Houzz Tour: A Contemporary Take on Classic Midcentury Design
This new home in St. Paul looks to the city’s long tradition of midcentury architecture for a little inspiration
The twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, have long been a mecca for midcentury design. Architects such as Elizabeth and Winston Close, Ralph Rapson and Robert Cerny were responsible for putting this region on the map in the mid-20th century. Many of their homes were built in University Grove, an enclave of architect-designed homes in St. Paul. In 1989, a New York Times article called the neighborhood “an architectural time capsule of modern America.” The latest addition to the neighborhood is this new home that architect David Heide considers his contemporary take on midcentury design.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A professional couple
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Size: 3,294 square feet (306 square meters)
Architect: David Heide Design Studio
A Tudor home was originally on the site. During a remodel, the home burned to the ground. The homeowners then decided to build a new home with a modern aesthetic on the site. “We were hired in part because of the historic nature and sensitivity of our work,” says architect and designer David Heide. “We also know the neighborhood, University Grove, is a special place, as it has a continuum of architectural styles that doesn’t exist elsewhere. We felt responsible to represent the timeline that already exists there.”