Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour

PLEASE VOTE for the Sacramento Zoo Entrance in Dwell Magazine's "Rethinking Preservation" contest

2012-02-08T21:41:00.000-08:00

SacMod needs your help voting for the preservation of the Entrance to the Sacramento Zoo in a contest! The contest, "Rethinking Preservation," is sponsored by Dwell magazine and Sub-Zero.

Over 100 worthy entries are posted for popular vote from February 6 through February 20, 2012. A panel of judges will select the winner from the top ten entries that receive the most popular votes.

We've talked about the hyperbolic paraboloid structures at the Sacramento Zoo entrance before. Last December SacMod publicly supported a survey and report by architectural consultants that stated the Zoo entrance structures "meet the National Register, California Register, and Sacramento Register evaluation criteria...."

1961 newspaper clipping of children admiring the new Sacramento Zoo entrance

Vintage film of Sacramento Zoo and San Diego Zoo 1970 - Sacramento Zoo portion begins first and ends at 1:15

The Entrance to the Sacramento Zoo is the only contest entry from Sacramento - please spread the word. Let's work together to ensure more generations can enjoy this historic mid-20th century landmark. Let's help the Zoo embrace the future without losing its past.

Please vote as often and as much as you would like through the voting period. If you're on Facebook, please "Like" the page as well. Thank you for your support!

Found slide of a flamingo at the Sacramento Zoo circa 1955 from my collection

Thanks for joining us at the screening of INFINITE SPACE: The Architecture of John Lautner

2012-01-27T12:17:00.000-08:00

A big thanks to all 135 of you who braved the weather and joined us at the screening of "INFINITE SPACE: The Architecture of John Lautner" last Sunday evening.

We'd like to applaud Movies on a Big Screen, AIA Central Valley and Sactown Magazine for helping us present the film. We hope you enjoyed the film and look forward to seeing you at future events. Thank you for your support!

The screening of the film was a precursor to our special celebration on June 2, 2012 of the Roush Residence, a 1954 modern home designed by architect Terry Waters, a Taliesin fellow who also worked with John Lautner. Save the date and stay tuned here and on SacMod's Facebook page.

Join us for INFINITE SPACE: The Architecture of John Lautner

2012-01-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, January 22, 2012, join Movies on a Big Screen, AIA Central Valley, SacMod, and Sactown Magazine for a screening of INFINITE SPACE: The Architecture of John Lautner at the Guild Theater at 7:30pm to 9:00pm. Please arrive in time to allow yourself a moment to learn more about our organizations and get comfortable before the film begins -- and feel free to stay to talk with us more afterward.

Renowned architectural filmmaker Murray Grigor explores John Lautner's dramatic spaces with choreographed camera moves, as Lautner himself provides the commentary, speaking with insight and within recordings culled from archival sources. Other voices join him: comments from Frank Gehry and his peers who were influenced by Lautner, the emotional memories of original clients, owners and builders, the remarks of Frank Escher, the architect who restored the Chemosphere house, and Julius Shulman who famously photographed all the great modernists.

Original drawings and historical photographs from the John Lautner Archives at the Getty Museum are layered with the artistic photography of seminal buildings, bringing to life Lautner's quest to create timeless space.

You've probably admired his designs from some of your favorite films!

John Lautner on Film from curbed los angeles on Vimeo.

Remember to RSVP for this event and get your tickets online via Brown Paper Tickets. Looking forward to seeing you there!

This film is a precursor to SacMod's celebration of the Roush residence in Sacramento - designed by Terry Waters, a Taliesin fellow and architect who worked with John Lautner. Stay tuned for more about this upcoming event!

SacMod is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to promoting, preserving and protecting modern art, architecture and design in the Sacramento region. We're the folks behind the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour.

AIA Central Valley's mission is to improve the quality of the built environment through leadership, mentorship and design excellence; fostering sustainability beyond architecture.

Movies on a Big Screen is an ongoing film festival/microcinema that started in September of 2006 in Sacramento, CA.

Sactown Magazine is a bold bi-monthly magazine that gives you a refreshingly different perspective on our great city.

Atomic Ranch 2012 Calendar -- Featuring Two Sacramento MCM Homes!

2012-01-04T13:56:00.000-08:00

Just in case you didn't get the calendar you wanted during the holidays, here's one we know you'll like:

Our friends from Atomic Ranch Magazine (AR) are offering this calendar, which features two homes from Sacramento - both of which were on Sacramento Modern's (SacMod's) 2010 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour.

Keep your eyes open for upcoming 2012 AR issues, which will be highlighting three homes from SacMod's 2010 tour in separate issues!

