1961 Alfred Browning Parker Home- Morningside, Miami

Check out this lovely gem of home that I discovered in Morningside a couple of weeks ago. This MidCentury modern home was built in 1961 and designed by Miami homegrown architect Alfred Browning Parker. Parker was heavily influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and in 1959 Wright recommended Parker as an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Fellow. In fact, Parker was the only architect Wright recommended for the Fellowship. Goes to show how great of an architect Parker was in the eyes of Mr. Wright himself.

I was lucky enough to be given a personal tour of the home by the owners. Some folks just have an eye for great style and the owners of this home certainly do.  The home has been updated slightly, but the owners have been very careful to make upgrades which Parker himself would be proud of.

Preserving historic homes and bringing them back to their glory days is an art. Sadly, many people cannot appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into designing a home of this caliber. Just last month an investor wanted to tear down an Alfred Browning Parker home in Coral Gables, but luckily the City’s Historic Designation Board voted anonymously to declare the home historic.

Click on the pictures to enlarge

Backyard

The built-in cabinets were designed by Parker.

Living room with fireplace

The owners have carefully selected furniture that reflects the MidCentury flavor of the home,

The staircase to the second floor of the home is magnificent.

A view of the staircase from the second floor.

The attention to detail of the staircase is amazing.

Pair of chaires designed by Jar Car in Vermont. The chairs are actually made from used jars and they happen to be very comfortable. Fasterfineart.com

A view from the pool

I’d like to give a Miami Urbanist shout-out to Jody Gross. Jody is a professional photographer, my neighbor and a fellow urbanist. She took these lovely pictures and captured the essence of this home. You can see more of Jody’s work on her website: www.jodygrossphotography.com