Robert C. Metcalf's mid-century modern 'Crane House' featured on Sunday home tour
830 Avon is known as the "Crane House" and is Ann Arbor architect Bob Metcalf's first commission. The home will be a part of the Ann Arbor City Club's 61st annual home tour on Sunday, June, 2, 2013. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
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830 Avon is known as the "Crane House" and is Ann Arbor architect Bob Metcalf's first commission. The home will be a part of the Ann Arbor City Club's 61st annual home tour on Sunday, June, 2, 2013. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_19_fullsize.JPG
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830 Avon is known as the "Crane House" and is Ann Arbor architect Bob Metcalf's first commission. The home will be a part of the Ann Arbor City Club 61st annual home tour on Sunday, June, 2, 2013. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_18_fullsize.JPG
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A large Japanese maple tree shades the back patio area. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_17_fullsize.JPG
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Standing on the back deck area you can see straight through the house and outside to the front yard. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_08_fullsize.JPG
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Clean lines, open spaces and loads of natural light are common in mid-century style homes. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_06_fullsize.JPG
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Floor-to-ceiling windows line the upper level of the house. Here they over look the yard offering an incredible view. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_16_fullsize.JPG
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The Elerts found this atomic-style pull-down lamp in the basement when they moved in. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_05_fullsize.JPG
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The Elerts traded in their more traditional-style furniture for a modern look that complements the home. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_15_fullsize.JPG
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Windows that stretch the length of the kitchen and dining room fill the space with natural light. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_04_fullsize.JPG
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The Elerts renovated the kitchen by removing the upper cabinets, creating a more open layout to the dining area. They kept the original cabinets, created a snack bar and upgraded the countertops. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_03_fullsize.JPG
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Floor-to-ceiling sliding metal door closets are in each bedroom and in the kitchen and dining area. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_14_fullsize.JPG
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The mid-century home built in 1954 boasts original cork floors throughout the house. Homeowners Jim and Linda Elert had them refinished, installed new windows and a new roof upon moving into the property in April of 2012. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_13_fullsize.JPG
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Wall-to-wall windows shine natural light on the built-in bookcases and cabinets. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_12_fullsize.JPG
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The bedroom also has the original built-in headboard. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_11_fullsize.JPG
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Built-in desks, shelving and cabinetry in the master bedroom. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_10_fullsize.JPG
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The bathroom is lit from an above skylight that shines through a corrugated material. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_02_fullsize.JPG
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An open stairway leads up to the second level of the "Crane House." Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_09_fullsize.JPG
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Linda Elert poses in her kitchen at 830 Avon. Her house, along with several others, will be a part of the Ann Arbor City Club's 61st annual home tour on Sunday, June, 2, 2013. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/00 Mid Century/cache/052513_NEWS_MidCentury_MRM_01_fullsize.JPG
- Read more on the event: Ann Arbor City Club to hold annual home tour this weekend
When Jim and Linda Elert bought their home at 830 Avon in Ann Arbor, they weren't exactly looking for a mid-century modern house.
"I haven't really liked modern very much, just because it always seemed very cold to me," said Linda. "But this house didn't seem that way, I think because the inside is very warm, it's very beautiful and it's very open."
The four-bedroom, three-bath home showcases classic mid-century traits. Wall-to-wall windows, open space, cork floors and wood paneling are a few of its attributes.
"I certainly had a lot more clutter in my previous house," Linda recalled. "This house teaches you what it wants, and it doesn't want very much. It wants very simple styles. It's been really fun for me; I feel like I've evolved."
830 Avon, also known as "The Crane House," was Ann Arbor architect Robert C. Metcalf's first commission. He personally designed 68 houses in Ann Arbor, many in the mid-century modern style in Ann Arbor Hills and Barton Hills.
Metcalf's personal home was even featured in the Ann Arbor City Club's home tour last year.
The home, along with several other area houses, will be featured on the Ann Arbor City Club's 61st annual home tour on Sunday, June, 2. Tickets will be available at the Ann Arbor City Club (1830 Washtenaw) or at any of the featured homes on the day of the tour. The home tour will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets cost $15. For more information on the tour and how to purchase tickets, go to www.annarborcityclub.org/home-tour.html.
Melanie Maxwell is a staff photographer for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
bluenella
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 3:47 p.m.
Such a beautiful home by architect (and former Dean of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning at U of M for many years) Robert Metcalf. Nice photo series, so many wonderful details in his design.
Homeland Conspiracy
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 2:49 p.m.
I say we knock it down & build a skyrise (for rich ppl only) on that spot
DBH
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 1:58 p.m.
It was built for Professor Richard Crane in 1954. I presume this is why it is referred to as "The Crane House." I think it would have been relevant to have included that in the story.
Linda Peck
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 11:35 a.m.
Beautiful pictures of a classic home.
Elaine F. Owsley
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 11:17 a.m.
I give our architect daughter a hard time about "mid-century modern". I tell her "Oh, honey, why don't you just say it was modern in the 1950's".
jns131
Sat, Jun 1, 2013 : 10:09 p.m.
Most of our family own homes that were built just after WW II. Can't figure out why those are not considered historic. O well, guess it is the historical society at its finest.