MidCenturyModernShow's podcast

Tucson, Arizona isn't often thought of as a mecca for Mid Century Modernism, but it definitely is. After World War II, there was a lot of construction for affordable homes for returning home. That's not all. Realtor Nick Labriola shares that post-World War II history along with interest in modernism. 

Thinking about adding a piano to your Mid Century Modern living room? Listen to this podcast about the Steinway piano that was actually designed during the Mid Century Modern era (1953) by famed designer Walter Teague who designed for Ford, Polaroid and even had his designs exhibited at the World's Fair in 1939. 

Listen to Heidi Chamberlain, manager of the Steinway Gallery in Beverly Hills, share her passion for Steinways and the Teague 111, which was designed to commemorate Steinway's 100th anniversary in 1953. Steinway is producing the Teague with new technology. 

Rob Baker, founder of Modern Mailbox, how he came to find his company and the incredible post-mount and wall-mount mailboxes that have a modernist flair. Learn how to pick the mailbox best suited to your Mid Century Modern home. Here's a hint: think pop. 

Banham, wrote about "Wanderlust: Airstream at 75" to celebrate the trailer's 75th anniversary. He rode in an Airsteam trailer himself and met other Airstream travelers nationwide. Learn about how got this incredible project. Banham has also authored books on Ford, Coors and other well-known American brands. 

The Essex Hotel, which was known as the Essex Hotel when it was built in 1961, is most famous for the top-level sign that can be seen at the top of the Chicago hotel. It can be seen from nearby Michigan Avenue and Grant Park. 

The sign still reads "Essex Inn" and the original building facade looks the same, but the interior has been updated with a Mid Century Modern sensibility to meet the needs of the 21st century guests. 

Hear Chris McDonough and Lindsey Pickle of The Gettys Group - the hotel's interior design firm - share the challenges of updating The Essex Inn with vintage touches. 

Alison King, the founder of Modern Phoenix Week, talks about how Modern Phoenix Week came to life where she lives. As she tells it, it started when she and her husband were looking for a Mid Century Modern home to buy. They started an online community which morphed into a Facebook groupTheir online group led to Modern Phoenix Week. Now others nationally and internationally want to recognize the Mid Century Modern architecture in their cities with their own Modernism Week. 

Listen to King share some tips on how to get started. 

Growing up, Judy Gibbons regularly visited a house designed by architect Milton Schwartz. It was a great destination for memorable high school parties. It wasn't until Gibbons became a Realtor that she realized how significant this 1963 house was. Schwartz studied under Frank Lloyd Wright.

Schwartz had the same appreciation for simple lines that Wright. Listen to Gibbons talk at length about a handcrafted, soldered metal staircase and other Mid Century Modern homes she's sold. 

How do you save a historic kitchen that's like no other because of its color and design? That's exactly the question that Landmarks Illinois, a statewide historic preservation non-profit, found itself grappling with when historic-preservation advocates asked Landmarks for its help to save the kitchen designed by African-American architect John Warren Moutoussamy. Ebony Magazine Editor Charlotte L. Lyons tested meals in this kitchen before adding them to the magazine's monthly feature, "A Date with a Dish."

Landmarks stepped in when the building was sold for development and the new owner didn't want the kitchen. The nonprofit bought the kitchen, which included the walls and appliances, for $1. Photographer Lee Bey documented the kitchen before volunteers dismantled it. 

The kitchen is now in a storage unit while Landmarks works to find a new owner. Landmarks wants a new owner who reassemble, displayed and interpreted as an exhibit or reused for educational purpose at an appropriate location where its historic integrity will remain intact and its story will be celebrated.

Realtor Adrian Kinney discusses the growth of MidCentury Modernism in Denver, including the extensive collection of homes designed by architect Cliff May. 

With its proximity to Frank Lloyd Wright's work both in Madison and Chicago, there are numerous MidCentury Modern homes and commercial properties. MidCentury Modern Milwaukee founder Matt Amman shares what he knows.