MID-CENTURY MODERN IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Jackson and Main building

Gundersen Wilson Architects

Built
1957

Facing on to Main Street this simple building has deep overhangs that shield pedestrians from the rain and sun while protecting south-facing fully glazed shop fronts from the searing sun of southwest Florida. Simple open plan units are stylishly separated with textured brick walls that extend past the front of the glass providing a vertical rhythm to an otherwise long, unadorned horizontal expanse of glass.

Patricia Mellor, wife of contractor Bill Harvey Mellor remembers, "The building was occupied by good tenants almost immediately". High ceilings, terrazzo floors and street frontage have made these sought after lease space for over fifty years.

Events

11.11.11

EXHIBIT OPENING
learning from modern: a celebration of mid-century design
11.17.11

LECTURE
paul rudolph + the modern architecture of swfl
12.07.11

WALKING TOUR
downtown fort myers + reception
12 : 8 : 2011

LECTURE
mid-century furniture classics
3 : 24 : 2012

AIA Bus Tour to Venice

McMo_SWFL

Learning from Modern : A Celebration of Mid-Century Design

McMo SWFL explores and identifies Southwest Florida structures built fifty to sixty years ago. Some have remained standing for more than half a century, while others have perished, but all provide the opportunity to see what has survived in this harsh climate and what has not, what still works and why, and learn which building methods and materials are best for Southwest Florida. Closely examining this earlier indigenous architecture will furnish insight into why and what buildings really work in a sub-tropical environment. The aim is not only to look back and admire these beautiful structures but also to take the opportunity to define what good design means in Southwest Florida - in order to build more effectively and appropriately for the future.