Hometown Hero

• Tim Bosanoz09.01.2011

  Great article. I'm very fortunate to have worked for Mr. Dow from 1971-1973 and for the firm from 1988-1995. I think he is one of this country's overlooked Architects.

• Charles B.09.01.2011

  This article really seems to capture Mr. Dow's spirit! Well written.

• Brenna09.01.2011

  Thank you for this article and slide show! There are so many modern gems in Michigan; I'm thrilled to see some of them showcased in Dwell. I've posted a couple of photos of the Mary Dow house in Saginaw, MI (designed by Alden B. Dow for his sister) on the Preservation Saginaw Facebook page. The house was incorporated in to the adjacent church community center in the 1980s but it still retains many of its original features. Feel free to wander over and check it out! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Preservation-Saginaw/168236589872605

• Frank Dowell09.04.2011

  I owned the Whitman house from 1968 to 1971. I was in mid renovation when transferred. The house was a delight, the expense outrageous!

• aaronbritt09.06.2011

  Charles, Frank, Brenna, and Tim, Thanks so much for your remembrances of Dow and love of his work. Visiting the Home and Studio was an incredible experience. Anyone else out there lived in a Dow, or worked for the man? We'd love to hear more about his life and work from those of you who knew him. Aaron

• Jennifer09.11.2011

  I worked for Dow Chemical in the early 90s and rented a Dow-designed house in Midland my first year there. It had gorgeous maple plywood walls, floor-to-ceiling casement windows and amazing light. I will always love that house -- thanks for the reminder!

• Rick S.10.10.2011

  Midland is a wonderful small city to visit. There are many examples of outstanding residential architecture by Dow and others, with established neighborhoods largerly unspoiled by hideous McMansions. There is an entire neighborhood near the medical center filled with Dow's work and that of his associates, and another near the country club with many examples. There is a small downtown with a wonderful boutique hotel and a great art gallery. Their minor league baseball stadium is beautiful and a short walk from downtown. If you find yourself in this part of the state a little exploration would be well worth your effort.

• Kevin Martini11.24.2011

  I was born & raised in Midland MI, I spent my childhood growing up in Alden B.'s buildings (I went to preschool at St. John's Lutheran, volunteered for years at the Grace A. Dow Library, had band performances at both the Center for the Arts & Central Band Shell, my father even worked in a Dow building at Dow Chemical) and have always shared a special connection with his works. Do you know if there is anywhere which sells any sort of Dow souvenirs? I no longer live in Midland and would love to take a piece of Dow with me. I checked with the Dow Studio last time I was home, and got a great coffee table book but I was hoping to find something more displayable like a poster or unit block. Anyway, thanks for the great article. I always enjoy reading whatever I can about this man, his work and what made him tick.

• Robin Baer11.24.2011

  I screamed with delight when I saw the opening photo. Dow Gardens was my backyard and playground growing up, I can remember turtles sunning themselves on the stepping stones, swinging on the weeping willows over the pond and dodging the gardeners. My Dad worked for Mr. Dow in the 60's, It made me a little melancholy to see the drafting room where he worked. Thanks for the trip back in time. Robin Stocker Baer 11/25/2011

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