Already have a calendar? How about a 2012 SacMod annual associate membership? Associate member benefits include a discount to paid SacMod events and having first crack at reserving a seat/purchasing tickets. Please use the "Add to cart" button in the upper left margin of this blog.

AIA Central Valley and SacMod Screening of "EAMES: The architect and the painter"

2011-12-30T22:42:00.000-08:00

On 12.19.11, AIA Central Valley (AIACV) and SacMod screened "Eames: The Architect and The Painter" to over fifty design enthusiasts.

The event was held at AIACV in Sacramento. SacMod and AIACV took the opportunity to celebrate our native daughter, Ray (Kaiser) Eames. We provided several images from her life in Sacramento.

Ian Merker of AIACV was the best host ever!

Special thanks to Mimomito who brought cupcakes decorated with Ray's fabric pattern to celebrate what would have been Ray's 99th birthday on 12.15.11 and took pictures of our event.

To kick off the film screening, Eames Demetrios graciously Skype'd in and spoke with us about his grandparents and their work.

We are grateful to Miles Treaster & Associates who brought several examples of the Eameses' furniture, an original rare wooden splint developed for WW2, plus several brochures, an Eames coffee table book, and other written materials.

Our friends from Sactown Magazine generously distributed copies of their original Premier Issue from Dec/Jan 2006/2007 (with a well-written and researched article about Ray Eames) and their current issue. Happy 5th Anniversary, Sactown!

Thanks to KVIE for the wonderful gift bag and to Jason Cohn of Bread and Butter Films for printing two film posters for our silent auction.

Last but not least, thanks to those who attended and supported our event! We received great feedback from those who attended. The film provided an intriguing glimpse into the Eameses' creative process and dedication. We highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in their lives and prolific work, which ranges from architecture, furniture, film, textiles, art, industrial design to other intellectual and creative pursuits. This film celebrates their work and humanizes them -- not only highlighting their triumphs but also what went on behind the scenes.

Look for more events in 2012, including the screening of Infinite Space, a documentary about John Lautner -- one of the most revered 20th century architects. We will also be having an event to celebrate a very special residence in Sacramento designed by Terry Waters, an associate of John Lautner.

Celebrating Ray!

2011-12-15T16:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Ray Eames, Sacramento's native daughter and one of the most important 20th century modernists!

She would have been 99 today. We'll be celebrating Ray on Monday, December 19, 2011 at the AIACV/SacMod screening party for "EAMES: The Architect and the Painter." Special thanks to our good friends at AIACV hosting this event. And thanks to those of you who RSVP'd via Brown Paper Tickets -- be sure to arrive by 7:30 to ensure seating. Early arrivals get priority Eames chair seating!!

Festivities for the evening will include:
- a silent auction for two posters from the film;
- a furniture display courtesy of the wonderful folks at Miles Treaster & Associates;
- photos of Ray's life in Sacramento;
- vegan cupcakes from the lovely gals at Mimomito;
plus other displays and surprises!

2012 SacMod Annual Associate Memberships now available!

2011-12-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

Announcing 2012 SacMod annual associate memberships!

2012 Annual SacMod Associate Memberships are now available. Member benefits include a discount to paid SacMod events and having first crack at reserving a seat/purchasing tickets.

Sacramento Modern (SacMod) was formed to educate and promote understanding and appreciation of mid-20th century modern art, architecture and design in the greater Sacramento, California region. SacMod has been accomplishing its goals through events, research, and development of educational materials and information resources. Run exclusively by volunteers, SacMod has coordinated large scale events such as the 2010 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour, film screenings, and has provided education, technical assistance, and research findings to students, local and regional organizations, architects, designers, architectural historians, as well as local and national media.

With your help, SacMod can continue to promote awareness and preservation of Sacramento's mid-20th century modern heritage through future events, research, and education. Please use the "Add to cart" button in the upper left margin.

SacMod Activities and Upcoming Event!

2011-10-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy month! You can stay better informed regarding Sacramento modernism by joining SacMod's Facebook page. Join us!

Vintage Sacramento Zoo postcard from my Flickr photostream

First, good news for the hyperbolic paraboloid structures at the entrance of the Sacramento Zoo. We've written about these beauties before.

The City of Sacramento hired consultants Mead & Hunt for a Cultural Landscape Survey of William Land Park. (You may download their draft report here.) SacMod has been watching recent developments at the Zoo, particularly those endangering the circa 1961 entrance structures. Mead & Hunt determined that the Zoo entrance and Fairytale Town are eligible for national, California, and Sacramento historic registers. SacMod will continue to monitor and advocate for these structures.

