Mercer Island and Kirkland Modern
Two upcoming presentations will highlight the rich legacy of mid-century modern residential design in cities that experienced rapid growth in the 1950s and 60s.
On Monday, September 21 at 1 pm, The Mercer Island Historical Society hosts Chris Moore, Executive Director of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, Michael Houser, Architectural Historian with the Washington Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation, and Todd Scott, Preservation Architect with the King County Historic Preservation Program. They will show examples of Pacific Northwest Modernism, discuss the tear-down trend, and explore strategies for preserving and honoring Mercer Island’s built environment. The presentation will take place at the Mercer Island Community Center at 8236 SE 24th Street, Mercer Island. For more information about the discussion, contact Chris Moore at cmoore@preservewa.org.
On Monday, September 28 at 7 pm, the City of Kirkland will host a special meeting focused on “Kirkland Modern.” Preservation consultant Mimi Sheridan will discuss her research on mid-century houses designed by Paul Kirk, Harry Cummings, Gene Zema and Gordon Varey. She’ll describe some of Kirkland’s most interesting subdivisions and the variety of house styles that shaped these suburban neighborhoods. The meeting will take place at Heritage Hall at 203 Market Street, Kirkland.
Top left photo courtesy of Mimi Sheridan.
Top right: Architect’s rendering of the Stixrood Residence on Mercer Island, built in 1958 and designed by the architectural firm of Tucker & Shields. Image courtesy of Sandy Condiotty.