Departing from the Victorian homes we visited in the first installment of the Unique Architecture in Scottsdale Series, we now turn our attention to a community that is a bit more modern.
View Larger Map
Mention modern architecture to most laypersons, and one name immediately comes to mind: Frank Lloyd Wright. Through Taliesin West in Scottsdale, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation continues to carry on the legacy of its iconic namesake. Personally responsible for various landmarks throughout Arizona, Wright gave birth to an entire school of architects/builders which incorporated his philosophy of “organic architecture” and design into a select few Scottsdale neighborhoods. One such subdivision is Mountain View East in McCormick Ranch.
Developed by a builder named Riggs and designed by John Rattenbury of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Mountain View East is the quintessential subdivision for Frank Lloyd Wright inspired houses in central Scottsdale. From the exterior lines, which look sterile to critics and sleek to fans, to the generous use of glass to bring the outside in, you either love these designs or you hate them. It has been my experience that people are either inspired by the modern look of these homes or think they look like dentists’ offices. No middle ground.
Built between 1979 and 1983, Mountain View East is located within what is commonly referred to as North McCormick Ranch (Chaparral School District). There are 51 total properties in the subdivision, with the average home having approximately 2750 square feet. A whopping 92% (42) of the homes have private pools. There are 47 single level homes, as compared to only 4 2-story homes. The neighborhood is zoned R-7, which entails single family residences on minimums of 7000 square ft lots.
Clean lines, block construction, clerestory windows and all of the hallmarks of modern design are evident in these homes. Geometric shapes, from the front elevations to the rear planters and pools, are evident throughout. Recent neighborhood sales have ranged from the mid $600,000s to the low $800,000s. As other parts of the Valley suffer due to the current woes of the local Real Estate market, Mountain View East has clung stubbornly to its value. This is largely due to the unique nature of these homes. For Frank Lloyd Wright style modern architecture, it is just about the only game in town in central Scottsdale. There are custom homes along the lakes of McCormick Ranch and in Paradise Valley which fit the bill, but with prices starting well over a million dollars, they are not viable options for those with a less extravagant budget.
For those who love the style of these homes, but with a little less money to work with, my next installment of “Unique Architecture in Scottsdale” will focus on a more affordable neighborhood in South Scottsdale. If mid century modern is your thing, but your price range is closer to the 300-500k range, stay tuned. The architecture of local celebrity Ralph Haver will be on full display as we highlight a few select streets in a subdivision called Town & Country Scottsdale.
Whether your preference is traditional Southwestern architecture, or something a little different, Paul Slaybaugh with Realty Executives is your guide to finding the home that is "you." Call me at (480) 220-2337 or drop me an email at paul@rayandpaul.com to start your search for the home that is as unique as you are.
Your source for Scottsdale Real Estate since the dawn of time ... or thereabouts.
Launch your Scottsdale Home Search now!
Paul - Those are some seriously modern looking homes. In fact, when one of my clients asks for this style, this is pretty much what I picture in my mind (especially the very first photo).
Hi Paul, A nice series. You have a least some styles to describe. We only have one ( I think ) style. Mediterranean. Just pays your money and pick your size,lol. At least it feels that way.
Great series Paul. I love the way you are highlighting unique architecture. thanks for the tour
Paul - I LOVE this series! I am an architecture fanatic! The victorians were great but I am a sucker for a Frank Lloyd Wright inspiration. Thanks so much for this series!
Paul, This is a very interesting community, the inground pool looked very inviting too.
wow, that is a cool way to present a community, in fact I may copy it. No not AZ but for some of my area's. Just thought you should know I love the presentation.
Gorgeous, Gorgeous home. Love the unique architecture and pool!
Jason - Me too. It's interesting to note that modern architecture was not all that appealing to me when I first entered the business, but I have grown to appreciate the simplicity and elegance. I like anything that is a step away from the ordinary nowadays.
William - Having spent quite a bit of time in your area, I'd say that sounds about right! I do love those Southern California Mediterraneans, though. They are the perfect compliment to the natural beauty of San Diego.
Leesa - If you like these, just wait until the next installment. More mid-century modern in one of the few historically designated neighborhoods in Scottsdale.
Don - I smile when I hear the pools here referred to as "in ground" from folks in other parts of the country. Everything here is in-ground, and about 50% of the homes have them. They are so common that we often take them for granted. I do love seeing these larger geometric pools however, because the newer ones are often small, irregular (think amoebic) shapes to mimic lagoons. It's a good look, and is much more cost effective, but I love the big old diving pools that cost too much to build anymore.
Missy - As they say, imitation is the highest form of flattery, so I would be honored if you drew inspiration from this series for a similar one of your own. By all means, have at it!
Christina - It's a cool little pocket, isn't it? I love the Spanish neighborhoods around it, with their stuccoed walls and clay tile roofs, but the originality of this subdivision breaks up the monotony.
Wow that sure is a modern looking home! I usually don't like these types of homes but the interior is gorgeous.
Paul, I have always been impressed with the architecture in Arizona.
Beautiful homes! This style of home really seems to fit with the desert landscape.
I too look forward to reading the next series. I love unique architecture and design as it sets the bar for the next unique design. I think there is too much of the same thing when it comes to homes in AZ, although I do understand that if you can make a home one way and duplicate it over and over it lowers the costs to produce the home. Still that takes away from the home making a statement.
Paul: I LOVE this series! You give your potential buyers incredible information regarding housing in Scottsdale with wonderful descriptive text regarding the architecture, etc. Your photos are excellent also--you ARE truly the Scottsdale AZ expert!
paul, after a small computer snafu (are they ever small?) I have been able to listen and see your post sending Jack off to preschool. First, the singing is awesome! Second, what a wonderful collage of the first few years. Third... wow... preschool. Yes, it happens in the blink of an eye... we've got kindergarten coming up in a year and I'm crying already. Keep up the posts! Love 'em!
Jess
Hey Jess! We so regret not being able to make it to Jim's surprise party. The boys came down with a nasty bug. We just couldn't turn them over to the folks with the fevers they had spiked. Crazy how these little ones run our lives, isn't it? Let's not wait for another special occasion before trying to get together again. We'd love to see you guys, and hope to do so soon. Take good care!
Beautiful Photos & Property.....many Frank Llyod Wright homes in the Midwest Paul -probably atypical for your area - but something a relocating buyer from our area would feel right at home with! you may want to consider re-posting to vacation and second homes and tagging as such.
Sincerely,
Grace
Grace - not a bad idea at all, so don't mind if I do!
Oh give me a perfectly round home and vertigo in my left ear so I can seamlessly follow the smooth contour of the world spinning on its axis.
Am I that ... transparent?
Stop repeating yourself. I'm right here in the sconce.
It's me, Pa. Don't worry about crossing over. There's a giant meadow here filled with Black-eyed Susan's and a weeping willow. I get to crying tears of dew and rapture. Later on we're going to ride the unicorns and bake bread on an open hearth of joy and light. Climb atop a rainbow and don't worry about those skinned knees, lad. All the Band-aid's here are chocolate donuts soaked in Benadyne.
Hi Paul. I love the designs! The more glass the better :) A totallly different style than what we have here.