedrooms and bathrooms they want. They know the parts of town they prefer. And most of the time they know the style they’re looking for.  Part of the challenge which keeps my job ever-changing is helping my clients find their perfect space. No two clients are the same.

I also happen to love architecture, most especially modernist design. From Art Moderne to Mid-Century Modern, and from Contemporary to Post Modern...that’s the stuff that makes me drool. And when I get to help clients who have an eye for something a little different, my job is that much more fun.

Recently, my friends Lalita and Garland approached me and asked if I could help them find a home. Let me start by saying that these friends and I are somewhat like-minded. We all understood that we weren’t really “normal,” that we’re kind of “misfits,”  and that we collectively might have a full deck. And we like homes with a funky quirk and a good vibe.

We all knew that once we found the perfect home, there wouldn’t be a question about it.  After several weeks and a number of near misses, the search was looking less and less hopeful. We’d found a few homes that they had liked, but perhaps the square footage wasn’t right, the bathrooms weren’t configured to their liking, or the home lacked the fireplace they really wanted. But...patience is key when you’re waiting for the right thing.

Then it happened. Seemingly out of nowhere…THE home…and a “For Sale by Owner” sign. Though working for a buyer and negotiating directly with a seller has a huge set of challenges not in place when I’m dealing with another agent, I knew my clients would love it and should go after this one.

From the outside, it had an understated 1950’s design, yet had terrific modernist characteristics. A one-owner home on a splendid lot with a walkout basement, gorgeous cork flooring, post-and-beam constructed living room with those huge expanses of glass my clients were looking for, and obviously loved meticulously. I was able to contact the owner so my friends could tour the home. They fell in love with it instantly, and after a few days of tense negotiations, we arrived at a set of acceptable terms. A few weeks later my clients were the proud owners of a spectacular Mid-Century Modern home in Devonshire. 

1964 Show Home - SOLD in 35 DAYS!

6208 Landborough S. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46220

 Prepare to be blown away. The classic Mid-Mentury Modern stone exterior with its wide eaves and tall windows belies the breathtaking pagoda-like interior of this ranch home. A 1964 Home Show home, there are details and design elements that you've been waiting for. Soaring ceiling w/ stone fireplace, an award-winning kitchen renovation, cork flooring, dramatic lighting, in-ground gunite pool w/ back yard paradise. 4 BRs, 2.5 Bth. Large 2-car Garage. It must be seen to be fully-appreciated!

Modern Matters To Me

North Christian ChurchI'm frequently asked about my love of Modernist architecture, especially the über-kitchy Mid-Century Modern stuff like pink bathrooms, Vitrolite tile, boomerang formica, cork flooring and post-and-beam construction.

I'm not sure where I picked up the affinity. Perhaps it was when I was a kid and my parents would take me to Columbus, Indiana to visit family friends. We'd drive by Eero Saarinen's "oil can church" and visit the Commons, usually grabbing lunch at "the Greeks."

Maybe it was my exposure in college to the finest Graphic Design of the Mid 20th Century. My professors were steeped in the works of Swiss Graphic Design, and I learned very early on to respect the Deacons of Design: (including but not limited to) Paul Rand, Massimo Vignelli, Armin Hoffman and Josef Müller-Brockmann.

I was not the least bit surprised to learn that what I now consider "modernist" architecture had roots in the late 19th and early 20th Century in Central and Northern Europe. I am especially fond of the Bauhaus, with its influences on and by such notable Architects as Walter Gropius (the founder of Bauhaus), Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra, Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson.

Bauhaus

Those clean lines, flat roofs, expanses of glass, the use of utilitarian materials, and the unification of the building with the space it occupies - including a respect for the landscape - inspire me to this day. Many of these Architects also designed furniture, lighting and other fixtures which fit the aesthetic of the buildings they created.

Whether it was my early exposure to the Architecture of the day as a child or my involvement with the Graphic Design of the era during my years at IU, I am to this day enamored with and absolutely love Modernist design.

(Photo of North Christian Church ©2005 Greg Hume, used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license. Photo of the Bauhaus School has been released into the public domain by its author, Mewes.)

