JAMIE AND LANCE RYNEARSON, 1505 W. ST. ANDREWS: This beautiful Alden B. Dow-designed mid-century modern home on the National Register of Historic Places was built in 1934, marking Dow's move toward the International Style, with its strong geometric and sculptural planes. This is Dow's first building to employ the 'Unit Block' system of construction. The playful front entrance with alternating windows and blocks and a built-in planter running indoors and out, echoes the strong horizontal lines of the cantilevered roof. Entrance spaces are low and intimate, opening dramatically into larger bright rooms with floor-to-ceiling and clerestory windows. In the living room, the chimney rises in two piers surrounded by slanted clerestory glass to flood the home's center with light. Throughout the home, original edge-grain fir trim, built-ins and cabinets accent the owner's creative mix of period furnishings and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. Be sure to go downstairs to see how the owners have personalized the game room. Holiday Decor by Reder Landscaping. Designed by Kathy Frost.
CARRIE AND TOM WALKER, 4801 TORREY PINE DRIVE: This contemporary, red Prairie-style ranch built by Greystone Homes in 2014 draws you in with its colorful setting on a small man-made lake. But its outdoor beauty can't compete with the unique and striking decorative finishes throughout the home's interior. Your tour begins at the 48-inch pivoting front door, opening onto mahogany flooring that provides a sleek backdrop for the open stainless cable stair rails and stone veneer finishes. Glass barn doors separate the Euro-contemporary kitchen from the rest of the house. Upscale fixtures, finishes, and lighting provide perfect accents for the modern floating cabinetry and glass details. Take in the gorgeous backyard view from the master suite, opening onto a patio with built-in grill and smoker. You'll love the homeowners' stunning photography collection, blending perfectly with the home's high-design look. Holiday Decor by the homeowners and Super Cute Freeland.
LORI AND CRAIG LANG, 2390 E. LITTLE TURTLE WAY: This contemporary Craftsman, built by Greystone Homes in 2015, is the latest in open-concept designs. The 'yesteryear' exterior begins with a custom wood front door and ends with a large covered rear porch and patio with gas fire pit. With distressed oak finishes throughout, the almost 3,800 sq. ft. home wraps around a two-story great room showing off custom built-ins and an open view to the beautiful wooded backyard. The clean and comfortable white chef's kitchen warms up with wood finishes and soft lighting. Don't miss the luxurious master bedroom with bow window seating, perfect for curling up with a book. It opens to an en suite with heated floors, custom shower, and elegant stand-alone tub. Decorated with mixed materials for a vintage traditional look, this home offers the perfect backdrop for holiday decorating. Styling of the homeowner's collection and fresh florals by Happy. Pretty. Lifestyle Design.
CAROL AMBROSE AND KURT YOCKEY, 3600 VALLEY DRIVE: Designed in 1969 by Midland architect Robert Schwartz, this elegant late mid-century modern home offers a 21st century take with upscale finishes and contemporary furniture set against the period's signature use of wood, tile and brick. True to mid-century style, each room draws the outdoors in, beginning with the dramatic entryway of floor-to-ceiling windows framing dramatically landscaped courtyards. Neutral tone marble floors throughout the open design accent the contemporary look and contrast with the living room's exposed-beam vaulted ceiling. Notice how the sleek kitchen continues the connection to nature with lower cabinets only, allowing natural light into the clean-lined space. The master suite with mahogany floors and a separate dressing area, offers garden views, too. Throughout the home, the homeowners' unique art pieces, created by Michigan artists, echo the natural views. One of a kind ceramic and blown glass pieces were created by the homeowner's sister in her San Diego studio. Interior styling and fresh florals by Happy. Pretty. Lifestyle Design. Lighting design by SHINE.
HERBERT D. DOAN MIDLAND COUNTY HISTORY CENTER, 3417 W. MAIN STREET: A dynamic space offering hands-on interactive exhibits, the Herbert D. Doan Midland County History Center is named for long time advocate Herbert 'Ted' Doan, a much admired former president and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company. The impressive stone-clad building is the gateway to the Historical Society's Heritage Park (Herbert H. Dow Historical Museum, Bradley Home Museum & Carriage House) and offers visitors a chance to 'talk' to Midland's founders, visit Main Street of a century ago and enjoy vignettes of history. The Dorothy Dow Arbury History Gallery, a Research Library and Gift Shop, as well as changing exhibitions highlighting a variety of artifacts. Restrooms, refreshments available.
KRISTIN AND BEN LANGRILL, 4 CRESCENT COURT: This 1957 single-story home designed by T. Keith Blair is a beautiful example of Midland's mid-century modern homes. The current homeowners have lovingly restored this beautiful home with a mix of authentic period finishes and modern materials with upgraded smart lighting. The breathtaking living room features a concrete and Norman brick fireplace with an isometric lintel, setting the tone for the the rest of the house. Period wood-trimmed vaulted ceilings reflect the modern engineered hardwood floors in every room. In the kitchen, original and new edge-cut fir cabinets blend seamlessly to set off turquoise quartz counters. As you tour, notice how the homeowners' artistic touches throughout the home, such as hand-painted, stenciled walls and colorful, unique furnishings add a comfortable, cozy feel. Be sure to check out the basement's unique raised seating and workbench-style work spaces. Holiday Decor by the homeowners and Northwood Gallery, Mia Dvornic assisted by Jim Barker.
The 37th annual Zonta Homewalk is scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3, throughout Midland.
The Zonta Club of Midland in collaboration with the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio have selected five Midland area homes to showcase in their holiday splendor. Professional decorators and the homeowners have decked out each home with fun and unique holiday decorations. A variety of architectural styles are featured in this year's walk, including mid-century modern, prairie and craftsman.
Proceeds from the Homewalk fund scholarships for women and grants for area non-profits. The club has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships and $195,000 in service grants.
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Tickets are $20 each in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets may be purchased from any Zonta Club of Midland member or through retail outlets including in Midland at Cergnul Dental, Circle Travel, Coffee Chaos, Designed by Julie, Eastman Party Store, Glovers Pharmacy, Greystone Homes, Lifestyle Garment Care, Northwood Gallery, Park Place Homes, Quick Reliable Printing, Smith's Flowers & Gifts, Village Green, and in Freeland at Super Cute.