Midland, MI Zonta Homewalk Celebrates Mid-Century Modern Architecture

Midland Celebrates the Season Mid-Century Modern Style
36th Annual Zonta Homewalk

Alden and Vada Dow Creativity Foundation - 315 Post Street
In 1939, Alden B. Dow began preparing drawings for his residence and architectural studio together.
The house represents one of the thirteen homes he would design of his own, patented Unit Block
System. A wide and beautifully crafted wood and glass door opens into the entrance way. A short,
wide staircase leads to the bright and inviting living room. Windows from two walls of the room,
providing a view onto the landscaped terrace and nearby pond. The living room ceiling vaults
upward and is covered with panels of translucent woven plastic set in wooden frames. Behind the
dining room and cantilevered over the surrounding pond, is a screened porch whose low horizontal
rails give an unobstructed view of the gardens and water below. The kitchen is large, and although
adjacent to the dining room, a swinging door separates the kitchen from guests. The family bedroom
wing is located on the opposite side of the living room. The children’s bedrooms interconnect with
each other and join into the master bedroom at the end of the long bedroom hallway. A sitting
room outside of the master bedroom served as Mrs. Dow’s office area. Located in the lower level
is a large game room with a carpeted floor of bold and geometric designs and colors. The game
room transitions into the theater. The original playroom retains the scale trains and toys that were a
part of the playful and fun atmosphere of the home.