Docomomo_US/MI

11/12/2025

The fate of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Meyer May House hangs in limbo as Steelcase Inc., which has owned and operated the Grand Rapids landmark for 40 years, nears completion of its sale to HNI Corp.

Neither company will say what will happen to the meticulously restored 1909 Prairie-style home, the only house in Grand Rapids that Wright designed from start to finish, or the adjacent visitor center, citing the pending acquisition.

Shareholders of both companies will vote Dec. 5 on the $2.2 billion merger that’s expected to close by year’s end.

The Meyer May House represents an early example of Wright’s residential work in Michigan and stands as a testament to corporate-funded historic preservation. Its future now rests with HNI, the Muscatine, Iowa-based company that must decide whether to keep the property.

Designed by Wright for Sophie and Meyer May in 1908 and completed in 1909, the Meyer May House is located at 450 Madison Ave. SE in Grand Rapids’ Heritage Hill neighborhood, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Steelcase acquired the Meyer May House in 1985 and kicked off an extensive restoration based on old sketches and photographs, down to commissioning the bespoke carpet house V’Soske Inc. to recreate the home’s original rugs.

The company also removed a 1922 addition, replaced plaster, restored a George Mann Niedecken mural under six layers of paint, cleaned and repaired windows, recreated original furniture pieces and restored the landscape to its 1909 design.

Read more here: https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/real-estate/frank-lloyd-wright-landmark-faces-uncertain-future-as-steelcase-sells-to-hni/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=soc-own

10/21/2025

The Josephine Ashmun Residence was designed by Alden B. Dow in 1951. It’s located in Midland, Michigan.

In the past two years, “The Timber Teepee” has been completely renovated, honoring the character of the home, while incorporating new technology throughout the home. The kitchen and bathrooms are all newly renovated, while seamlessly integrated into the original design.

This home is currently listed for sale through agent Katrin Thorson. Photos courtesy of
Ayre Rhinehart Real Estate Partners

10/09/2025

This home was built in 1963 by architect Edmund London. It’s located in Southfield, Michigan.

This modern home features peaked ceilings and expansive, deep roof overhangs that naturally cools the interior in summer, and allows sunlight into the space during winter. The home features floor-to-ceiling windows and clerestories that allow for substantial natural light.

This home is currently listed for sale by Ryan French, with photos courtesy of Real Broker LLC Troy.

09/30/2025

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Weisblat House is on the market. It is located in Galesburg, Michigan.

Built in 1951, this Frank Lloyd Wright designed home encapsulates Usonian principles. It retains a majority of its original features, and is protected by a perpetual easement for preservation.

Wright’s vision is realized through the use of low horizontal lines, rich natural materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.

Original built-ins, ornamental block windows, Wright-designed furniture, and Honduran and Philippine mahogany millwork create a truly immersive 1950s time capsule.
Located in “The Acres”—a private community of four Wright-designed homes and one Taliesin apprentice design—this National Register-listed enclave preserves Wright’s original circular site plan, communal open space, and undivided intent.

This home is listed by Brian Kirksey. Photos are courtesy of Keller Williams Paint Creek.

09/18/2025

This Ann-Arbor, Michigan home was designed by architect James Livingston. It was constructed in 1956.

This home at 505 Burson Place offers mid-century design integrated with modern updates and features a flat roof, cantilevered eaves, and private entry into a breezeway.

Designated by A2Modern as one of Ann Arbor’s most notable Mid-Century Modern residences, this home at 505 Burson Place offers mid-century design reimagined for today’s lifestyle — highlighting a rare union of architectural heritage and sustainable living.

The property is currently listed by agent JoAnn Barrett. Photos courtesy of Howard Hanna Real Estate

09/15/2025

We are excited to announce that Docomomo Michigan has partnered with MillerKnoll to invite you into the collected heart of their heritage.

