How about some Mid-Century Modern-ness this lovely Monday?!!? We’ve got the gorgeous photos of a house in Spokane, Washington, designed in 1954 and built in 1955. It’s considered by many to be the best example of Mid-Century design in Spokane, but also the best example of work done by MCM architect Bruce Walker. Known as the Ferris House, it’s located on East 16th Avenue.
Educated at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Walker was influenced by Marcel Breuer, as well as Southern California designers like Craig Ellwood, Gregory Ain, Raphael Soriano and Charles Eames.
The landscape was designed by Lawrence Halprin, who was very highly regarded even in the mid-50’s. and is considered by many to be a master of American landscape architects. He designed the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, DC among other projects.
The home’s architecture is of Harvard Post and Beam design/construction and the stunningness of the structure easily extends to the inside, where warm woods and stylish details make the home seem like it goes on forever.
Sam Ferris, of Ferris & Ferris, emailed us this home, and had the lucky privilege of growing up in this space. Can you imagine the kind of style tastes you would have inherited?!
The house was featured in the May 1961 issue of Sunset Magazine and was repeatedly featured in Sunset’s “Ideas for Planning Your New Home” book published throughout the 60’s and 70’s. There’s an information website dedicated to this wonderful structure, and you can read more about the home here.
What do you think about this great Mid-Century Modern house?!?
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Spectacular.
Agree completely!
Pingback: A Great MCM House In Spokane | Mid-Century Modern Interiors
What an amazing house ! I love it.
Us too!
Beautiful, and a happy intro to Bruce Walker.
Quick question: the house differs significantly from the presentation plan (e.g. enlarged master suite, dining, and family areas). Were these done by the architect or later additions?
That’s a great question Steve. I’m going to email the person who provided us with the story and see if they can answer!
Steve! Here’s your answer from Sam Ferris:
“The 1st addition was in 1961. The family room and kitchen were extended out to the edge of the eaves (there were 2 more kids from the 1955 completion and it was a little tight!). The second addition was in 1963. It created what is now the master bedroom. That was due to baby number 5. Addition 1 and 2 were designed by Bruce Walker. Fast forward 20 years to 1983. The dining was expanded to the edge of the eaves. This changed the orientation from north/south to east/west. Now we have a very large dining room with a skylight. This also gave room for an enclosed wet bar between the dining room and kitchen. The 2 original bathrooms were combined to create a nice large master bathroom. The bedroom in the center of the hallway behind the fireplace was divided in 2 to make a new second bathroom on the west side and a laundry room on the east half. The laundry had previously been in a closet connected to the family room. Addition 3 was designed by Bill Trogdon (also a great architect and FAIA). In the early 60′s Trogdon and Walker were partners. Since we are on the topic . . . the grounds doubled in size from 1/2 acre to 1 acre some time in the late 60′s (probably 1968). Thanks for asking!”
Is this property currently for sale?
You’ll have to check with the owners ;)
Hi Claire,
The Ferris House is currently for sale. Details are available on the website http://www.spokanemidcentury.com.
Sam
info@spokanemidcentury.com
Is it possible to find any information on the Richard Neutra designed home on Pinecrest ave. on the south hill. I believe he built the home in the late 1940′s.
Hi Mike. Unfortunately, we don’t have any inside information on Neutra houses, though we wish we did! You might want to contact http://www.neutrahouse.org/upcoming_events.html for information about the particular Neutra house you’re referring to. Good luck!
I found information about the Neutra house in a book called of all things “NEUTRA”. The house was built in 1951 for Fredrick Fischer and it is located on Pinecrest Ave. I’m sure Bruce Walker and Mr. Neutra must have met as Neutra was here several times.