This mid-century modern gem in suburban Detroit was built in 1950, and the owners stayed true to its roots when they renovated. They kept the modern esthetic throughout, down to the 20th century furniture finds from the likes of Mies van der Rohe and Harry Bertoia. To tour the entire, see the slideshow from The Detroit Free Press.
Source: Detroit Free Press
What’s it like to run a modeling agency in Milwaukee? Milwaukee Magazine gets the scoop from Brandis Ohlsson, owner of Ohlsson Model Management, which she launched two years ago. “We were recently in Los Angeles presenting models to agencies there for placement,” says Ohlsson. “And again and again they were saying, ‘You found this person in Milwaukee? This person too? What is in the water in Wisconsin?'” (Pictured is OMM’s Seth, photographed by Kris & Erik Photography.)
Source: Milwaukee Magazine
St. Louis food critic Michael Renner broke down his five favorite meals of 2014 for Sauce Magazine, and lobster emerged victorious. Specifically, the lobster roll from Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co. Says Renner: “What made these rolls even more notable than the chunks of fresh, tender, sweet lobster was the bun: a split-top brioche bun griddled to a buttery, toasted perfection.”
Source: Sauce Magazine
The Lost Girls travel in style in a bright orange vintage motor home, setting up their vintage shop where they please. The Chicago duo shared this shot of one of their finds: a vintage striped wool blanket. Follow The Lost Girls to see where they are setting up shop, or visit their mini-boutique in the expanded Modern Cooperative space in Pilsen.
Source: The Lost Girls
When the Mushroom House was up for sale in 2012, people finally got a glimpse inside the whimsical Cincinnati home. Built by architect Terry Brown, the absolutely one-of-a-kind structure features pressed copper ceilings, ornate stained glass windows and an unbelievable exterior. To dive into the house, check out the slideshow tour from the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Source: Cincinnati Business Courier
The historic Grain Belt beer sign has gazed across the river at downtown Minneapolis for decades, and its future is looking bright. The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota shared this shot from the sign as they investigate the structure’s stability and make plans to re-light the local landmark. Stay tuned for details.
The Detroit News made it simple to catch some culture in your post-holiday haze: they put together a list of must-see shows this season. The Scarab Club’s show, “101st Annual Gold Medal Exhibition,” features work by club members in a wide variety of mediums. Catch it before it closes on January 4.
Source: The Detroit News
The Minneapolis Star Tribune just declared Tim Carl the “architect for the arts” in their year-in-review. Carl, of HGA, put the finishing touches on two major arts venues this year: the re-designed Northrup Auditorium (pictured) and the $20.5 million expansion of Macalester College’s studio arts building.
Source: StarTribune
Surly’s new destination brewery in Minneapolis opened this month to many “cheers.” Surly’s brews have always been a knock-out, but the stunning architecture by HGA Architects is also a must-see.
Source: Star Tribune
Culinary artist Melodie Dearden has crafted the most festive model of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater ever: this architectural gem is made of gingerbread. The original structure, built the in 1930s, is known for its cantilevered design that allows portions of the home to hang over a waterfall. Dearden seems to have accomplished the same feat in frosting.
Source: Inhabitat
Chicago’s much-raved-about restaurant The Purple Pig is known for delicious carnivorous dishes and decadent cured meats, but their vegetarian-friendly options sometimes steal the spotlight. Behold the salt-roasted beets with whipped goat cheese and pistachio vinaigrette.
Source: The Purple Pig
Introducing SouveNear, a vending machine for local art! The first one launched at the Kansas City International Airport and we hope they’re expanding soon. The vending machine is filled with a host of pieces from local craftspeople–you can find everything from handmade earrings to painted canvasses. The “souvenears” range in price from $2.50 to $40.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
Alden B. Dow once declared, “Gardens never end, and buildings never begin.” The principle is on display here with the architect’s Midland home. It features a “submarine room,” illuminated in the picture, with windows at water level. To see more of Dow’s stunning designs that made Midland “the most modern town in America,” see Dwell’s full retrospective on his work.
Source: Dwell
Sota Clothing makes adventure look good. Their look book showcases the line on a mountain, on a bike, on a boat, with a beer. Sota’s founder, Spencer Johnson, views the line as a chance to spread his love for Minnesota wherever his travels take him. Their t-shirts, onesies, coffee mugs and pint glasses make perfect gifts for die-hard fans of the North Star State.
