Mid Mod Michigan, 6024 Eastman Avenue, Midland, MI (2026)

06/09/2026

Designed in 1965 by architect Bill Gilmore, the Davis House captures many of the qualities that make Mid-Century Modern architecture so enduring. Gilmore would later become a principal in the firm that evolved from Alden B. Dow’s architectural practice, and this home reflects that legacy through its connection to nature, use of honest materials, and spaces thoughtfully designed for everyday living.

Built for Gerald and Patricia Davis, the home sits on a generous parcel, taking full advantage of its natural setting. Like many of the great Mid-Century homes, it feels less placed on the land and more integrated with it. From the exterior, the architecture is immediately recognizable. Intersecting geometric forms, flat rooflines, and a combination of concrete block and wood create a sculptural composition.

Inside, post and beam construction allows for open, light-filled spaces, while the split-level floor plan creates separation without sacrificing connection. The elevated living room overlooks the property through expansive walls of glass, bringing the landscape into everyday life.

Natural light plays a central role throughout the home with many windows that frame views in every direction. At the heart of the home is a double sided fireplace, constructed from the same concrete block used on the exterior, creating continuity between the home’s materials and its design.

The setting is equally memorable. Mature trees, expansive grounds, a tree house, and even a zip line contribute to a sense of retreat and connection to nature that remains just as appealing today as it was in 1965.

Nearly sixty years after its construction, the Davis House remains a compelling example of Mid-Century Modern design: a thoughtful expression of Mid-Century design, where architecture, landscape, and daily living work together as one.

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Listed at $370,000 by Travis Fader, by Modern Realty

midcenturymodernMidCenturyArchitecture

Travis Fader, REALTOR ┃Architecture Expert
Mid Mod Michigan by Modern Realty

05/29/2026

Designed in 1957 by architect William P. Smith Jr. of Plymouth for Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Finkenbiner, this residence is a striking example of architecture shaped by organic design principles. Built during a period when architects increasingly explored the relationship between architecture and nature, the home reflects many of the ideas popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright and the organic architecture movement where materials, light, landscape, and structure work together as one unified composition.

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Listed at $695,000 by Travis Fader, by Modern Realty

Travis Fader, REALTOR ┃Architecture Expert
Mid Mod Michigan by Modern Realty

05/28/2026

Designed in 1957 by architect William P. Smith Jr. of Plymouth for Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Finkenbiner, this residence is a striking example of architecture shaped by organic design principles. Built during a period when architects increasingly explored the relationship between architecture and nature, the home reflects many of the ideas popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright and the organic architecture movement where materials, light, landscape, and structure work together as one unified composition.

Set along the shores of Dunham Lake within Dunham Lake Estates and spanning Lots 148 & 149, the home embraces its setting in a way that feels intentional from every angle. Large expanses of glass frame views of the water and surrounding landscape, while the low horizontal profile allows the structure to settle naturally into the site rather than dominate it. The lake setting enhances the property experience, creating a quiet retreat surrounded by mature trees and natural beauty.

Inside, the home unfolds through a series of open yet carefully defined spaces filled with natural light. Expansive windows and custom-designed louvers encourage cross ventilation and reinforce the home’s connection to its environment. The result is a space that feels remarkably comfortable, functional, and responsive to the changing seasons.

While relatively little documentation survives regarding William P. Smith Jr.’s body of work, including homes like the Finkenbiner House, serves as an important reminder of the regional architects who helped shape Michigan’s Mid-Century architectural landscape during the postwar era.

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Listed at $695,000 by Travis Fader, by Modern Realty

Travis Fader, REALTOR ┃Architecture Expert
Mid Mod Michigan by Modern Realty

05/19/2026

Now available in Kalamazoo: a rare opportunity to experience the work of Norman F. Carver Jr.. Designed in 1970, this striking Mid-Century residence reflects Carver’s signature blend of Japanese influence, natural materials, and quiet modernism. Exposed beams, warm wood detailing, rhythmic slat work, and walls of glass create a home that feels deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. Thoughtfully sited on 6+ wooded acres, the property captures the sense of calm, simplicity, and harmony that made Carver’s work so enduring.

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Listed at $2,395,000 by Carol S Novak, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices MI

Travis Fader, REALTOR ┃Architecture Expert
Mid Mod Michigan by Modern Realty

05/16/2026

Built in 1958 for Edward G. Hertel Jr. and Dorothy Hertel, this residence captures a moment when Mid-Century design was beginning to reshape suburban living in East Lansing. Designed by Mason-Carver Associates and constructed by Les Hartlove, the home was part of the original development of Walnut Heights Subdivision, occupying Lot 49 in what was then a newly established modern neighborhood.

Travis Fader, REALTOR ┃Architecture Expert
Mid Mod Michigan by Modern Realty

05/13/2026

Built in 1958 for Edward G. Hertel Jr. and Dorothy Hertel, this residence captures a moment when Mid-Century design was beginning to reshape suburban living in East Lansing. Designed by Mason-Carver Associates and constructed by Les Hartlove, the home was part of the original development of Walnut Heights Subdivision, occupying Lot 49 in what was then a newly established modern neighborhood.

As a quad-level design, the home features a layout innovative for its time, creating separation between spaces while still maintaining an overall sense of openness and connection.

What stands out about the Hertel House is how naturally it reflects Mid-Century architecture’s ideals. Spaces flow together while still maintaining a sense of purpose, natural materials bring warmth and texture, and expansive windows allow light to shape the experience of the home throughout the day. Decades later, the design still feels thoughtful, livable, and remarkably current.

