Midwestern Midcentury

Moline, Illinois Mid-Century Modern

This sprawling mid-century modern "compound" graces a hilltop in Moline, Illinois.  The flat-roofed house is tucked away in a somewhat remote subdivision, and like so many modern homes, the rear of the house is more interesting to look at, and has the better view from inside.

In this case, a view of the Rock River Valley.

As you can see below, the "front" of the house seems quite plain when compared to the windowed "rear."  Can you find the front door?

Click on the photos for a larger view.

 

East Moline, Illinois Mid-Century Modern

This cozy mid-century modern home in East Moline, Illinois features a flat-roof (my favorite house-topper).  It has a California feel in spite of it's not-far-from-the-Mississippi corner lot location.

The front door is a classic mid-century style that Crestview Doors calls "The Westhaven."

(click on images for larger views)

Awesome Mid-Century Modern Perched on LeClaire, Iowa Limestone

Imagine the breathtaking lake views the owners of this flat-roofed LeClaire, Iowa mid-century modern home have.  A stone's throw from the Mississippi River as well, the home has double water views.

LeClaire is the home of the Buffalo Bill Museum.

Click on the photos to view larger pics.

 

 

Mid-Century Modern in Waterloo, Iowa

 

My mother-in-law has lived in this Waterloo, Iowa neighborhood since 1964.  The flat-roofed mid-century modern above is tucked up against the Cedar River.

Click on the photos for larger images.

   

This particular house interests me because it shares the same redwood siding that lies above the brick portions of our house.  Redwood seems to be a common thread among some Midwestern MCM homes.

 

For the first time since since this neighborhood was developed, the Cedar River overflowed it's banks in 2008 and the home like this one on the street paralleling the river were flooded.  Other homes, including my mother-in-law's, had several feet of water seep into basements through floor drains.

It was a real mess.

 

Mid-Century Modern in Mason City, Iowa

 

As promised, in 2009 I will begin to share the photos I have been taking of mid-century modern homes in the Midwest.  When we were "looking" at our Moline house from California, I was frustrated by the lack of online images and information on the flat-roofed MCM homes.

As we have traveled throughout the Midwest over the past two years, my camera has been clicking away.  Mostly flat-roofed examples, but also a few Frank Lloyd Wright structures, and some homes by Wright students.

The photos above and below were taken in a Mason City, Iowa neighborhood brimming with MCM homes: a residential time warp.

Coming soon, a really cool Wright Usonian in Iowa.

Click on the images to view a larger version.

  

 

Dahl House Update: Des Moines, Iowa Mid-Century Modern Monument

My previous post on the mid-century modern Dahl house in Des Moines has piqued the interest of a lot of our readers.  I submit herewith an update:

It's still for sale...and they have dropped the price from $1.3 million to $1.2 million!  Clearly, the house is now in an "affordable buy zone"...for... someone...rich.

Check out the current listing complete with more views.

http://www.iowarealty.com/buying/detail_ml.asp?list_numb=326386&search_text=&high_list_price=2500000&low_list_price=1000000&beds_total=&full_baths_num=&garage=&handicappedfeatures=&type_home=RESIDENT&search_list.x=16&search_list.y=9

Below is the text from the real estate listing in case you an aversion to clickable links:

Mid century modern walkout ranch built on 3+ breathtaking acres w/5337 sq.ft., 4BRs & 5 baths. Built in '65 by W.T. Dahl and later remodeled & updated. Commercial construction, including limestone exterior and walnut interior woods. Every room w/window-wall views. Attractive kitchen w/walnut cabinetry, pantry area & extensive counters & built-ins. Fantastic living room w/huge floor to ceiling fireplace. A 38'x22' Florida room with a copper hooded fireplace & built-in seating. Huge master w/elaborate dual (his & her baths). 2 large bedrooms. Baths, storage & exercise room & W.T trophy room in lower level + an unbelievable indoor pool w/2 story window wall views and complete bar & kitchen facilities w/dual dressing rooms & bathrooms. A remarkable home w/architectural digest quality & design. Adjoining acre lot reserved by seller.

And two more pics for your viewing pleasure.  Pretty funky!  Will the new owner(s) keep the orginal furnishings and floor coverings?  Stay tuned.

A "Dahl" House in Des Moines - Mid-Century Modern to the Max

Built by the Dahl's Foods gorcery store founder in 1965, this home on a three acre lot in Des Moines, Iowa is dripping with mid-century modern appointments and listed for a "yeah, baby" $1.3 million.

More pics here (sorry, online Register articles do not remain active indefinitely):

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080621/LIFE03/806210302/1039/LIFE

Here is the real estate listing:

http://www.iowarealty.com/buying/detail_ml.asp?list_numb=326386&search_text=&high_list_price=2500000&low_list_price=1000000&beds_total=&full_baths_num=&garage=&handicappedfeatures=&type_home=RESIDENT&search_list.x=16&search_list.y=9&

A little too, "Austin Powers" for me...but it has a lot of possibilities for someone who wants to live in a Midwestern mid-century modern monument.

More pics...