920 Leavins Street, Baytown, TX 77520
Please help us find new preservation-minded owners for a vintage modern house in Baytown, located about 10 miles east of downtown Houston. Thanks to Houston MODern Market for sponsoring this FREE event.
The secret is out. Baytown has great MCM architecture. This historic modern house was designed by noted architect George Pierce of the nationally recognized firm Pierce-Pierce. Cutting edge for its time and place, the house was the second in Baytown to be built incorporating central air conditioning. The home was designed for the Matherne family and completed in 1951.
The composition is unique and handsome. The geometrically-composed chimney wall is prominent, setting an artistic tone for the two public sides of the house. Inside, redwood detailing abounds along with sloped ceilings, impressive rolling ribbed glass room partitions, extensive built-in cabinetry, custom windows, and indirect lighting. Built to last, the house remains mostly as the architect intended.
George F. Pierce was from Dallas, Texas and a graduate of Southern Methodist University and Rice University (1943); he also taught architecture at Rice. Abel B. Pierce (no relation to George) was from Blessing, Texas and was a descendant of Jonathan and brother Shanghai Pierce, cattle barons and founders of Rancho Grande near Bay City. Abel Pierce was a 1930 graduate of Rice Institute. The Pierce-Pierce firm, founded in 1946, is presently known as PGAL and is considered one of the largest architecture firms in Texas.
Here are a few more interesting mods to drive-by in the Baytown area:
- 1106 Ward Road
- 1501 E Texas Avenue
- 211 Woodside Drive
- 1501, 1901 & 1905 E Southwood Drive
- 1609 & 1801 Oak Shadows Street