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Listed at $480,000 by Travis Fader, Mid Mod Michigan by Modern Realty

Travis Fader, REALTOR ┃Architecture Expert
Mid Mod Michigan by Modern Realty

05/05/2026

Set quietly among mature trees, Jackson Hallett’s Dean House is one of those homes that immediately feels grounded in its surroundings. It doesn’t sit on the land so much as it settles into it: low, thoughtful, and completely in sync with the landscape.

Designed in 1970 for Dale and Judith Dean, the house is a great example of Hallett’s architectural language. From the approach, you notice the composition first: a series of geometric forms that come together in a way that feels both sculptural and balanced. The shapes echo the vertical rhythm of the trees, and the whole structure reads as one cohesive idea.

Inside, the experience opens up. Floor-to-ceiling glass lines the living spaces, pulling in natural light and framing views of the surrounding woods. The great room, living room, dining area, and kitchen flow easily together, without heavy divisions or unnecessary walls. And everywhere you turn, there’s a visual connection back to the outdoors.

Material choices are just as intentional. The Dean family owned Midland-based 4D Inc., a concrete block manufacturer, and that influence shows up in the home’s use of concrete alongside warm trim, built-ins, and a mix of hardwood, tile, and carpet.

What makes the Dean House stand out isn’t just how it looks... it’s how it works. It’s a home that’s easy to live in, and a clear reflection of Jackson Hallett’s ability to create architecture that’s both thoughtful and enduring.

📐3394
🛏️5
🛁3/2
📍Midland

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Listed at $635,000 by Travis Fader, Mid Mod Michigan by Modern Realty

FixerUpperFind DesignOpportunity AnnArborHomes MidCenturyRanch ArchitecturalPotential ModernismMatters HomeWithHistory HouseHunters OriginalDetails ZillowGoneWild DreamHomeVibes RealEstateFinds midlandmi

Travis Fader, REALTOR ┃Architecture Expert
Mid Mod Michigan by Modern Realty

04/22/2026

Designed in 1958 as his own home, Mid-Century architect James Livingston created this Ann Arbor Hills residence with intention… separating space for gathering and retreat, while keeping everything connected through light and design.

Set on a half acre site, the home engages the landscape through expansive walls of glass, dissolving the boundary between indoors and out. A striking two story foyer introduces the home with natural light, unfolding into a sunken living room anchored by a dramatic window wall overlooking the grounds.

So many original details remain: warm fir paneling, exposed beams, original baths, and a classic St. Charles kitchen. The living and dining spaces flow together effortlessly, grounded by original lighting and clean mid-century lines.

The layout is both open and practical… a large family room connects to the kitchen and flexible spaces, while upstairs offers a private primary suite plus four light-filled bedrooms.

A true MCM original: pure lines, honest materials, and design that still resonates.

Listed at $1,390,000 by Jean Wedemeyer, The Charles Reinhart Company

11/01/2025

Designed by Kalamazoo architect Norman F. Carver Jr., the Winchell home is a beautiful expression of Carver’s thoughtful approach to modernism. Completed in 1960 and custom built by David Spaulding, it reflects Carver’s belief that a home should settle naturally into its surroundings using honest materials, intentional scale, and strong indoor-outdoor relationships to create comfort and connection.

Carver, admired for his residential work and his study of Japanese design traditions, brought his signature sensibility here: expansive glass, warm wood, clean lines, and spaces that unfold gently and purposefully. Inside, more than 2,900 sq. ft. flow with an ease that feels both functional and artful. A spacious foyer leads into a striking living room with 10-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, built-ins, and a fireplace… moments that showcase Carver’s dedication to craft. The adjacent dining room and cozy den (complete with a second fireplace) offer flexibility for hosting, relaxing, or simply enjoying the light and views.

Set in a walkable neighborhood near Winchell Elementary, Woods Lake, and WMU, and qualifying for the Kalamazoo Promise, this home represents a rare opportunity to experience a true Carver design.

Listed at $599,900 by Tom K Kocher, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Travis Fader, REALTOR ┃Architecture Expert
Mid Mod Michigan by Modern Realty

09/13/2025

Built in 1958, the Ray and Norma Smith House is a splendid example of Midland’s rich architectural heritage. Though its architect remains unknown, the home feels deeply rooted in the design movement that shaped Midland’s architectural landscape in the 1950s.

Constructed with Chicago common brick and defined by dramatic roof overhangs, this multi-level residence embraces both privacy and presence. A long, sculptural walk-up to the front entry offers a deliberate sense of arrival, while inside, vaulted mahogany ceilings create warmth and spatial drama in the formal living room and primary suite. Original woodwork is present throughout the home, adding a sense of cohesion and authenticity to each space.

At just over 2,000 square feet, the floor plan includes three bedrooms, two full baths, and an upper-level office. The main floor offers generous gathering spaces, while the lower-level family room connects directly to a private terrace, a perfect setting for morning coffee or relaxed evening entertaining under the trees and vineyard. The kitchen retains its original footprint while incorporating premium appliances including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Viking six-burner range, and Bosch dishwasher.

Noeske Street is situated adjacent to Midland Country Club and within close proximity to downtown, walking trails, parks, and schools.

Midland’s architectural legacy is one of a kind, and the Smith House is an enduring piece of it. Reach out to schedule your private tour.

Listed at $429,000 by Travis Fader, Mid Mod Michigan by Modern Realty

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