Emile Berliner Invented the Flat Disc and Gramophone at 1458 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, D.C.

After Emile Berliner (1851-1929) sold one of his innovations related to the transmission of speech to the Bell Telephone Company in the 1880s, he was able to relieve himself from Bell’s employment and residency in Boston and return to the District of Columbia to build a commodious house, which many called a mansion, at 1458 [...]

Shadowless Lights of Modern Operating Rooms, Hazelwood Sanatorium, Louisville, Kentucky

While the two-over-one light wood windows within this view are no doubt original to the Circa 1895 building of the Hazelwood Sanatorium, Louisville, Kentucky, the operating room seen above has been modernized as it appears in the manner of such rooms just before the Second World War. Also known as the Association Sanatorium of Hazelwood, [...]

An “Inelegant” Sign Protects An Elegant Estate, Evermay, Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

Share on Facebook

Helen Wardman Was Giving Daddy, Harry Wardman A Run For His Money…Washington, D.C.

Do you own a row house in Washington, D.C. that is two stories, features a porch, is Colonial or Spanish Colonial revival, and is within a more semi-urban, neighborhood part of Washington, D.C.?  If so, then you just may live in a house that was part of the development and construction of Harry S. Wardman, [...]

We Deplore Home Depot Doors: JELD-WEN White Pre-Hung Right Hand Inswing Premium 2 Lite Entry Door with Brickmold

We want to make it very clear that this “HOME DEPOT DOOR” is truly horrible.
Share on Facebook

1020 Girard Street, NW, Washington, DC

Ode to 1020 Girard Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
By 1887, property owners in the Columbia Heights suburb of the District of Columbia were petitioning the city commissioners “for the Opening of Sherman Avenue.”  Still referred to as Mount Pleasant as far east as Georgia Avenue, the area apparently called for better roads and, according to [...]

Gas Station Architecture Dies Here…Spanish Colonial Service Station in Louisville, Kentucky

Yes, this is probably one of the most fantastic gas stations we have ever seen–or at least in the top five!   Located across from the “Welcome to Old Louisville – Historic District – Hill Street Greens” sign is this wonderful Spanish Colonial Service Station.

Perhaps you are wondering why the hell our generation got gypped on [...]

Might Luminary, Warren Muller, Be Casting New Light onto Staunch Ole’ (Philth) Philadelphia?

Known as the Staunchest City in America in the 19th Century, the Philthiest in the 20th, might the art scene in Philadelphia be returning to a more Eakins or even Calder – esque (radical) tradition in the new age? 
To look at the luminary world, or should we say work, of  Warren Muller  one might just [...]

Does every housing authority in America have to build such shit?

Louisville, Kentucky had tons of great old architecture–buildings representative of great periods of American taste!  Like many other agencies of this type across America, the Louisville Metro Housing Authority was not one of them…  When we look at this putrice we think: lego convention!
What do you think?  Is it just fun or is it truly [...]

Sea House San Fransico vs. Rural Kentucky Wonder Revisisted

Remember this miracle of rural architecture?
 
We have remained quite in awe of this building, which we lovingly dubbed as akin to the Bumpkinastic Revival taste.  In fact, I might even use the word puzzled.  Actually, no, we have remained profoundly mystified by this place.  Well, until now. 
 
Architects Moore, Lyndon, Turnball, & Whitaker and Planners Lawrence Halprin [...]