ModPhx 2009 tour‏

Friends of Modern Design,

I'm excited to announce that the hunt for Modern Phoenix Home Tour 2009 homes has begun. We're doing things a little differently this year by not focusing on a specific neighborhood but instead highlighting areas that may have one or two homes nearby, but would not warrant an entire walking tour as we have done in the past.

I already have five residences confirmed but am seeking to diversify the roster of architects and designers to round out a "Founding Fathers of Modernism in Phoenix" themed tour. Beadle, Haver, Drake, Guirey, Sawyer, Straub, Ekman, Schreiber, Wright, etc. We'll include a little of everything.

Do you know of any midcentury mod homeowners in the Uptown Phoenix and Arcadia areas who would enjoy sharing their home on tour? Perhaps like a little public relations? Any contemporary architects who have done a midcentury-era remodel or rehab that deserves particular attention? Innovative Do-it-Yourselfers? Send them my way before the holidays hit us!

The guidelines:

The home must have been built between 1945 and 1973 and be related to the Modern movement in architecture. Exceptions considered.

The home may be altered, but only for the better. Re-muddles need not apply.

The home should be within near reach of the Larger Camelback Corridor area, between 19th Avenue and 56th Street. (visit ModernPhoenix.net for map)

The home should be related to one of the Founding Fathers mentioned above, or other prominent designer / developer / engineer.

The home must be of architectural merit first, interior design and landscape interest second.

Exception: Ranchburgers and tract homes of no known pedigree will be considered if well-updated in landscape, architecture and decor.

Ruins or shells of homes of exceptional merit will be considered (such as we did for Beadle's White Gates last year)

"Time Capsule" homes that have changed little since their era are welcome to apply, especially if they can hold contemporary interest.

Works-in-progress are welcome, as we realize that design is often a process that does not happen overnight. We ALWAYS indicate the % of completion.

We are also considering homes that are currently on the market. We do not typically place many homes for sale on the tour, nor do we wish this to become an "Open House" tour, but we realize that this year due to the slowdown some of the city's most well-preserved or endangered properties need a little extra attention. Because of this, we will probably place more homes on tour than ever and keep the for-sale and not-for-sale in balance. We feel that using Modern Phoenix Week to promote such homes is the responsible thing to do given current market conditions. As usual, homes for sale will be clearly indicated on our maps and descriptions. We may even need to organize the Open Houses as a separate event if there is enough interest. It is Modern Phoenix Week after all! More on this as it develops.

The tour date is April 5th, 2009 and typically runs from 2 - 6 pm. (This may change if we run a separate Open House event.).

Kindly ask around your circle of friends, neighbors and clients if this opportunity interests them. Because this is our first non-neighborhood-specific tour, this will be the first opportunity for some of the city's best Modern homes get showcased in a Modern Phoenix tour. We're excited at the prospect, and hope to hear from you soon.

Source: Alison King, Founding Editor ModernPhoenix.net (Phone 602-923-9719)

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