You Can Live In Thornhurst

It's not too late to make an authentic Avriel Shull home your very own, a rare opportunity to own a fabulous Mid-Century Modern ranch! This home and neighborhood were featured in 10/09 issue of Atomic Ranch Magazine. Christie's Thornhurst is in the National Register of Historic Places. Classic Avriel design complete with original kitchen cabinets, counter-tops, backsplash, bathrooms and lighting fixtures. Slate floor in entry and hardwoods in all bedrooms and hallway. You've been waiting. Now it's your turn to own a classic home designed by a local icon.

SEE THE FULL LISTING SHEET HERE.

SOLD in 25 days!

Update on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 5:48PM by Joe Shoemaker

Thanks to the hard work of Chriss Cheatham and a lot of help from Shelly Smethers at Chicago Title, Dan Crookshanks is the proud owner of this wonderful home. We're very happy for Dan, and look forward to the results of his modern renovation. I'm sure he'll make Avriel's legacy proud.

Summer Love, Mid-Century Modern Style

Summer is heating up, and so is the real estate market. This month has brought a few new Mid-Century Modern homes to the market. Some are terrific and move-in ready. Others... not so much. And with listing prices starting well under $100,000, there are opportunities to be had across the price spectrum.

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SOLD $171,500
2602 Baur Drive., Indianapolis, IN 46220

Fabulous Mid-Mod home is truly unique! Open upper level provides loft-style living area, hardwood floors throughout, tons of huge windows, amazing light, new bath with custom cherry cabinets. Perfect for the style-minded gearhead, with climate controlled 3-car workshop in addition to 2-car built-in garage! Gorgeous landscaping on 1.5 lots. Quiet, stable neighborhood close to Broad Ripple. Home warranty included. Inspection already done--free copy to buyer! From Keystone & Kessler, E on Kessler 1 block, S on Tacoma, E on Baur.

(Listing Courtesy RE/MAX Legends Group)

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660 E. 82nd Street., Indianapolis, IN 46240

Wow...come look at this home. Nice location with some updates in place! This is a Fannie Mae HomePath property. Purchase this property for as little as 3% down! This property is approved for HomePath Mortgage Financing. This property is approved for HomePath Renovation Mortgage Financing College Avenue South of 86th, West on 82nd to 3rd house on right side of street.

OFF THE MARKET. DID NOT SELL AT $134,900

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SOLD $85,900
947 E. Cragmont Drive., Indianapolis, IN 46227

Classic contemporary California ranch in an excellent area of Perry! Bright sun-drenched living room with extra large window and inviting Dining Room just perfect for entertaining. Great step saver kitchen with loads of cabinets and lots of counter space! Spacious bedrooms with large closets and all rooms have vaulted ceilings and sheltered windows. All located on a lush green fenced lot with mature landscaping. A warm unique home for someone looking for something better that the ordinary.

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318 E. Southport Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46227
$150,000 

This fabulous 60's home is true to era! The entry features a glass block wall and original tile work. 10 rms,4 bdrms, 3.5 baths, plus a bonus rm! The Indiana limestone fireplace in the family rm is truly a work of art! Vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, 11 closets, built-in's throughout, partial basement, and pontential in-law quarters add value to this home. All appliances stay. Some restoration or upgrades may be desired. Owner loves the originality and is selling home "as is." 31 North to Southport Rd. House 2 blocks from 31 on north side of street.

OFF THE MARKET.

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SOLD $320,000
6105 Shawnee Tr., Indianapolis, IN 46220

Amazing 1951 Evans Woollen original mid-century modern home nestled into the most stunning back drop in the city.1.45 acre parcel is an oasis w/sweeping forest views & shaded tree canopy above.Full 2-stry expanse of glass blurs the line btwn indoor & outdoor living.Home is in pristine, original condition, & features:Terrazzo floors,block walls,gallery overlooking living space w/original spiral stair, raised ceilings & flr to clg glass walls. MSTR wing w/rec rm below, also designed by Woollen. East on 62nd St from Binford Blvd to Rucker Road. South to Orchard Hill. East on Orchard Hill to Shawnee Trail, to home.

(Listing Courtesy Keller Williams Indy North)