JACKSONVILLE, FLA., 9/19/23 – After a three-year hiatus, the Arlington Mod & More Home Tour and Symposium is back October 14 -15, 2023 featuring several of Arlington’s most iconic Mid-Century Modern homes. This is the seventh Arlington Mod & More Home Tour and Symposium and the first since 2019 due to COVID. The event is presented by the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors and benefits Old Arlington, Inc.
“NEFAR is excited to sponsor the Arlington Mod & More Home Tour and Symposium that showcases the Arlington community, which is rich in design and architecture. This exciting event gives participants the opportunity to view several different residential?architectural styles and the Arlington community while highlighting why the preservation of Old Arlington is very important. This social event will bring residents and lovers of architecture?and design a way to experience the wonderful history?of Old Arlington,” said NEFAR 2023 President Diana Galavis, an Arlington resident.
Now enjoying a resurgence especially among younger homeowners, Mid-Century Modern architecture became popular after WWII through the 1970s. This minimalistic, functional style features open floor plans, clean lines, muted curves, large windows and indoor-outdoor living spaces.?Arlington, which was Jacksonville’s fastest growing area after the construction of the Mathews Bridge in 1953, boasts an impressive concentration of Mid-Century Modern architecture.?
Frank Lloyd Wright, considered the father of modern architecture, inspired many local architects, including Robert Broward, George Fisher, William Marshall, William Morgan and Ted Pappas, whose inspired designs still grace the beautiful Arlington community.?
“The home tour and symposium offer a fun and informative view into the historic architecture of Arlington, showcases some of Jacksonville’s most iconic Mid-Century Modern homes, and supports the preservation efforts of Old Arlington, Inc.,” said OAI committee chairperson, Ann Burt. “We hope everyone enjoys the tour and, perhaps, considers finding a mid-mod home in Arlington for their family.”
The tour begins at the Unitarian Universalist Church located at 7405 Arlington Expressway. According to the late Robert Broward, this was his favorite among the many designs he created during his 60-year career. The church was named one of the “Top 100 Buildings” in Florida by the American Institute of Architects/Florida.
Guests will have the opportunity to tour at least six homes throughout Arlington including the quirky round “Geodesica” and the iconic “Butterfly House” that transports you to the 1950s. Tours of historic Norman Studios are also included, showcasing the museum’s recent $1M renovation.
The home tour is Saturday, October 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 15, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Advance tickets are $20 and $25 the day of the tour (fees additional). Purchase tickets at 904TIX | The Arlington Mod & More Home Tour and Symposium. Your ticket also grants admission to the symposium, Saturday, October 14, from 9 – 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church.
The symposium will feature a panel discussion on “Renovating Your Mid-Mod Home.” Panelists include:
- Ted Pappas, President of PBV Architects and an active force in Northeast Florida architecture as a designer and builder of commercial, governmental, and residential projects. Considered one of Jacksonville’s most influential architects, Pappas has designed or restored more than 40 buildings throughout Jacksonville.
- Bill Bishop, architect and president of ALS Architects was a City Councilman representing Arlington from 2007 through 2015. Bishop and his wife Melody currently reside in a Mid-Century Modern home in Clifton which is their architectural laboratory for exploring architectural ideas.
- Kathryn Stater, owner of one of the most iconic Mid-Century Modern homes in Jacksonville, Architect Robert Broward’s “Butterfly House” in Alderman Park. Since purchasing the house in 2016, Slater has restored the house back to 1957 using the original blueprints found in the University of Florida library. The home has received the “Test of Time” award from the American Institute of Architects and a historic preservation award from the City of Jacksonville.
- Slade and Natalie Williams, who have exclusively owned, maintained and restored Post-war and Mid-Century Modern homes in Colorado, California and now in Jacksonville. The Williamses are passionate about architecture and functionality of a space as well as why you should think twice before removing a pink potty.
OAI is still accepting sponsors and recruiting volunteers for three-hours shifts to serve as hosts for each site. Classic car owners are also asked to participate by displaying their mint 1950s, 60s and 70s cars at each tour site. For more information and to get involved, contact OurArlington@gmail.com.
