Category Archives: Mid-Century Modern
Diagnosing the Future: Modernism, Medicine and Historic Preservation
by Michael R. Allen Last week, the Chicago Commission on Landmarks for the second time unanimously voted to rescind the landmark designation for Bertrand Goldberg’s Prentice Women’s Hospital (completed in 1975). The vote essentially dooms the innovative concrete-shell modernist hospital … Continue reading
This Building Matters #5: Modern St. Louis (Citywide MCM Survey)
Yesterday, the Cultural Resources Office held a public meeting on the ongoing citywide survey of non-residential mid-century modern architecture. Cultural Resources Office Director Betsy Bradley started the meeting with a talk that included slides of the handful of St. Louis … Continue reading
The Mid-Century Modernism of Marcel Boulicault
by Michael R. Allen St. Louis architect Marcel Boulicault’s name probably is unfamiliar to you, but a few of his works will draw an “ah ha!” or two. Boulicault is a designer whose contributions to Modern architecture in St. Louis … Continue reading
Finding Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in St. Louis
by Michael R. Allen Our city’s enduring legacy to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. consists of the renamed Veterans Memorial Bridge (built 1951, renamed 1968) and the several-miles of combined Franklin and Easton avenues (renamed in 1968). The bridge is … Continue reading
Workshop: Authenticity + Sustainability: Making the Most of Your MCM Masterpiece
Posted in Events, Mid-Century Modern
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New Central West End Standards Will Protect Recent Past Architecture (Whatever That Will Be)
by Michael R. Allen On June 22, 2009, the Preservation Board voted 3-2 to grant preliminary approval to demolition of a landmark work of non-residential modern architecture designed by a renowned architect with a national practice, located in the Central … Continue reading
Posted in Central West End, Mid-Century Modern
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Charles E. King Recognition Reception
The Belleville Historical Society will honor and celebrate the body of work created by architect Charles E. King in the Belleville area at a reception on Sunday afternoon, November 4th at 2:00 at the Alan J. Dixon Student Center on … Continue reading
Starbucks in a Flying Saucer: STL Preservationists Embrace Modernism
Next American City published my account of St. Louis’ recent preservation triumphs of the “flying saucer” Starbucks and the AAA Building. Read the full article: Starbucks in a Flying Saucer: STL Preservationists Embrace Modernism. – Michael R. Allen
Posted in Mid-Century Modern, Midtown
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Lewis and Clark Branch Library Threatened
by Michael R. Allen In my capacity as President of Modern STL, I just sent out the following call to action. As we near the November 6 election, the demolition threat to the Lewis and Clark Branch remains. (Read up … Continue reading
Posted in Mid-Century Modern, St. Louis County
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An Early HOK Building on Lindell
by Michael R. Allen Last summer, things were somewhat chaotic for two early buildings by giant firm Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (now HOK) located on Lindell Boulevard. While the old IBM Building (1959; 3800 Lindell), now Adorjan Hall at St. … Continue reading