The 1959 ranch home has been remodelled with mid-century modern themes. The exterior block was sandblasted, retucked and sealed, then combined with iron and other metals. Matt Gonshorowski has converted the home into an oasis of low-maintenance landscaping, with every plant placed and nurtured to display its uniqueness. Aaron Kimberlin image
SMoCA is hosting the free lectures and expo April 16 at SCPA: “Research your Midcentury Modern Home Using Primary Sources,” 11 a.m.– 12 p.m., by John Jacquemart; “Nominate your Home, Neighborhood or Building for the Register of Historic Properties,” 12–1 p.m. , Vivia Strang; “Roadside Neon of Central Arizona,” 12:30–1:30 p.m., Marshall Shore; “The Trouble with Teardowns in Arcadia,” 1:30 –2:30 p.m., Roger Brevoort; “Modern Scottsdale,” 2:30 –3:30 p.m., Doug Sydnor, with a 3:40 p.m. book signing; and at 4– 5:30 p.m., “Recent Past Preservation Movement: A State of the Nation Address,” by Christine French of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Among the other programs during the week is “Modern Phoenicians II: Extended Remix,” April 15, 6–10 p.m., an exhibition by students, alumni, faculty and professionals at the Art Institute of Phoenix gallery on Roosevelt Street. The school is also hosting a First Friday exhibition of artwork on urban themes, April 4.
Earlier that week, April 12, at 7 p.m., SMoCA, with AIA Arizona, is hosting the annual “Slide Slam” event, as a part of Modern Phoenix Week and in celebration of National Architecture Week. The program features John Kane, FAIA, LEED AP, Architekton; Brent Kendle, AIA, Kendle Design Collaborative; Michelle Ray, AIA and John Tran, AIA, Omni Plan; and Phil Weddle, AIA, Weddle Gilmore.
King notes that Sunnyslope was also chosen for this year’s tour because it represents one of many “unprotected” Valley neighborhoods.
“Our midcentury culture is extremely vulnerable as there are currently no organized efforts to designate these neighborhoods in the same way that districts like Encanto or Coronado have,” she explains. “There are no implemented restoration guidelines or tax incentives to restore. And, it is going to be a long, long time before the city of Phoenix is going to be able to assist in the research studies necessary to apply for historic designations.”
As a result, Modern Phoenix hopes the Sunnyslope tour, and future events, will provide a dialogue between homeowners instead of relying on city incentives. “We try to illuminate the inherent benefits of restoration and adaptation from a practical and aesthetic standpoint,” she adds.
The April 16 expo and lectures are free, but a ticket must be purchased through the SCPA Box Office for the April 17 Modern Phoenix Home Tour. Those tickets are limited to 800 — and the event sells out annually. The cost is $20 for SMoCA members and $25 for nonmembers. No tickets will be sold on site in Sunnyslope prior to or the day of the tour. Other Valleywide events occur in conjunction with Modern Phoenix Week: See the Web site for details: www.modernphoenixweek.com.
