Modern Driving Tour

Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo embraced modernism and numerous fantastic examples remain for us to enjoy. Spend a weekend in Kalamazoo with some stellar examples of mid-century modern architecture designed by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright, Victor Gruen, Alden B. Dow, Norman Carver, and more!

SW MI Chair: Katherine White

The Eppstein House | The Acres Neighborhood How many people can say they’ve slept in a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright? If you book a stay at this FLW-designed home, you'll be able to say you did. The Eppstein House is located in a neighborhood

The Eppstein House | The Acres Neighborhood How many people can say they’ve slept in a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright? If you book a stay at this FLW-designed home, you'll be able to say you did. The Eppstein House is located in a neighborhood full of Modern homes, in a neighborhood known as The Acres--and is available to rent on airbnb! Photo Courtesy: Tim Hills/Trystcraft

South Kalamazoo Mall | Burdick Street This shopping complex was designed by architect and “father of the shopping mall” Victor Gruen in 1959. It was the first outdoor pedestrian mall in the United States, designed to combat the automobile-induced

South Kalamazoo Mall | Burdick Street This shopping complex was designed by architect and “father of the shopping mall” Victor Gruen in 1959. It was the first outdoor pedestrian mall in the United States, designed to combat the automobile-induced decay of downtown main streets. Grab a bite to eat and do some shopping all in one convenient location.

Turtle Sculpture | South Kalamazoo Mall Check out the concrete turtle play sculpture designed by Jim Miller-Melberg on the South Kalamazoo Mall, near Lana’s Boutique. Miller-Melberg’s mid-century play sculptures continue to delight children (and ad

Turtle Sculpture | South Kalamazoo Mall Check out the concrete turtle play sculpture designed by Jim Miller-Melberg on the South Kalamazoo Mall, near Lana’s Boutique. Miller-Melberg’s mid-century play sculptures continue to delight children (and adults!) all over the world.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts | 314 S. Park Street This museum was designed in 1961 by Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill (SOM). The design was based on a Mies van der Rohe concept. October is a busy month at the KIA with numerous exhibits--a perfect time to

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts | 314 S. Park Street This museum was designed in 1961 by Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill (SOM). The design was based on a Mies van der Rohe concept. October is a busy month at the KIA with numerous exhibits--a perfect time to visit!

The Acres + Parkwyn Village Neighborhoods A group of scientists from the Upjohn pharmaceutical company appreciated Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision for a utopian planned community, which he termed “Usonia.” The group split into two and now Southwest Mic

The Acres + Parkwyn Village Neighborhoods A group of scientists from the Upjohn pharmaceutical company appreciated Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision for a utopian planned community, which he termed “Usonia.” The group split into two and now Southwest Michigan is home to 2 of the 3 Usonian communities designed by Wright in the late 1940s. The Acres (Hawthorne Drive, Galesburg) is located just east of Kalamazoo and Parkwyn Village (Parkwyn Drive, Kalamazoo) is in the City of Kalamazoo proper. Norman Carver, Jr., a self-described “Wrightian” architect native to Kalamazoo, also designed homes in both neighborhoods. Image courtesy: Tim Hills/Trystcraft

Kalamazoo Nature Center | 7000 N. Westnedge Ave. Take a hike around the 1,100 miles of trails at this popular attraction. Be sure to stop and admire Alden B. Dow’s 1961 domed design for the main interpretive building. Image Courtesy: Alden B. Dow Ar

Kalamazoo Nature Center | 7000 N. Westnedge Ave. Take a hike around the 1,100 miles of trails at this popular attraction. Be sure to stop and admire Alden B. Dow’s 1961 domed design for the main interpretive building. Image Courtesy: Alden B. Dow Archives

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