Posted 11:34 pm Sunday, August 12, 2012
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Mod Squad offers tours of historic home
Staff Reports
Historic Tyler on Thursday offers tours of a mid-century residence that was the personal home of the late architect, E. Davis Wilcox.
Historic Tyler on Thursday offers tours of a mid-century residence that was the personal home of the late architect, E. Davis Wilcox.
This member-only event kicks off 6 to 8 p.m. at 526 E. Lake St., which serves today as the home of Ray and Wendy Gallagher.
Annual memberships can be purchased at the door for $40 for an individual and $50 for a family membership.
“When you’re a member, you can come to these member only events for no charge,” Historic Tyler Director Cassie Edmonds said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
The occasion is organized by Historic Tyler’s Modern Committee, known also as the Mod Squad. It focuses on the preservation and promotion of mid-century modern homes.
The acclaimed architect’s 1952 home, built of salvaged brick from an old Tyler fire station, is the first modern home to be featured on tour.
“There’s a lot of interest in mid-century modern,” Ms. Edmonds said. “A lot of people don’t realize what it is ... there’s actually a lot of it in Tyler.”
Mid-Century modern refers to an architectural style popular between the 1930s and the 1960s, characterized by sleek lines and contemporary furnishings.
Wilcox was widely known in East Texas for his striking sensitivity to the natural environments.
Most of his designs have large windows so people can enjoy the outdoors from indoors.
The Gallaghers’ home, featuring lush landscaping on two city blocks, has floor-to-ceiling windows, a plant-filled atrium and redwood built-ins in every room.
Wilcox is credited locally with designing the Tyler Museum of Art, Andy Woods Elementary School, John Tyler High School and about 70 homes, including his own.
For more information about the tour and Historic Tyler, call 903-595-1960.
“When you’re a member, you can come to these member only events for no charge,” Historic Tyler Director Cassie Edmonds said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
The occasion is organized by Historic Tyler’s Modern Committee, known also as the Mod Squad. It focuses on the preservation and promotion of mid-century modern homes.
The acclaimed architect’s 1952 home, built of salvaged brick from an old Tyler fire station, is the first modern home to be featured on tour.
“There’s a lot of interest in mid-century modern,” Ms. Edmonds said. “A lot of people don’t realize what it is ... there’s actually a lot of it in Tyler.”
Mid-Century modern refers to an architectural style popular between the 1930s and the 1960s, characterized by sleek lines and contemporary furnishings.
Wilcox was widely known in East Texas for his striking sensitivity to the natural environments.
Most of his designs have large windows so people can enjoy the outdoors from indoors.
The Gallaghers’ home, featuring lush landscaping on two city blocks, has floor-to-ceiling windows, a plant-filled atrium and redwood built-ins in every room.
Wilcox is credited locally with designing the Tyler Museum of Art, Andy Woods Elementary School, John Tyler High School and about 70 homes, including his own.
For more information about the tour and Historic Tyler, call 903-595-1960.
