A Restored Post-and-Beam by a Richard Neutra Protégé Lists for $700K

Built in 1967, architect Edward Avedisian’s home in Fresno, California, is a masterclass in form and function.

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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.

The estate of late Fresno architect Edward (Ed) Avedisian recently listed his post-and-beam home in Fresno, California, for the first time since its construction in 1967. Throughout his career, Avedisian maintained his modernist ideals, designing numerous local commercial buildings and the first electronically operative drive-in movie theater.

Inside, the home is full of original details—all of which was recently restored for a new generation of owners. Such details shown here include terrazzo floors, kiln-dried posts and beams, locally made walnut bookshelves, copper fireplace surround, and level-5 plaster walls.

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.

"The wood ceilings and beams, as well as the copper fireplace were not touched during the renovation—proof that, if you build correctly, it lasts," says Marc. The beam design was made famous by A. Quincy Jones, whom Avedisian studied under at USC.

New counters top original cabinetry in the kitchen, which is located around the corner from the living area. New terrazzo floors were poured to match those throughout the rest of the home.

Built-in Nutone appliances and backsplash tile from Heath Ceramics are more period details.

An opposite view of the kitchen looking toward the dining area.

The dining area features an original glass chandelier, as well as a corner bar with Venetian tile and more built-in Nutone appliances.

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.