Wednesday, June 05, 2024

Architecture Wednesday: Birch Street Mid-Century

This midcentury-modern masterpiece, built in 1964 with over 4,400 square feet, is nestled amongst beautiful mature trees in Denver.

The architectural and structural example of classic post-and-beam styling , spacious rooms with vaulted ceilings and clerestory windows are filled with original custom wood paneling and cabinetry, and walls of windows across the entire back of the home which features covered patios on two sides. Plus, there’s a finished basement, perfect for an in-law suite or rental unit.

It’s got a bit of everything, but before I take ownership let’s update all of the lighting, and some of that outdated tiling. Let’s ditch all the mirrors in the primary bath and closet and perhaps rethink that curvy floor in the shower area? And while I know they call it a breakfast nook, there’s actually two dining areas. The kitchen needs updating, a refresh on the cabinets and new hardware, and all the bathrooms are dated.

But this is what they mean by “good bones;” this house is, yes, large, but also spacious, it just needs some careful tweaking to make it look new and fresh and still midcentury …

As always, click to emBIGGERate …


28 comments:

  1. Absolutely stunning. I would not touch a thing that I can see. Yes, maybe lighting could be updated to energy efficient, but should generally be kept the same.

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    1. I'd like a thoughtful reno in tune with the mid-century aesthetic, but that mirrored bathroom-closet thing is a hot mess!!

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  2. Replies
    1. It's got some cool features to it, though it is a bit too large ... I'm in the mood for a downsize!

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  3. Not to my taste - smaller rooms seem to be dark with either the wood or wallpaper/tile and the larger rooms seem cold.

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    1. Little touches to fix it up!

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  4. I'd buy this, plenty of space of dozens of dogs!

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    1. Dogs could have their own rooms!

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  5. Cleora Borealis10:39 AM

    😱😱 Aiyee! The very term mid-century scares me!! I love the space and all the windows letting in the light. Trouble is, all that sunlight is illuminating MID-CENTURY! I just cannot like a style that allows a breakfast nook to have pink vinyl chairs!!🤢🤮

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  6. Anonymous11:10 AM

    the dog's mother
    I was also surprised by the
    pink chairs!
    xoxo :-)

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    1. Well, someone has to like pink chairs, right?
      xoxo

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  7. Anonymous12:11 PM

    Out here in California these type of post and beam constructed mid- century houses are known as Eichlers.
    Joseph Eichler was a highly regarded home builder in the 1950s and 1960s in California. Eichler offered his homes to any buyer, regardless of race or religion, due to his abhorrence of housing covenants and discrimination. As a result he resigned from the National Association of Homebuilders when they refused to adopt anti-discriminatory policies and end housing covenants.
    -Rj

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    1. A lot of people copied Eichler like people copied FLW!

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  8. It's way to classic Brady Bunch Mid Century for my liking. I'll have to pass on this one. But the one bathroom is beautiful!!!! Doesn't seem to fit the style of the rest of the house.

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    1. The house is a hodgepodge of styles, but I like the main spaces quite a bit, though a refresh, tastefully done, is in order.

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  9. WOW! That's the type of house that would be perfect for a family, but sadly, the families that would need that much space can't afford it! I appreciate the Mid-Century architecture tho. xoxo

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    1. I like mid-century, too, and this one is quite large ... including the basement!
      xoxo

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  10. That house is much bigger than it looks at first glance. I love the mid-century style. If I were to buy a house that's what I'd go for -- maybe not that big, though.

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    1. It is quite large. I'd like it a little smaller, too.

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  11. "But this is what they mean by “good bones;” this house is, yes, large, but also spacious, it just needs some careful tweaking to make it look new and fresh and still midcentury …"

    I agree. I could work with this.

    This home on 340 S Birch Street, Cherry Hillis Village is 25 minutes south of my condo. Cherry Hills Village is a rich enclave of nice homes. Last I read , actor Jefferey Donavan of the series Burn Notice lives in this area. Think of a tamer Beverly Hills. According to Zillow, the home sold in 2023 for $1,850,000.

    https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3940-S-Birch-St-Cherry-Hills-Village-CO-80113/13123204_zpid/

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  12. Did the Brady Bunch once live here? It strikes me as an updated version... is Alice still talking to Sam the Butcher in the kitchen?

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    1. If you look closely you can spot Alice and Sam doing it in the basement!

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  13. Seeing that exterior and walking up to the front entrance I would think it is a Church Meeting Hall not a house. There isn't a single thing I like about the interior.

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    1. I love all the public rooms, but the bathrooms need some work!

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  14. claudia6:14 PM

    I know this house.It belonged to a neighbor of mine's mother some forty years ago. I have been in it it is big and not at all my style.

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    1. I like most of it though the bathrooms are fussy ... and it is big!

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