Second, Atomic Ranch Magazine has just published the Atomic Ranch 2012 Calendar. We're excited because it features two homes that were on the 2011 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour! Specifically a home designed by architect Carter Sparks and a Sacramento Eichler home. Atomic Ranch came to Sacramento this summer. Three homes from last year's tour will be featured in separate upcoming issues. We'll be sure to post as the articles and pictures are published.

Finally, AIACV and SacMod are teaming up again -- join us for a free screening of EAMES: The Architect and The Painter. You may already know that Ray Eames was born and raised here in Sacramento. Join us and other like-minded modernists at AIACV on Monday, December 19, 2011 from 8 - 10pm. Reservations for this free event through Brown Paper Tickets.

Even more things being planned for future SacMod events! Stay tuned!

Walking the walk... and talking the talk!

2011-09-17T21:58:00.000-07:00

Big day this Sunday, 9.18.11!

From about 10am to 3pm SacMod will be at Marshall Park (corner of 27th and J Street) for the street fair for Sacramento Old City Association's 36th Annual Home Tour. We'll be handing out SacMod's free self-guided walking tour which features the exteriors of six commercial mid-20th century buildings in Midtown. Come and support SOCA, who has been a huge supporter of MCM in Sacramento (see my previous post for details).

Tomorrow will also be the first day SacMod will be offering annual associate memberships at a one-time special discount. Stop by for details!

Later that same day at 7pm, come see the presentation on "Sacramento Architecture: From the Gold Rush to Mid-Century Modern." My friend and historian, Bill Burg, will be talking about the Gold Rush through the 1930s; I'll be handling the part about mid-20th century architecture in town. The discussion will be at Time Tested Books and is part of the Living Library Series.

Hope to see you tomorrow, one way or the other! We'll be the ones drinking lots of coffee :)

Free self-guided walking tour of six Midtown MCMs on September 18, 2011!

2011-09-09T16:49:00.000-07:00

Come say hello to SacMod at Marshall Park (J and 27th Streets) on September 18, 2011 during the street fair for Sacramento Old City Association's 36th Annual Home Tour.

You know what makes for a great day? Seeing the beautiful historic homes on SOCA's tour and learning about six Midtown MCM buildings that you walk past all the time!

SOCA's tour starts at Marshall Park, at the corner of 27th and J Street. A street fair at the park features local contractors and artisans specializing in historic home rehab and remodeling, local businesses, artists and crafters displaying their wares, local nonprofits, advocacy and history organizations. Local musicians Tender Cinders, Garage Jazz Architects, The Freebadge Serenaders, and Emile Dalkey will perform in the park. Home Tour participants can show their tour wristband for a 15% discount in the restaurants of the nearby Sutter District.

SacMod will be at the fair from about 10am to 3pm and will have copies of our free self-guided walking tour which features the exteriors of six commercial mid-20th century buildings in Midtown.

Our friends at SOCA have been huge supporters of SacMod and MCM architecture in Sacramento. SOCA's efforts were instrumental in getting the SMUD Headquarters building nominated on the National Register of Historic Places.

MCM fans, it's our turn to support SOCA -- bring your walking shoes and see you there!

Thanks for joining us at the Crocker Art Museum for Visual Acoustics

2011-04-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

Introductions by Ian Merker, AIACV and Gretchen Steinberg, SacMod

Many, many thanks for those of you who joined us at the successful screening of Visual Acoustics at the Crocker Art Museum on Thursday, April 7, 2011. We were pleased and humbled to see the event almost sold out. Thanks to the Crocker Art Museum for collaborating with AIACV and SacMod and letting us use their new and beautiful state-of-the-art venue. Thanks also to Director Eric Bricker for making his wonderful film (his first!) and taking the time out of his busy schedule to join us.

Our educational display with photos taken by Julius Shulman in Sacramento

Eric Bricker, Director of Visual Acoustics and Gretchen Steinberg, SacMod

Dane Henas from SacMod being goofy -- doing his best Vanna White impression, ha ha!

We presented an educational display with several photos that Julius Shulman took in Sacramento in the early 1960s. We decided to seek them out and research them at the last minute so people could enjoy a special connection with him in our town. Many thanks to historian John Crosse (who was also a researcher for Visual Acoustics), JW and B for their contributions to our educational display. Thanks also to Ian Merker from AIACV (our colleague and co-presenter extraordinaire) for printing the images and providing the materials to display the images. Special thanks also to our former SacMod colleague Kris Lannin Liang who had to move away from Sacramento but initially worked on this event.

