Last month we listed and sold the house at 3508 Geneva Circle, a wonderful example of mid 20th-century modern architecture. It was an interesting and rewarding experience, and it highlights several things that are important to us as realtors and Nashvillians.
Our Passion We love these houses! David grew up in a 1958 mid-century modern house in Atlanta, designed by his architect-father. Kate currently lives in a house similar to the one we sold on Geneva Circle. Mid-century modern is a significant part of both our lives.
Demand Other folks love them too. 3508 Geneva Circle created quite a stir! The house was shown 40 times in just two days, and a crowd of more than 150 came to the Sunday open house. By Monday morning, we had ten offers, all of which were above the asking price. Mid-century modern is hot!
Value These houses represent value in two senses. First, they are great places to live. Usually a bit smaller but efficiently planned and, at least for now, many of these houses are quite reasonably priced.
Also, they have historic value. Historic buildings give us a vivid record of our history as a society. That’s why many Americans have worked with dedication over the last 50 years to preserve the best of America’s architectural past. Mid-century modern houses, mostly built between 1945 and 1975, are historic. They deserve to be preserved, protected, and enjoyed well into the future.
Our Response We have begun compiling a database of mid-century modern houses in Nashville. By driving the neighborhoods and searching the tax assessor’s site, we have built a list of more than 300 mid-century modern houses in Nashville.
In a city this size, 300+ properties is a fairly small percentage of the existing housing stock. That’s not unusual. Modernist buildings have always been more popular on the coasts – especially in California and Florida – than in the rest of the country. But Nashville does have its share, and we are dedicated to helping preserve them for the future.
How to spot a mid-century modern
Long, low and linear is the dominant look. Low-pitched or flat rooflines, broad overhanging eaves, walls of glass and no fussy ornament. Often, but not always one-story. We’ll have more words and pictures about mid-century modern in an upcoming newsletter.
If you own, or are interested in owning, a mid-century modern house, we’d love to talk with you about it.