Upon graduating from the University of Southern California in 1952, the late architect Edward (Ed) Avedisian was offered a job from modernist icon Richard Neutra, his professor and mentor. He turned it down. Instead, Avedisian returned to his hometown of Fresno, California, where he set up his own practice and became well-known in his own right, contributing to the streetscape with the design of drive-ins and other iconic structures of the time. Fresno is also where Avedisian built his home—an archetypical post-and-beam comprised of two wings built around a lone Japanese Maple tree.

Avedisian's godson Marc Kerkochian led the recent restoration efforts. "Ed used to say, 'When I am gone, whoever buys this house will either love it or tear it down, because you can not alter the damn thing,' " recalls Marc. "He strictly adhered to form follows function and each client, including his family, filled out a questionnaire on their specific needs—all of which is reflected in the layout and design of the home." Marc and his team left most of the original details intact, pouring new terrazzo floors in some rooms and modernizing finishes only as needed.

Offering three bedrooms spread out across nearly 3,000 square feet, the home is broken up into two wings on each side of a lone Japanese Maple. In the center of the home is an entryway with floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the tree and backyard. Keep scrolling to see more of the property, currently listed for $700,000.

2448 W Stuart AveFresno, California, is currently listed for $700,000 by Nader Assemi and Layla Granata of Assemi Real Estate.

Project Credits:

Restoration: Haus Construction, Inc.

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