The Alden B. Dow Home and Studio in collaboration with Zonta Club

The Alden B. Dow Home and Studio in collaboration with Zonta Club

The Alden B. Dow Home and Studio in collaboration with Zonta Club of Midland offer
Mid-Century Modern Midland, showcasing five outstanding mid-twentieth Century
Modern homes in Midland.
As you enter Midland from any direction you are welcomed by signs that say “Midland
the City of Modern Explorers.” Although it relates to our science, art and all aspects of
our city and its people, nowhere is it more evident than in our architecture. Beginning in
the early 1930s, Alden B. Dow began to refine buildings that allowed us to think and see
in new and different ways. He focused on how a building functions as well as its beauty.
He knew as humans we are happier and healthier when we are connected to nature
and involved in it. His appreciation for horizontal-focused structures, clean and
uninterrupted lines and integration of new technologies was part a national movement
that created a new definition of architecture for the United States. Together with a
number of outstanding architects like Jack Hallett, Red Warner, Robert Schwartz,
Francis Beach and many others, they created a collection of Mid-Twentieth Century
Modern buildings that is unparalleled in the United States. As you explore our city, enjoy
the beauty, science and artistry of the over 250 modern structures that give Midland a
unique definition and energy.
Zonta is a service organization of executives in business and the professions working
together to advance the status of women. One of our main purposes is to provide
women in the Midland community with opportunities to learn and grow – professionally
and personally. We accomplish our goals through the networking skills of our members,
role modeling and mentoring with women of all ages, educating ourselves and others on
issues that impact women locally and internationally, and contributing both our time and
financial support to organizations throughout the community that advance the status of
women. Scholarships. As a result of Homewalk, $255,000 has been awarded to women
throughout the community, of all ages, to pursue and finish their education. To learn
more about Zonta funded scholarships visit the www.midlandfoundation.org and look for
Zonta Club of Midland funded scholarships. Community Projects. Zonta members
volunteer their time to a number of local initiatives, and as a club, have donated more
than $200,000 to support programs and projects that enhance the status of women and
their families in the surrounding communities. Below is a sample of some organizations
the club has supported.
The event takes place December 3-4, 2016 from 1pm-5pm each day. Tickets are $15
in advance and $20.00 the day of the Walk. They are available online at
www.abdow.org or by calling toll free 1.866.315.7678.
Zonta Homewalk Tickets
Alden B. Dow Design
Alden and Vada Dow Creativity Foundation - 315 Post Street
In 1956, Alden B. Dow F.A.I.A., began designs for a home for Leland I. Doan, who was the president of
The Dow Chemical Company that was intimate and warm as well as spacious and expansive. The home
is constructed of Tennessee quartzite stone, laid horizontally to give the structure a variegated texture.
The entrance is protected with the sloping roofline and guides you into the compressed, yet spacious,
entrance area. Brightly colored glass inset into the front door is a wonderful contrast to the woodwork and
stone. The entrance hall is wide and served as added reception area. Built-in cabinetry surrounds the
sunken living area. Angled ceilings, level changes and furniture arrangement create areas that are
intimate and comfortable. Massive floor to ceiling windows on the west end add light for the whole space
and connect the home to grounds. Bright furniture adds excitement and contrast to the neutral palate of
the building materials. The dining room features a sliding wall that separates it from the original porch
area. The built-in dining room lighting is an exquisite puzzle of wood, mirror and light. The kitchen serves
as both functional cooking area, informal eating area, as well as a gathering spot. The bedroom wing of
the home, left of the entrance, features five bedrooms and an intimate sitting room and office area.
“The Center was conceived not only as a facility to enhance arts involvement in a community long
devoted to the intertwining of science and culture, but to provide a setting in which all of the arts are free
to grow and experiment in a stimulating, interpersonal environment without fear of failure so detrimental to
the creative impulse.” Alden B. Dow spoke these words at the dedication of the Center in 1970. The
building, fortress-like and imposing with its massive brick exterior, protects the creativity and exploration
that flourishes inside. Like most of his structures, the true beauty and importance is experienced in its
interior and through its use. The intersecting circles on the building’s exterior represent the interplay of
creative expression working together. The facility features: The Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and
Art, a 1,500-seat Auditorium, a 400–seat Little Theater, Museum Exhibition Space and Art Studios and
Rehearsal Rooms. Join us in the Saints and Sinners room for refreshments and snacks. In 1939, Alden
B. Dow began preparing drawings for his residence and architectural studio together. The house
represents one of the thirteen homes he would design of his own, patented Unit Block System. A wide
and beautifully crafted wood and glass door opens into the entranceway. A short, wide staircase leads to
the bright and inviting living room. Windows from two walls of the room, providing a view onto the
landscaped terrace and nearby pond. The living room ceiling vaults upward and is covered with panels of
translucent woven plastic set in wooden frames. Behind the dining room and cantilevered over the
surrounding pond, is a screened porch whose low horizontal rails give an unobstructed view of the
gardens and water below. The kitchen is large, and although adjacent to the dining room, a swinging door
separates the kitchen from guests. The family bedroom wing is located on the opposite side of the living
room. The children’s bedrooms interconnect with each other and join into the master bedroom at the end
of the long bedroom hallway. A sitting room outside of the master bedroom served as Mrs. Dow’s office
area. Located in the lower level is a large game room with a carpeted floor of bold and geometric designs
and colors. The game room transitions into the theater. The original playroom retains the scale trains and
toys that were apart of the playful and fun atmosphere of the home.