Jerry Blomberg and Dane Henas with an original copy of an ad featuring Jerry's Sacramento home

My favorite Shulman pictures taken in Sacramento are of a home in South Land Park Estates; these were featured in a 1961 ad for American Saint Gobain glass. The home was collaboratively designed by homeowner Jerry Blomberg and George Muraki, with George Muraki being the architect on record. Last year we printed the ad we had researched for the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour display. Little did we know at the time that the images were taken by Julius Shulman. I invited Mr. Blomberg to join us at the event and was so pleased to see him show up -- with his own copy of the ad and another magazine article that I had been looking for but was unable to find in time!

Director Eric Bricker leading a post-screening discussion

Here are more photos taken at the event. Thanks again to everyone who made the event possible; and a shout-out to Midtown Monthly and to Sacramento area bloggers Davis Life Magazine, Mimomito, Rebecca Crowther of Sac History Happenings (Sacramento Bee), Capitol Creative Collective, Glitter and Grunge and our Twitter friends for helping spread the word.

Did you know that Julius Shulman photographed several Sacramento buildings?

2011-04-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

We will be sharing some of these photographs with you in person at Crocker Art Museum's Film Frame: Visual Acoustics this Thursday evening. My favorite photos of the bunch are of a residence designed by Sacramento architect George Muraki for the Blomberg family. You may recall that Mr. Muraki's personal home was featured in the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour last June.

Why not come directly to the Crocker after work? Remember -- admission includes access to the museum. Have a bite to eat at the Crocker Cafe and relax with a cocktail.

See Crocker's website for details on buying tickets. Hope to see you there.

Join SacMod + AIACV to see Visual Acoustics at Crocker Art Museum: April 7, 2011 at 7PM

2011-03-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

"Stahl House (CSH#22)” photographed by Julius Shulman (1960)

"In a way, you can stop time." - Julius Shulman

A special screening of the documentary Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman will be held at the Crocker Art Museum on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 7:00 PM. This film celebrates the life and career of Julius Shulman, whose photographs brought modern architecture and progressive architects into American mainstream. Director Eric Bricker will introduce the film and lead a post-screening discussion. Anyone with an interest in Modernism, photography, architecture, and design should enjoy this film.

“Kaufmann House” photographed by Julius Shulman (1947)

Part of Crocker Art Museum's Film Frame series during "Thursdays 'til 9", Visual Acoustics is being presented in collaboration with SacMod -- an organization dedicated to promoting, preserving and protecting modern art, architecture and design in the Sacramento region -- and AIA Central Valley, the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Tickets to the event are $6 for Crocker Art Museum members and $12 for non-members. Admission to the film includes admission to the museum, which will be open until 9:00pm. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the Crocker Cafe until 8:45 PM. For more information and to order tickets online, go to http://crockerartmuseum.org/learn-do/details/7705-film-frame

Julius Shulman, from VISUAL ACOUSTICS, an Arthouse Films release 2009. Copyright Aiken Weiss.

A self-taught photographer, Julius Shulman possessed an intuitive ability to capture spaces from the best perspective. By including people in his photographs, Shulman brought modern architecture to life.

According to our research, Julius Shulman photographed at least one building in Sacramento in 1941 -- The National Youth Administration -- designed by Richard Neutra. We're also looking into a report that Shulman photographed a private Sacramento MCM residence.

“Julius Shulman and Richard Neutra” (1950)

Visual Acoustics highlights the importance of great design and underscores the need for further celebration, education and preservation of excellent mid-20th century architecture. The architects that Shulman worked with believed they could change the world through better design. That spirit and excitement is alive and well here in Sacramento's design community; I would like to see this further encouraged and nurtured.

Please join AIACV and SacMod at the Crocker to see this wonderful film.

All photos from VISUAL ACOUSTICS, an Arthouse Films release 2009. Copyright J. Paul Getty Trust.

Thanks for helping support a great cause!

2010-08-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour is proud to support our neighbors at the Short Center South. We were able to donate a $3,000 from this year's tour and received a really nice handmade card.

The Short Center South is a day program that serves adults with developmental disabilities. The Center offers classes in a studio setting, taught by artists working in their own disciplines. Classes include drawing, painting, ceramics, mosaics, photography, music, dance, theatre, textiles, crafts, sign language, reading, computers, physical education/exercise and classes that further social skills and personal growth.

If you haven't visited their studios and seen their artwork, check them out. You probably have already seen their work around town; they recently completed a public mural that is displayed on Franklin Boulevard. For more information about their work, see their website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

Many thanks to all of you who participated and contributed.

A Real Honor

2010-07-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

We had the distinct pleasure of showing the California State Historical Resources Commission some of the homes and points of interest on the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour yesterday.

