Displaying items by tag: Architecture

Perhaps the most bizarre bit of business in the multimedia exhibition “Jefferson and Palladio: Constructing a New World” is a video of an imaginary confrontation between Thomas Jefferson and Andrea Palladio, depicted as silhouettes.

At one point, Palladio, the Italian architect, who died in 1580, chides Jefferson, the American architect and statesman, who died in 1826, for never traveling to the Veneto region of Italy during his European migrations to see firsthand the villas that so influenced his designs and, consequently, American public architecture.

1. Charlton Heston’s midcentury home hits the market for the first time ever. The Academy Award-winning actor Charlton Heston commissioned Modernist architect William S. Beckett to design this Beverly Hills abode In 1959. Perched on 2.9 acres overlooking Coldwater Canyon, the home, which is mostly original, has remained in the Heston family until now. The five-bedroom residence spans nearly 10,000 square feet and has garnered tons of attention thanks to its lasting midcentury appeal.

1. This historic Maryland property was once owned by a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

This sprawling manor and equestrian estate has quite a pedigree. Set on 54 fully-fenced acres, the property, known as Folly Quarters, can be traced back to Charles Carroll -- one of America’s first settlers and a signer of the Declaration of Independence -- as well as Van Lear Black, who served as the chairman of the board of directors at the Baltimore Sun from 1915-1930. The property was later purchased by Pimlico owner Morris Schapiro, who, in 1936, built the magnificent manor house currently on the market for $7 million. The 8,000-square-foot, six-bedroom home features an array of bespoke details, including Greek-style iron balustrades, Carrera marble flooring, classic wainscoting, hand-painted wall murals, ornate moldings, mahogany paneling, carved mantels, and pocket doors. In addition to the main house...

Modern art, architecture and decorative arts created in the middle of the 20th century were swamped by the reactionary ruckus of the late 20th century post-modernist movement. 

Given the quality and originality of so much of the mid-century’s aesthetic industry, its relegation to obscurity was a big mistake and a now recognized lapse of taste. However, all wasn’t lost.

1. Donald Wexler’s mid-century residence is one of Palm Springs' crown jewels.

he midcentury design giant Donald Wexler redefined modern living with his sleek and chic steel homes in Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley. Now, the seminal architect’s own desert abode is on the market for a relatively modest $1.75 million. Wexler built the post and beam home for his family in 1955 and helmed its expansion five years later. Spanning 2,424 square feet, the three-bedroom treasure was carefully restored in 2008 by the home’s current owners, who consulted with Wexler throughout the process. Boasting a “pinwheel” floor plan and expansive glass walls, the residence’s interior spaces flow effortlessly into the many outdoor terraces and beautifully landscaped grounds by William Kopelk and Marcello Villano...

The Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, Fla., is lining its domed music room with newly restored seating that had long been shedding bits of gilding and threads from its tapestry upholstery. Meanwhile, the once-prominent original supplier of the furniture, Pottier & Stymus, is re-emerging from obscurity.

The oil and railroad magnate Henry Flagler and his third wife, Mary Lily Flagler, bought roomfuls of Pottier & Stymus furnishings around 1902, as Mr. Flagler’s longtime favorite architecture firm, Carrère & Hastings, was completing construction of the couple’s showplace Beaux-Arts house.

1. What do Betty Grable, Paul McCartney, the Osbournes and the Wizard of Oz have in common?

his Beverly Hills beauty has quite the star-studded history. Built in 1941 by architect Paul Williams -- a favorite among the Hollywood set -- the home was originally designed for Bert Lahr, the cowardly lion in The Wizard of Oz. Over the years, Betty Grable and Harry James, the Osbournes, Paul McCartney, Alan Ladd Jr., and Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith have all called this nine-bedroom residence home. Recently remodeled, the gated estate features Connecticut/Hamptons-inspired interiors by Ralph Lauren, two master suites, a guest house, a wine cellar, a vintage-style bowling alley, a putting green, a tennis court, a pool, a spa, and...

1. 18th century Georgian estate with 21st century amenities.

Perched on a whopping 132 acres in upstate New York’s pastoral Dutchess County, this historically significant brick Georgian seamlessly blends the beauty of the past with today’s modern luxuries. Known as Bogardus Hall, the six-bedroom stunner was built in 1781 and overlooks the Webatuck Creek. The home has undergone a careful restoration and retains original flooring, woodwork, period rooms, fireplaces and detailing throughout. Amenities include a chef’s kitchen, a wine cellar, a gym, a guest house, and possibly one of the most luxurious garages ever (the detached four bay garage comes with a car wash, office, fireplace and full bath). The stately country manor will...

1. An Art Deco masterpiece and the largest single family residence on South Beach.

Situated in the heart of South Beach, the Temple House is one of the most magnificent Art Deco properties in the Eastern United States. Designed by the celebrated architect L. Murray Dixon, this landmark building is currently being used as a high-end events venue and has attracted a bevy of celebrity patrons. Listed as a single family residence (the largest  in the area at that) for $19.9 million, the recently renovated property, which sits on a double corner lot, spans 13,111 square feet and features five bedrooms, an elevator, soaring...

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art announced Wednesday that it will reopen May 14, 2016, after being closed for three years of expansion. When it does, it will have seven floors of exhibition space, and one of those floors, the fourth, is larger than all five floors from the original building designed by Mario Bottathat opened 20 years ago.

“This is a game changer for San Francisco,” said SFMOMA Director Neal Benezra. “It lifts us to the top ranks for museums of modern and contemporary art in the world.”