Robert Schwartz Design
Thomas and Sandra Reay - 1800 Mc Gregor Street
Instantly intriguing and engaging, the John Vitkuske Home of 1966 is situated into a slender parcel of
land. A huge horizontal deck jutting out from the home creates a drive-through carport that protects the
home’s entrance and provides ultimate privacy. In this 2,400 square foot home that was designed by
Robert Schwartz, each space is designed to the human scale and integrates with the natural
surroundings. As is consistent with mid-century designs, the entrance to the home is compressed and
gently guides you to continue moving on to the main living area or up or down a naturally lit staircase. In
the main living area, a beautiful floor to ceiling diamond pattern screen creates separation for the dining
area. A large, horizontal window floods the dining space with natural light. The tranquil and secluded
living room features a massive window that overlooks the back yard and bathes the living space in light.
On the upper level of the house are four bedrooms each detailed with beautiful built-in storage, a hallmark
of mid-century design and of Mr. Schwartz. The master bedroom has windows placed to fill the room with
natural light while ensuring privacy and seclusion.
Jackson B. Hallett Design
Bill Broucek - 1907 Sylvan Lane
Designed by Jackson Hallett in 1963 for the Philip Murdoch family, the house sits quietly atop a wooded
hill. All rooms have large windows. The home’s entrance is protected by a beautiful, cantilevered balcony.
Philippine Mahogany is used throughout the home. The living room is centered around a brick fireplace.
Opposite the fireplace, the ceiling is lowered and the wall recessed with built-in indirect lighting. The
entire south wall of the living room is lined with floor to ceiling windows. The windows continue into the
dining room and wrap around all the way to the wood-framed glass door that leads to the screened porch.
The galley-style kitchen leads to an eating area and work station. The bedroom portion of the house,
located to right of the living room entrance, consists of two original bedrooms, two original bathrooms, a
study and newer master bedroom. The study is placed next to the living room with a built in desk and
floating shelves. Three sliding panels, placed above the desk can be opened to incorporate into the living
room. The two original bedrooms on this level feature wonderful built-in cabinetry and doors to the
balcony, each are gracious in size, especially for a Hallett designed home. The master bedroom is
spacious and features a private deck and two adjoining walls of glass. The lower level of the home
features two wonderful entertaining areas that are separated by a free-standing fireplace in addition to a
fourth bedroom.
Francis “Red” Warner Design
Ho
Richard and Christine Lane - 4615 Arbor Drive
Christine and Richard Lane built their home in 1976 after returning to Midland. The couple had the house
designed a few years earlier by Midland architect and friend, Frances “Red” Warner. In this idyllic wooded
environment, the home appears small and yet is 3,000 sq. ft. Sited with a north/ south orientation,
impacting its energy efficiency, the house encompasses many classic Warner design elements. The
house has a predominately flat roof system with one peaked area over the main living space. Windows
running along the entire length of the living room and the clerestory windows along the roof bathe the
space with natural light. The sloping roof of the living space, features exposed spruce wood beams
creating a nurturing and intimate atmosphere. Adding warmth to the streamline design of the home is the
red oak interior trim work and beautiful built-in cabinetry. The upper floor hosts the living room, dining
room, screened porch, kitchen and two of the homes four bedrooms. The central staircase plateau
creates an access to the grounds. Japanese-inspired lanterns, designed and built by Christine’s father,
add a gentle glow. The lower level of the home features a spacious family room, office and two additional
bedrooms.
Alden B. Dow Design
Leland Doan Residence - 3701 Valley Drive
In 1956, Alden B. Dow F.A.I.A., began designs for a home for Leland I. Doan, who was the president of
The Dow Chemical Company that was intimate and warm as well as spacious and expansive. The home
is constructed of Tennessee quartzite stone, laid horizontally to give the structure a variegated texture.
The entrance is protected with the sloping roofline and guides you into the compressed, yet spacious,
entrance area. Brightly colored glass inset into the front door is a wonderful contrast to the woodwork and
stone. The entrance hall is wide and served as added reception area. Built-in cabinetry surrounds the
sunken living area. Angled ceilings, level changes and furniture arrangement create areas that are
intimate and comfortable. Massive floor to ceiling windows on the west end add light for the whole space
and connect the home to grounds. Bright furniture adds excitement and contrast to the neutral palate of
the building materials. The dining room features a sliding wall that separates it from the original porch
area. The built-in dining room lighting is an exquisite puzzle of wood, mirror and light. The kitchen serves
as both functional cooking area, informal eating area, as well as a gathering spot. The bedroom wing of
the home, left of the entrance, features five bedrooms and an intimate sitting room and office area.
Alden B. Dow Design Rest Stop
Rest Stop - Midland Center for the Arts - 1801 W. St. Andrews
“The Center was conceived not only as a facility to enhance arts involvement in a community long
devoted to the intertwining of science and culture, but to provide a setting in which all of the arts are free
to grow and experiment in a stimulating, interpersonal environment without fear of failure so detrimental to
the creative impulse.” Alden B. Dow spoke these words at the dedication of the Center in 1970. The
building, fortress-like and imposing with its massive brick exterior, protects the creativity and exploration
that flourishes inside. Like most of his structures, the true beauty and importance is experienced in its
interior and through its use. The intersecting circles on the building’s exterior represent the interplay of
creative expression working together. The facility features: The Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and
Art, a 1,500-seat Auditorium, a 400–seat Little Theater, Museum Exhibition Space and Art Studios and
Rehearsal Rooms. Join us in the Saints and Sinners room for refreshments and snacks
Décor by