To a Happy Independence Day!

Independent: c(1): Not requiring or relying on others, not subject to control by others (Merriam-Webster)                   


Today, the US commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence: Thirteen American colonies regarded themselves no longer part of the British Empire but as a new nation: the United States of America. 

A Salute to the Union is fired at noon by any capable military base.

In that spirit: to a Happy Independence Day!

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Photo tckaiser 

On Home Scouting

Often times I get asked how I happen to know a neighbourhood or building that’s not really on the radar, or how I know my way in an area a bit out of the way.

Such as when driving home from the Gulf Coast: Alligator Alley (the highway crossing South Florida) was blocked right at mid-point between the coasts, due to a brush fire. The police diverted all traffic south to Miami–a big pain if heading home ENE towards Boca Raton. When I asked the officer if he instead would let us take the small roads heading northeast, he inquired if and how I knew my way. My answer: I ride my motorcycle often in that area. He was kind and let us through, saving us circa 2 h drive-time. 

Unexpected finds plop into view this way as well: I was riding to the Boynton Inlet on Easter Sunday, took a side road, from there a side road and from there another side road. Voila–I discovered this home, on a handkerchief-sized lot close to the beach.

And quite a few of the 4,100+ modernist homes I documented in SE Florida made it into my architecture address list that way. I still find new ones, especially when I scout a neighbourhood I haven’t seen yet.

So if you have a horse, a bike or a motorcycle–go ride and explore. Even if you get wet, it’s much more fun than Google Earth.

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Photo ©tckaiser

Challenges in Marketing Modern Architecture

Florida's lovely Tropic magazine, the legitimate successor to Homes magazine, also a brainchild of capable publisher John O'Connor, focuses on all aspects of contemporary and mid-century modern design and living in Southeast Florida.

In its November issue, Tropic has a riveting piece – I must state that, I'm mentioned in it – on the challenges of marketing modernism, specifically modern architecture.

It's not the life of the Fast and Furious, or the Rich and the Famous. Not really; more the opposite.

As my dear colleague Martie always says: if you want to become rich in real estate, don't specialise in modernism. But we have super-interesting clients and even fun, don't we?

To read more on the ins and outs of marketing modern homes, pick up an issue of Tropic anywhere around the TriCounty area, read the article online here (jump to pages 22-24) or download it here as a PDF, for yours to keep and cherish.

Oh, and let me know what you think of it.

Chance Encounters with Modern Architecture (1)

Today I am starting a new series, "Chance Encounters with Modern Architecture".

The idea behind the posts, which will appear at irregular intervals (but always, at least initially) on Fridays, are "postcards" of unexpected finds of modern architecture – or perhaps art – which caught my eye, but without demanding or warranting a full-length 1,300 word post.

It's about sharing overlooked delicious little morsels that pop up while on your way to say, Seaboard Wines or Emil's Sausages.

Today: The Patton Insurance Building

What is it: A freestanding single story, two room office building, approx. 770 sf under air, likely concrete block construction on slab, butterfly roof. Built in 1960, architect unknown.

Why did it catch my eye: A great first example for an overlooked and unassuming small building, with clean lines, good proportions, well-placed fenestration and a sweet "V"-profile to the front. Located on a divided four-lane road, framed by small businesses and strip-malls, north of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Where is it: 1525 NE 4 Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Map.


What's your take - do you like the idea behind the series? Do you have a morsel to share?