Midland documenting its Mid-Century Modern architectural structures

A group that has been meeting since September is working on a project that will document hundreds of Mid-Century Modern structures throughout Midland.

The project will result in several maps featuring Mid-Century Modern homes as well as buildings throughout the city.

In addition, information about the many architects, builders and craftsmen involved -- as well as various types of tours -- also will be provided.

Members of Mid-Century Modern Midland have been scouting out buildings that were designed and built with - or may have been influenced by - this architectural style.

Craig McDonald, director of the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, explained that Midland has the largest collection of Mid-Century Modern structures of any city in the nation.

"There is an architectural legacy here that is unheard of in any other city in the United States," he said.

Alden B. Dow is known to have designed upward of 350 structures statewide, including more than 130 in Midland alone.

"His work attracted like-minded architects including Francis 'Red' Warner, Jackson Hallett, Glenn Beach, Robert Schwartz and others to Midland who added their own structures that are integrated into the community as well," McDonald said.

"It is believed that there are several hundred homes, businesses, churches, schools and civic structures in this truly American style of modern architecture," he elaborated. "That's a tremendous number of structures for a city of only about 40,000 people! No other city of similar size even comes close to the number and quality of American Mid-Century buildings that Midland features."

More than 60 volunteers, many of them members of MCMM, have participated in photographing and documenting details about these buildings and houses.

"There are more than 18,000 residences in the city, which cover more than 35 square miles," said Carol Neff, coordinator of the project.

The volunteers were taught a basic understanding of Mid-Century Modern architecture before venturing out.

The information and photos collected are uploaded into a database created by MCMM member Lance Rynearson.

"There are currently 827 structures in the database," Neff said. "There are still a handful of neighborhoods to canvass, which will be completed by September."

Tom and Nancy Wells, also MCMM members, documented a section of the city's houses.

"We were just amazed by how many houses in our assigned area had the Mid-Century traits," Nancy said. "We would turn a corner and just look at one another and say, 'Could this really be another one?' We thoroughly enjoyed the experience."

Some characteristics the volunteers look for include strong horizontal planes, repeating patterns in windows or details, smaller efficient and adaptable space and connection to the outdoors.

"A lot of people bought these structures because of the style," McDonald said.

After the volunteers complete the documentation process, a screening team will determine which structures require more research. The team will include architects or their children, former builders and members of the American Institute of Architects.

In addition, "other individuals familiar with the growth of Midland, especially after World War 2," will participate, Neff said.

One goal of the group is to invite others to enjoy the architecture that locals see every day.

"Columbus, Indiana, a town similar in size to Midland, has seen a significant influx of tourists due to the marketing of its unique architecture - and we plan to do that here," McDonald said. "What differentiates Midland is that the buildings are all one style of architecture so there is a cohesiveness to it. Our landscape is so unique, people will travel to see it."

The group is open to anyone and meets five times per year. Those interested in joining, or learning more about speakers, tours and events are encouraged to visit midcenturymidland.org

"One of the best things about this project has been the work of so many volunteers and the outpouring of support from the Midland community and beyond," Neff said. "I continue to hear from former residents who lived in a Mid-Century Modern home here who want to share their story. And we definitely want to capture it."

Neff, who has heard from locals as well as former residents, reflected on how Mid-Century Modern architecture has become a common ground for many.

"There is a camaraderie among the members and enthusiasm about the architecture I never appreciated before becoming involved with this project," she said.

Those with information about Mid-Century Modern structures in Midland, or people included on the following list are encouraged to contact Carol Neff at 989-839-2744 or mcmm@abdow.org

Harvey (Cle) Allison, Ralph Appleman, Stephen Barstow, Derwin Bass, E.C. Bassett, William Bauman, Glenn Beach, James Beck, Robert (Bob) Bell, T.R. Bennett, Clarence Bentley, Bernard Bernard, Donald Bouschor, Vincent Boyle, Daniel Bryant, Kenneth Bryce, Clark Butchner, Doug Cailtin, Charles Congdon, Jeffry Corbin, Eldine Crampton, Harry Cummings, Malcom Douglas, Timothy Evans, Jack Feagley, Phil Federsen, Morris Finisy, William Foster, Willard Fraser, William Gilmore, Robert Goodall, Channell Graham, Richard Gustafson, Richard Gyziec, Jackson Hallett, Robert Hammerschmidt, John Haughwout, David Hawkins, Dennis Holloway, James Howell, Robert Hynes, Norman Kline, Richard Knoff, William Koster, Robert Kostus, Stephen Krenytzky, Jack Lee, Richard Lesnich, William Lesperance, Michael Lugo, Fumihiko Maki, Ralph McGivern, Mahlen Moore, Ronald Murray, Arthur Nelson, Otto Parrish, Robert Paulsen, P.R. Pereia, Reuben Pfeiffer, Robert Phillote, Larry Ramseyer, Gwin Richards, Sidney Robinson, Jack Saro, Thomas Schmidt, John Schultz, Nick Schulwitz, Robert Schwartz, John Simonsen, James Spence, Louis Stevens, John Stockard, John Suhr, Lawrence Sweebe, F. Lee Tompkins, Daniel Toshach, Robert Tower, Gerald Veverka, David Walsh, Francis "Red" Warner, Robert Wellenstein, William Woodard and John Young.