Swanky: adj, stylishly luxurious. Set to the foxy tone of the 1960s, Salt Lake Modern—an affinity group of Preservation Utah—invites any and all mid-century modern design and architecture lovers to a cocktail party and home tour to celebrate preservation.
High above downtown Salt Lake City in the historic Avenues neighborhood sits a Robert Fowler-designed mid-century modern masterpiece owned and reverently renovated by famed local restaurateur Tom Guinney. Jaw-dropping views and sensational landscape blur the lines between outside and in, one of the many notable characteristics of the mid-century modern design philosophy.
“One of the pillars of Salt Lake Modern’s mission is to educate the public about mid-century modern architecture in Utah,” says Salt Lake Modern Committee Chair Dana Williamson. “Swanky is intended to build further awareness and excitement about mid-century modern architecture and increase the public’s desire to preserve these unique structures.”
Who: Salt Lake Modern
What: Swanky
When: Saturday, June 10, 7 p.m.
Bonus to members: Pre-Swank home tour at 6 p.m.
Where: Upon ticket purchase, guests will receive address to the Upper Avenues, SLC residence
Why: For fun, of course, and to showcase the importance of mid-century modern architecture in Utah.
Buy tickets: Here
Why is this home significant?
Salt Lake Modern: In addition to its sweeping views and lush gardens, this home represents modern renovation with preservation in mind. The mid-century modern movement in the U.S. was a reflection of the International and Bauhaus movements. It represents the time period of roughly 1933 to 1965. This style emphasized creating structures with ample windows and open floor plans, with the intention of opening up interior spaces and bringing the outdoors in. Many mid-century houses utilized then-groundbreaking post-and-beam architectural design that eliminated bulky support walls in favor of walls seemingly made of glass. Function was as important as form in mid-Century designs, with an emphasis placed specifically on targeting the needs of the average American family.
Did you know?
Salt Lake Modern: Salt Lake City is home to many mid-century homes—including this one—and structures that have relevance to this movement. Recent preservation efforts of mid-century modern architecture include the recognition of several Utah homes to the National Register of Historic Places and the first preservation easement granted on a mid-century property in 2015.
How can you help?
Salt Lake Modern: Salt Lake Modern members have the rare opportunity for a pre-party event where they can mix and mingle with the original architect and the renovation architect. To become a Salt Lake Modern member, purchase Swanky tickets ($100 per person or $150 per couple), or collaborate on future preservation projects, please contact Preservation Utah at (801) 533-0858 ext. 107 or visit www.preservationutah.org.