MillerKnoll, one of the world’s most influential modern design companies, brings together a collective of brands including Herman Miller, Knoll, Design Within Reach, HAY, Geiger, Maharam, Muuto, and NaughtOne.

To preserve, celebrate, and activate this legacy, the company opened the MillerKnoll Archives in 2024 at its Design Yard headquarters in Holland, Michigan. The 12,000-square-foot facility integrates exhibition galleries and extensive open storage presenting a chronological curation of more than 300 pieces of furniture from across the collective.

Visitors on this 90-minute tour will experience Manufacturing Modern, the inaugural exhibition highlighting the role of Herman Miller and Knoll in shaping modern design through works by Marcel Breuer, Mies van der Rohe, Florence Knoll, Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, and Eero Saarinen.

With a collection of over one million objects, the MillerKnoll Archives serves as both a repository of modern design history and a resource for ongoing research and innovation.

We hope to see you there! Follow the link to our profile or visit link below to register for select dates throughout October 2025. Please note spaces are limited.

MillerKnoll Archives Tour
Holland, Michigan
October 10th/17th/24th, 2025

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/millerknoll-archives-tour-holland-michigan-registration-1677129913719?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/09/2025

Join art historian and President of the Michigan Chapter of Docomomo US Deborah Lubera Kawsky to celebrate the life, career, and enduring legacy of Detroit design icon — and dear friend — Ruth Adler Schnee, who was a driving force in modern design for eight decades.

Adler Schnee’s life story is inspirational, encompassing her escape from N**i Germany, her ground-breaking studies at the Cranbrook Art Academy and her establishment of Adler-Schnee, Detroit’s first modern design store.

She is best known today for her boldly-colored and patterned textiles and for her interior designs for both private and public spaces, from the Ford Rotunda to the World Trade Center.

This event is part of the 10th Annual Detroit Month of Design, the Detroit Fiber Festival is a day-long celebration of fabric and fiber arts.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Keynote Talk: “Detroit’s Own Ruth Adler Schnee“ with Dr. Deborah Kawsky

The Fisher Building: The Peacock Room
3011 West Grand Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48202

Sunday, September 28 · 11am - 5pm EDT

Visit the link in our profile for information and tickets.

08/31/2025

MCM Parkitecture

During the mid-20th century, the National Park Service launched the Mission 66 initiative: a bold plan to ditch rustic "Parkitecture" and go modern. It took decades for parkgoers to warm up to the audacious style.

08/25/2025

Our friends at a2modern are hosting an open house!

Join on September 20th, at a notable Mid-century modern home— The Mills Residence.

900 Pine Tree Drive is a great example of the architecture of Ted Smith. Originally built in 1959 for Kendall and Mary Lloyd Mills, it has been preserved with almost all of its original features.

Much of the credit for the pristine original condition of the home must go to the longtime owners Harvey and Dorothy Doss.

The current owners, Nancy Bulkley and Noah Rosenzweig, have taken a preservationist custodial approach to both the original structure’s design details and home furnishings.

There will be three entry times:
1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00 pm
Each ticket will cost $15.00

Tap the link in our profile or visit>
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mills-residence-open-house-tickets-1607600258649?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

08/22/2025

Gathering the Original

The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy purchased 11 original pieces to keep them out of private collections

08/20/2025

Happy birthday to Eliel and Eero Saarinen, both born on this day (1873 and 1910, respectively). The father and son collaborated on the design of the Fenton Community Center, completed in 1938. https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/MI-01-GS12

08/17/2025

We are so excited to celebrate a milestone: Eleven years ago today was our first official Docomomo US/MI Event!

It was a tour of the Parcells House in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Ruth Adler Schnee was our special guest!

Thank you to everyone who has offered support, attended an event and reached out to us! We appreciate your passion for Modernism!

We’d like to extend a special appreciation to our founding members who played a significant role in raising awareness to the importance of Michigan’s modern architecture.

We’d love for you to share stories you have about a memorable experience you’ve had at a Docomomo Michigan event!