The 2023 Tour of Mid-Century modern homes took me to 9 neighborhoods in Midtown, North and East Phoenix, and in Paradise Valley. The homes on the tour, with one exception,  are not for sale.

The homes we viewed were selected by architectural historian Alison King. This print of Taliesin West by Alison King adorns my office, and you can easily guess that I am a fan of what she does.

Experience Fellowship at Taliesin West, by Alison King – the print to the right

I attend the tours almost each year because they are so enjoyable and inspiring. I also share the knowledge and beauty of the homes and neighborhoods with clients and friends.

On this year’s tour, which included homes in historic neighborhoods, well-hidden townhomes and a new build in the mid-century tradition and spirit, I observed and admired the architectural ideas of Ralph Haver IAI, Thomas Pansing, Blaine Drake ( a former apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright), Ronald Craik, Lescher and Mahoney and interior designer Miles McDermott. The tour ended at the elegant Eye Opener furniture store, some with mid-century finds were shipped all the way from the Netherlands.

Highlights from the self-guided tour for me were the use of clerestory windows for letting daylight in, while protecting from the desert sun, too. The eves are made of light-colored wood, bringing in more reflective light.

Clerestory Windows – letting indirect light inside

Imagine lying on your couch and watching the everchanging moods and colors of our Arizona skies. This home was conceived as a quiet courtyard, surrounded by lush vegetation and two structures on both sides of the courtyard.

Pool in front of bedroom, vegetation for shade                                      

Outdoor shower

Outdoor fireplace and dining area                                                           

Open space between the main house and secondary

If you curious what is for sale in some of the neighborhoods, click on the links below:

Willo Historic Distric (near down town Phoenix)