This morning, the three of us (aka Sacramento Modern) who put together the tour had the honor of receiving a resolution from the Commission during their quarterly meeting, which was held in the chambers of Sacramento's New City Hall.

Again, thank you to all who participated as a homeowner, sponsor, advertiser or volunteer for the home tour. We're proud to be highlighting and celebrating our mid-century modern treasures. We are honored to be considered a part of the larger preservation community and look forward to working further in this capacity.

Second set of official photos: 2010 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour

2010-07-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Here is the second set of official photos from the 2010 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour taken by our friend Toni Okamoto.

We again thank all who participated, especially the homeowners, sponsors, advertisers, and volunteers. If you would like to participate by showing your home, being a sponsor or advertiser, volunteering -- or nominating a neighborhood, building, structure, or otherwise sharing relevant information and history regarding the Sacramento region's MCM art, architecture and design treasures -- please drop us a line at sacramentomodern (at) comcast (dot) net.

First official photos: 2010 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour

2010-07-03T22:15:00.000-07:00

Here is the first set of official photos from the 2010 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour taken by our friend John DiDomenico. More photos to follow soon; stay tuned!

For other perspectives, check out:
A blog post by Erin of Bows & Sparrows regarding her tour experience
Another blog post by Kimberly of Mid-Century Living regarding the tour
MidCenturyMadam's blog post regarding her experience
Rynobot's tour experience on his Flickr photostream
Cassi's pix and thoughts about the tour

In the meantime, we invite interested and interesting people to join us. See our previous post about joining Sacramento Modern.

Join Sacramento Modern!

2010-07-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

Sacramento Modern is looking for like-minded, hard-working mid-century modern and modern enthusiasts to carry out our mission to promote, preserve and protect modern art, architecture and design in the Sacramento region.

The home tour was the first of many events we'd like to plan that celebrate our area's modern heritage. We can't do this alone; we need your help. Here are some examples of what you can do:

1) Join Sacramento Modern: be on our board of directors or be a member.

- If you are interested in being a board member, drop us a line and tell us a little about yourself: your interests, skill set, available time to commit. We encourage architects, designers, artists, event planners, volunteer coordinators, historians, organizers, accountants, cheery greeters, heavy lifters and go-getters.

- If you are interested in being a volunteer at a future event, drop us a line.

- If you cannot commit energy and time, consider joining as a member. We'll be offering memberships soon.

2) Nominate buildings, residences, structures, neighborhoods, architects, designers, builders, landscapes, and other local modern treasures that you believe should be featured in future events and/or highlighted by Sacramento Modern.

3) Share your knowledge. Let us know if you have any information to share regarding any local modern treasure (architecture, art, design, crafts, etc.) or any local artisan, designer, architect or craftsperson.

We look forward to hearing from you. Click here: I'M IN!

Thank you!

2010-06-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to all of the people who made this event happen and to all who participated -- the turnout and interest exceeded our wildest expectations. We really appreciate it!

Special kudos to my co-coordinators Kris Lannin Liang and Dane Henas who went above and beyond the call of duty. Kris had the initial vision for this event and put together the skeletal framework upon which it was founded. She has incredible organizational skills and spent countless hours collaborating and partnering with other local agencies, groups, and individuals, promoting the event, managing submissions to the car show at the airport and at individual homes, organizing registration at the airport, managing ticket sales, marketing and advertising, and volunteer coordination. Dane spent countless hours doing all of the awesome and talented graphic design work: the logos for the home tour and Sacramento Modern, tickets, postcards, poster, signage, various posterboards, image preparation for the cover of Inside the City and the fantastic guidebook layout. I maintained our blog, our presence on Twitter, identified and enlisted most of the homes and points of interest for the tour, conducted historical research (logged over 85 hours just staring at microfilm), helped contact advertisers, collected and prepared images, wrote the content in the guidebook and prepared the historical display at the airport. There were highs and lows, surprises and disappointments -- and lots of blood, sweat and tears.

A giant thank you to the wonderful homeowners (that includes us three!) for allowing people to see what it's like to live in a mid-century modern home --- and to the fabulous volunteers who gave their time and support to this event.

Finally, we want to thank the sponsors, advertisers, and those who gave in-kind donations. We appreciate your believing in us; your participation made this event possible.

We encourage submissions regarding buildings, residences, structures, neighborhoods, architects, designers, builders, landscapes, and other local modern treasures that you believe should be featured in future events. Stay tuned!

Event Sold Out!

2010-06-25T18:46:00.000-07:00

We are amazed and humbled by the interest in this tour - and are sad to report that we sold out of tickets this afternoon.

In order not to diminish the experience for participants and homeowners we are not selling any more tickets.

