Mid-Century Modern Freak

Architect Gregory Ain (1908-1988) built 52 homes on the two block Modernique Homes Tract in 1948 with the goal of providing cost-efficient housing to low and middle income families while using the principles of modern design. This two block area in Mar Vista is now a Los Angeles Historic Preservation Overlay Zone which means that home-owners cannot make exterior modifications that alter the style of the protected houses. The USC-trained architect apprenticed with Rudolph Schindler and Richard Neutra, and served as chief engineer during World War II for Charles and Ray Eames in the development of their plywood chairs. A champion of the working class, Ain is best known for the post-war housing tracts he designed with them in mind, including Altadena’s Park Planned Homes, Silver Lake’s Avenel Cooperative, Reseda’s Community Homes project, and Mar Vista’s “Modernique” project.

Source: la.curbed.com | laplaces.blogspot.com | you-are-here.com | marvistatract.org | flickr.com/photos/spins_lps | dogtownink.com