George Smart
George Smart, executive director of Triangle Modernist Archive, is a modern-day Lorax for modern-designed houses. In early 2007, a quick Internet search for “Raleigh modernist architecture” took Smart to a web page describing the story of the mid-century Eduardo Catalano house, famous for its expansive butterfly roof, in Raleigh, North Carolina—and its subsequent destruction in 2001 by McMansion developers.
By the end of 2007, Smart—an executive educator by trade but a design enthusiast by blood (his father studied architecture at the North Carolina State University College of Design)—launched Triangle Modernist Houses, a website dedicated to preserving modern homes in the Research Triangle region by increasing public awareness of their threatened existence.
Today, the site lists over 550 modern homes in the area and hosts free for-sale listings. “We have such a concentration of modern houses in this area that are works of art and need to be saved,” Smart says. “My goal is to get these houses into the hands of loving owners.”
The home tours Smart has organized—which have drawn crowds of over 600 people—have helped make that happen: Shortly after a tour through a modern house for sale in Durham in May 2008, one couple in attendance became its new owners. “The more people who know about these houses, the less likely they are to get torn down,” Smart says.
In January, Triangle Modernist Archive, the larger organization that oversees Triangle Modernist Houses, became a registered nonprofit organization. It also created a board of directors—with Smart at the helm, speaking out for the houses he loves.
One of many modernist gems to be found in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park region near Raleigh.
Article
-
An Introduction to Modern Real Estate
Though the market has rarely looked worse, our primer on the past, present, and future of modern real estate gives you the inside track on why modern homes are always a good investment.
Products
-
George
-
Triangle Shadow Hook
Keep your hat and coat handy with this lovely little geometric hook. The iron triangles offer a great place to hang your winter gear after you walk through the front door.
-
Smart Side Table
Dwell Collection
-
Regional Modern Real Estate Websites
Take a look at our ever-evolving collection of realtors and real estate websites across the United States that specialize in mid-century modern listings. We're adding new resources every day, so…
Tip
-
Tiny Modernists Need Tiny Furniture
It’s really important to have furniture that is scaled to children-size. Definitely get tables and chairs that fit the kids.
Events
-
Modernist Architecture Comes of Age
A day-long symposium exploring the preservation of historic modernist buildings and how to rehabilitate them to be sustainable and functional in the 21st century. Today planners, architects and…
-
Palm Springs Modernists: Insider Stories
To celebrate the conclusion of Palm Springs Modernism Week, the good folks at de Lab are hosting "PS Modernists: Insider Stories." Ever imagine what it was like to hang out with Albert…
-
George Smith Furniture and Fabrics
George Smith with provide light refreshments through out the two day event. Auction Item: $500 Gift Certificate George Smith will donate a Five Hundred Dollar Gift Certificate towards any purchase…
Advertising
Advertising
Advertising
Related Products
-
George
You should be able to set the thing up, plug it…
-
Triangle Shadow Hook
Keep your hat and coat handy with this lovely…
-
Smart Side Table
This is a great small side table, and we…
Latest
-
02.05
The Scandic Grand Central, Stockholm
Greetings from Sweden! I'm traveling in Stockholm to cover the…
-
02.06
Bedrock Images's Forgotten Maps
For the architecturally inclined—especially those with a…
-
02.04
Street Furniture Your City Wishes it Had
Street furniture already catches the eye of denizens eyeing a…
Follow
Dwell
-
Each issue look out for the Take Me Home giveaway. Enter now to win the @gusmodern Timber Table from March http://t.co/9rSrie9X! #design
-
Form Us With Friends opening #design http://t.co/qeHXIRzb
-
Form Us With Friends pendants for #Design House Stockholm http://t.co/QwG8iRIW
-
Slab Vases by Form Us With Friends for Cosentino #design http://t.co/7dzi7X6F
Hooray for caring people like George Smart! As a Durham, NC resident and fan of Modern Architecture, I applaud Triangle Modernist Houses for showing that committed people can make a difference in raising awareness. This awareness can translate directly into value. The more people understand the history and appreciate these homes, the more people will be willing to pay to live in and sustain them. Hopefully we can keep the bulldozers at bay!
Hey George, just spoke with you on the phone. This was all I could find on facebook. Please friend me so you can see some current photos of dad and his work..Thank you......FRAN
RSS Feed
Add a Comment