Those of you who have purchased on PayPal -- pick up your tickets at the registration area. Those of you who wanted to go but could not get your tickets in time -- we will have other events in the future so stay tuned! We apologize in advance for any inconvenience.

Thank you for your support.

Tick-tock! Get 'em while you can!

2010-06-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

We are so pleased at the excitement and interest the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour has generated -- and we want to make sure you have a heads-up regarding tickets. Our cut-off point for buying tickets to the tour online via PayPal is Friday, June 25th @ 3pm.

We need to have a cut-off time in order to prepare the tickets for will-call at registration.

We will then sell the rest of the available tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis, beginning at 9AM at the Sacramento Executive Airport. Be forewarned, we are close to selling out! We cannot guarantee that there will be tickets available on the day of the event.

For additional details of what to expect on the tour, see our earlier post.

See you soon!

Feeling Hot Hot Hot!

2010-06-23T23:26:00.000-07:00

It's been beautiful weather here recently -- but be aware that Sacramento can get pretty toasty this time of year. We hope you bring plenty of sunscreen, drink lots of water and consider wearing a hat while you are out and about this Saturday on the tour.

See details in the post below about the tour; looking forward to seeing all of you!

2010 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour

2010-06-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

Here are the homes that will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the Mid-Century Modern Home Tour on Saturday, June 26, 2010. Check-in for all tour participants will be from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sacramento Executive Airport.

Tickets are $20 in advance and are available online via this site (see PayPal link in the upper left margin) and at the following Sacramento locations: Parkside Pharmacy, Capital Nursery, Blomberg Windows and HOT ITALIAN.

Any tickets remaining after advance sales may be purchased for $25 (CASH ONLY) at the check-in desk. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Short Center South, a day program serving adults with developmental disabilities. The Short Center South gallery will also be open during the tour.

At registration, participants will receive guidebooks with information about the homes and points of interest. They will then set their own pace on self-guided tours over three and a half miles of South Land Park and adjacent neighborhoods. On-street parking is available and biking is encouraged. Guest will be invited inside the 11 residences and enjoy driving past and learning about 22 points of interest. Homeowners and docents will be at the homes to greet visitors and answer questions.

Hope to see you there!

Super thanks to Midtown Monthly!

2010-06-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

We'd like to thank Midtown Monthly editor and writer Tim Foster for his epic article regarding this year's Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour, the history of mid-century modern, and a little bit about us. Well, a lot about us.

The article, "California Livin' - Celebrating Mid-Century Modern Sacramento", can be found in the June 2010 issue -- on the cover, page 4 and pages 28 - 31. Available online and at newsstands at various locations throughout Midtown -- check it out!

Big thanks to Inside Publications!

2010-06-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

We'd like to thank Inside Publications writer Julie Foster and publisher Cecily Hastings for the article regarding the Powell House, a custom designed home on this year's Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour.

The article, "Modern at Last", can be found in the June 2010 issue of Inside The City -- the Land Park, Curtis Park, Hollywood Park, Central City and Woodlake edition -- on the cover and pages 21 - 23. The tour is also discussed on page 12, under the "Life in the City" section -- "Mid-Mod Home Tour." Copies of Inside The City are available for downloading online (pdf) at newsstands at various locations throughout the above-mentioned neighborhoods as well as directly mailed to neighborhood homes. Look for your copy in your mailbox -- or pick one up today!

Special thanks to Sacramento Magazine!

2010-06-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Sacramento Magazine writer Joan Waters for her article regarding the Frame House, a custom Carter Sparks designed home on this year's Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour.

Photo by David Toerge

The article, "Midcentury Modern", can be found in the June 2010 issue of Sacramento Magazine on pages 120 - 123.

Scopitones A-Go-Go!

2010-05-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

We won't tell you everything that we have in store for you at the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour -- but we'll share this little tidbit. Among the many treats will be a showing of Scopitone films at the Sacramento Executive Airport during tour registration.

Scopitones were a precursor to today's music videos -- a combination of a jukebox plus a screen upon which 16mm films were projected for viewing. Courtesy of Scott Moon we will be showing some films that were played on Scopitones back in the 60s.

Groovy, Baby!

Sneak Peek: unique and rare Land Park mid-century modern!

2010-04-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

Here's yet another sneak peek of one of the spectacular homes scheduled for the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour on June 26, 2010 (see details regarding the tour in our previous post).

R's gorgeous home was originally built for real estate developer Robert Powell, circa 1962/63. Designed by Robert N. Hill of Morris Construction Company. Don't miss the many beautiful details throughout, from the glamorous pool in the front to the amazing floating stairs.

