Step inside historic homes and see and learn about many more as we tour one of Westchester’s “hidden” midcentury modern neighborhoods in Ardsley!
The belief that aesthetics, practicality, and affordability could be simultaneously achieved was a major driving force behind the construction of many midcentury modern houses. Around the country, cooperative groups made up of architects, engineers, and other design professionals were formed to create small communities of new homes that brought this vision to life through their collective experience and enthusiasm. In Ardsley, New York, the Twenty-One Acres Cooperative was formed in 1948 by a group of young families who wanted a fresh start. It included architects like Roy S. Johnson and Fred M. Ginsbern, and together they created a neighborhood of 13 homes that incorporated the same economical construction techniques but were also customized by each family in their layout and material choices. The new neighborhood was featured in a 1952 issue of Progressive Architecture.
From a 1990s New York Times article: '''We were looking for interesting terrain in a wooded area with natural boundaries and no through traffic,'' said Stanley Torkelsen, who is still a working architect and living in the house he and the group helped design…The result is one of the most unusual developments in Westchester. For the most part, low-slung wooden houses sit unobtrusively on heavily landscaped property. The houses practically disappear in the foliage."
Many of these homes still stand today and maintain the spirit of this exciting era! Join us for the unique experience to see some of these midcentury homes. Interior stops include the home built for the Ginsberns, another which has been in the same family since the early 1950s, and the Ullman House (shown here when it was featured in Progressive and updated interior pics).
The tour will be led by White Plains architect, Sara Rait-Marko, AIA. Tour length is approximately two hours.
Tour times available: 1pm and 3:30pm
Advance registration required, space is limited.
The tour will take place in the Twenty-One Acres neighborhood in Ardsley. Specific meet-up location and information provided in your confirmation email after booking.
Adults: $55 each
Students: $35 each
Docomomo US members receive 10% off, use code DOCOMOMO (Join or renew HERE.)
This event is organized by HisTOURy, a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to promote the appreciation and preservation of historic buildings and support the local groups who share their goal.
