by Architectural Observer | Jul 4, 2021 | Blog, Projects
Following is a quick update on some of the latest progress and discoveries. Jim has been keeping his nose to the grindstone; let’s take a look at his latest efforts: After liberating the house from its ghastly white vinyl shroud, Jim made repairs to the wood...
by Architectural Observer | May 13, 2021 | Blog, Observations
While not exactly frozen in time, this sixty-year-old house in suburban Chicago has survived largely intact due to the fact that it has been continuously occupied by the original and current owners. Modifications are largely confined to furnishings and decor; the...
by Architectural Observer | May 11, 2021 | Blog, Projects
After many delays over the course of many months (they were supposed to be planted last fall), the trees we selected to shade the Keys House have finally arrived! Trees have been a part of the landscape of this house since it was new; the various species — and...
by Architectural Observer | Apr 28, 2021 | Blog, Observations
The brainchild of designer/developer Jean Vandruff, these fairy-tale-inspired ranch houses were an instant hit in Southern California when first introduced by him and his brother Shannon in 1955. Sometimes referred to as “storybook ranches”, these houses...
by Architectural Observer | Apr 20, 2021 | Blog, Projects
As you last remember, the kitchen of the Keys House was being relieved of decades of accumulated indignities (including carpeting, a drop ceiling and wall paneling). Similar work has been done in the bathroom and the north and south parlors — allowing for new...
by Architectural Observer | Dec 14, 2020 | Blog, Observations
Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is fortunate to have eight houses by Bruce Goff in its vicinity; the Collins house is among them. Commissioned by Russell Collins and built in 1959, the house survives today in remarkably near-original condition. Its recent sale allowed me to...