Keep checking in -- we'll be posting press coverage links, up-to-date information and glimpses of the upcoming tour!

Sneak Peek: Another Jones + Emmons Eichler Home

2010-04-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Here's another sneak peek of one of the wonderful homes scheduled for the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour on June 26, 2010 (see details regarding the tour in our previous post).

C & M's tranquil 1955 Eichler Home was originally built for Ms. Sheridan. You're going to love this distinctive Eichler home with white birches and gorgeous colors. Visitors are greeted by bubbling koi ponds and a lovely mid-century clay pot collection. Don't miss the back yard and hidden pool!

More sneak peeks coming soon....

Tickets now available in town at HOT ITALIAN!

2010-04-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

Our friends at HOT ITALIAN are now selling tickets (cash or check only) to the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour.

Get 'em while they're HOT -- at 16th & Q Streets in Sacramento. HOT ITALIAN is open everyday from 11:30a until late night. That's amoré!

Sneak Peek: former personal residence of George Muraki, AIA on the Tour

2010-04-04T17:12:00.000-07:00

Here is another example of one of the homes scheduled for the first-ever Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour on June 26, 2010 (see details regarding the tour in our previous post).

This outstanding home in South Land Park Estates was designed by Sacramento architect George Muraki around 1956 for his family. This home features a central enclosed atrium that provides wonderful natural light. Current owners A & J have updated this mid-century modern home into a comfortable family home that they share with their three children.

After being unjustly fired from the California State Department of Employment and interned with other Japanese Americans during WWII, Muraki became a prominent Sacramento region architect and Sacramento City Planning Commissioner.

More to come -- keep checking in for updated information and more sneak peeks!

Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour Tickets now available!

2010-03-31T17:46:00.000-07:00

You may now purchase tickets for the first-ever Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis - act now!

Online tickets are being sold through PayPal -- refer to the "Buy Tickets Now!" icon in the top left hand margin of this blog. PayPal is an easy way to pay with your credit card.

In-town purchases may also be made in-person at the following businesses: Parkside Pharmacy, Capital Nursery, and Blomberg Window Systems and Hot Italian (as of 4.8.10). Cash or check only.

Postcard photograph by Don Satterlee of Satterlee Photo. Postcard design by by Tour co-coordinator Dane Henas of Dane Henas Design.

Hope to see you at the Tour!

Calling all (MCM) cars!

2010-03-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

This Car Show on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at the Sacramento Executive Airport is open to all -- including ticket holders who will be registering for the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour (see our previous post for details).

Both the Car Show and Tour are presented by Sacramento Modern (SacMod), a non-profit association that promotes, preserves and protects mid-century art, architecture and design in the Sacramento region. SacMod is partnering with the California Automobile Museum to display impressive modes of transportation at the home tour registration site. The event is limited to 150 vehicles, and admission to the car show is FREE (a limited number of home tour tickets are available for purchase).

For those of you with vehicles who would like to participate in the Car Show, take us “Back to the Future” with distinctive, space-aged vehicles representing the modern movement between 1940-1970. All types of transportation are welcome: automobiles, travel trailers, motorbikes, scooters, and bicycles. Think fins…chrome…power…innovation…the future! Please email photos of your vehicles to Tour co-coordinator Kris Lannin Liang using the contact information on the back of the postcard.

The Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour logo, postcards, upcoming tickets, and upcoming guide book have been created by Tour co-coordinator Dane Henas of Dane Henas Design.

Hope to see you at both events!

Sneak Peek: Another Carter Sparks Custom Home on the Tour

2010-03-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

Here is another example of one of the homes scheduled for the first-ever Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour on June 26, 2010 (see details regarding the tour in our previous post).

This elegant home in South Land Park Hills was designed by Sacramento architects Carter Sparks and Donald Thaden around 1960 for the Stecher family. Current owners M & S have sensitively updated the home, retaining much of its original character. The home is full of ingenious details and has several outstanding garden areas.

We'll be posting more about the Tour and giving you other sneak peeks soon -- thanks for checking in and stay tuned.

Sneak Peek: Another Jones + Emmons Eichler Home

2010-03-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

Here's another sneak peek of one of the wonderful homes scheduled for the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour on June 26, 2010 (see details regarding the tour in our previous post).

Don't miss L & T's beautiful and charming 1955 Eichler Home originally built for the Koutchis family. Filled with whimsy and vintage goodness -- plus a terrific light-filled addition by a local Mid-Century modern architect!

More sneak peeks coming soon....

Tweet tweet!

2010-03-07T12:06:00.000-08:00

If Twitter is your preferred medium, you may now stay up-to-date regarding the upcoming Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour and other interesting MCM stuff by following eichlerific.