Source: Sota Clothing
The American Swedish Institute brings a festive slice of Sweden to Minneapolis with their Little Christmas Eve celebration. Little Christmas Eve is celebrated the night before Christmas Eve, and is an opportunity for families and friends to exchange gifts with rhyming notes that hint at what’s inside. The Institute has extended their holiday hours and families can come explore the scenic holiday exhibits, pick up last minute gifts and help decorate the Institute’s tree.
Source: American Swedish Institute
DROUGHT, the raw juice company founded by five sisters in Detroit, stepped into the spotlight for Carharrt. The workwear company’s blog, Crafted In Carhartt, goes behind-the-scenes with small companies who put their line to good use. See the James sisters hauling, slicing and juicing the organic ingredients that make their signature cold-pressed juices.
Source: Crafted In Carhartt
Monica Bowman graduated from Georgetown University with a masters degree in art history and got right to work: she opened a gallery, The Butcher’s Daughter, in the suburbs of Detroit. After several successful years, including a move to the up-and-coming Midtown neighborhood, Bowman moved her gallery to Harlem. Her dedication to Detroit art, however, has not waned. Her first exhibition, A Rose is a Rose, highlights several Detroit artists. To learn more about Bowman’s journey in the art world, check out Art Hopper.
Source: Art Hopper
The American Edit delves into the design behind Matt Eastvold’s new Palm Collection, designed in collaboration with Dela Pole. The goal was to create an item “both practical and beautiful,” and with styling by Bodega, we think it’s the perfect combination of both. To see how the design came together in the workshop, see The American Edit.
Source: The American Edit
Etsy goes behind the scenes with Araya Jensen, the design mind behind the housewares collection Wind & Willow Home. Wind & Willow began as an online shop, but Jensen opened her first brick-and-mortar location this fall and it is a thing of beauty, as are each of her colorful creations. Learn more about Jensen’s inspirations with Etsy.
Source: Etsy
Beez Kneez, the beloved Minneapolis honey operation that delivers local honey by bike, shared this photo of their delivery team in action. The dynamic duo delivered 147 pounds of honey on a 14-mile trek in the rain. Sweet, sweet victory!
Source: The Beez Kneez
This 1953 modern gem in Oak Park, Ill. recently received historic landmark status. Designed by Schurecht Inc., the I.M. and Fannabell Fixman House reflects a unique combination of International and Prairie styles. To learn more about the significance of the home, see its landmark application.
Source: Oak Park
New York Magazine touched down in Kansas City for a weekend and you can check out their favorite places in the “Uncover Urban Cool in Kansas City” feature. We fell in love with their food picks, like Port Fonda, which used to be based out of an old Airstream trailer but now has a brick-and-mortar location and a must-try menu of chipotle-braised octopus with bacon and tamarind margaritas. See the rest of the magazine’s KC highlights here.
First came the craft breweries, now come the craft distilleries. Midwest distilleries are beginning to bottle an impressive array of spirits, but the English still have us beat in the architecture category. The Bombay Sapphire gin distillery in the U.K., pictured, is a transformed paper mill from the 18th century. During the renovation, they added two asymmetrical glass domes that shoot out of the main structure. The domes serve as greenhouses for Bombay’s trademark botanical flavors. We’ll take one of these boozy architectural beauties in the Midwest, please.
Source: Architectural Record
Minneapolis ice cream whisperers the Froz Broz don’t make your average flavors. They quickly mastered the basics and are now on to wild taste creations like deconstructed lemon bar, bacon & egg, maple cashew and more. Every week, they give away pints of the Friday flavor to two lucky fans who chime in on social media. This week’s flavor is orange clove cranberry. Follow them if you’d like to get a pint of your own: Froz Broz.
Source: Froz Bros
Frank Lloyd Wright didn’t just build some of the most iconic architecture in American history, he also occasionally turned his attention to man’s best friend. Pictured is Eddie’s House, a doghouse designed by Wright for a family in California — and their dog, Eddie. The doghouse was destroyed in the 1970s, but the sons of the original owner followed Wright’s exact plans and built a new one in 2010. It is the smallest structure Wright ever designed.
Source: Architizer