Redeeming a Crumbling Edifice

Walked my bicycle down a dirt road behind the derelict Harris Machinery Company building at the edge of the University of Minnesota’s East Bank campus. I love this crumbling edifice, but until today thought it was beyond redemption.

TWA Flight Center

Between flights, explored the former TWA Flight Center at New York’s JFK Airport, now a hotel. Opened in 1962, it was designed by Finnish-American architect, Eero Saarinen.

Less is More

“Less is more” is famously the motto of architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969). The idea is to reduce design to its necessary elements. Less famously, Mies picked up the phrase from his teacher, architect Peter Behrens, in Berlin around 1910. Behrens is considered to be the first industrial designer. In the 1930’s Mies… Continue reading Less is More

Minneapolis Modernism

Took delivery of furniture, including this bench for our entry. I love the asymmetry and the playfulness. It’s built from a 1939 design by Ralph Rapson (1914-2008), Minneapolis modernism architect. It looks ready to rack, but it’s actually extraordinarily solid.

Rail Shed

Wandered through open doors at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel. The hotel has recently opened this lovely event space in the former rail shed of the Milwaukee Road Depot. The chimneys vented smoke from steam locomotives.

Former Cream of Wheat Headquarters

Walked to a Home Depot to choose picture hangers and drywall anchors. On the way, stopped to enjoy the 1928 Art Moderne former Cream of Wheat headquarters and factory, now condos.