Where tickets will be sold

2010-03-05T14:43:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to the following neighborhood businesses who have agreed to sell tickets for the upcoming Sacramento Mid-Century Home Tour. Tickets will be available for sale in April.

Parkside Pharmacy

4404 Del Rio Rd., Sacramento, CA 95822

(916) 452-2200

Capital Nursery

4700 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95822

(916) 455-2601

Blomberg Window Systems

1453 Blair Ave., Sacramento, CA 95822

(916) 428-8060

For our out-of-town friends or those who wish to pay via credit card, we'll have a PayPal link up and running on this blog at the same time the tickets are available at the above businesses.

We'll post again when tickets are available, so stay in touch!

Sneak Peek: A Jones + Emmons Eichler Home

2010-03-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

We are still diligently working behind-the-scenes to bring you the first-ever Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour. As promised, here's another sneak peek of one of the fantastic homes scheduled for June 26, 2010 (see details regarding the tour in our previous post).

This 1955 Eichler Home was originally built for the Scott family. J & J have transformed it into a warm, colorful and relaxing retreat. Don't miss their spectacular vintage clock collection.

We'll be bringing you more sneak peeks, and information on how to obtain tickets -- stay tuned!

Sneak Peek: A Carter Sparks Custom Home on the Tour

2010-02-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

Here is an example of one of the many beautiful homes scheduled for the Sacramento Mid-Century Home Tour on June 26, 2010 (see details regarding the tour in our previous post).

This stunning home in South Land Park Estates was designed by Sacramento architect Carter Sparks around 1957-58 for the Frame family. Current owners D & J have tastefully updated this incredible home -- guaranteed to take your breath away.

Coincidentally, this home is featured in an article of the current issue of CA-Modern, a quarterly magazine by the Eichler Network. For additional details, please refer to Dave Weinstein's article, "Signature Singular Sparks: Using fantasy, surprise and whimsy, Carter Sparks' lively homes are like nothing else."

We'll be featuring other "sneak peeks" in the weeks to come, so stay tuned!

Special thanks to our first sponsors

2010-02-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

The Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour is pleased to announce our first event sponsors:

Many thanks to Lumens Light + Living for their generous Platinum level sponsorship.

Special thanks to Blomberg Window Systems for being one of our Gold level sponsors.

We're proud to have the backing of these local and nationally-recognized businesses. If you are interested in purchasing a sponsorship, please contact us: sacmcmhometour at gmail dot com.

Announcing the first Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour

2010-02-05T23:46:00.000-08:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

On Saturday, June 26, 2010 the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour will provide enthusiasts of architecture and design an opportunity to discover what it’s like to live, work and play in more than 15 quintessentially Californian residential and commercial structures built between 1945 and 1970. This year's tour features homes within Sacramento’s South Land Park and adjacent neighborhoods, which contain hundreds of Mid-Century Modern residential and commercial buildings.

Participants are invited to go inside eleven residences and drive by multiple points of interest throughout the southernmost portion of Land Park and in various South Land Park neighborhoods. Architects and designers include: Jones + Emmons for Eichler Homes, Carter Sparks, Donald Thaden, George Muraki, designer George W. Haggett, designer Robert N. Hill, Rickey + Brooks, Bucky H. Fong, Herbert Y. Niiya, Albert Dreyfuss, Sooky Lee, Dean Unger, Harry J. Devine, Grant Caywood, and William Koblik. Registration will be at Sacramento Executive Airport, a wonderful MCM building designed by renown Sacramento architect Leonard F. Starks. An estimated 500 visitors will see Sacramento from a different perspective as we open the doors to our past, present, and future.

Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Sacramento Executive Airport at 6151 Freeport Boulevard. The program begins at 10:00 a.m.; homes will be open to visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participants will receive tour booklets/driving maps upon check-in, and are encouraged to check-out the interpretive items on display (including a showing of Scopitone films), and the airport itself, a Leonard F. Starks-designed (circa 1955/56) building.

Guests can set their own pace and visit locations on the map in any order they wish through the close of the tour at 4:00 p.m. Neighborhood parking is available and biking is encouraged. Homeowners and docents will be on-site to greet visitors and answer questions.

Tickets are $20 in advance and will be available to purchase online and at various Sacramento locations beginning April 1^st, including Parkside Pharmacy, Capital Nursery, Blomberg Windows and HOT ITALIAN. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event for $25 at the check-in desk at Sacramento Executive Airport. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Short Center South, a day program serving adults with developmental disabilities. They offer classes in a studio setting, taught by artists working in their own disciplines.

The tour is still developing; please check back for additional details, changes and updates.