Mercer Island Historical Society to Host Discussion on Mid-Century Architecture and Historic Preservation

Mercer Island – Did you know Mercer Island possesses a rich legacy of mid-century modern residential design? With the completion of the Lacey V. Murrow floating bridge in 1940, Mercer Island’s development as a Seattle suburb began.  Through the 1950s and into the 60s, as residential build-out of the island progressed, architects designed homes that respected the unique geography and nature of the region – a style referred to today as Pacific Northwest Modernism. On Monday, September 21^st, the Mercer Island Historical Society will host a presentation that will explore this mid-century legacy while also discussing how it can be preserved in an era witnessing rampant tear-downs.  Chris Moore, Executive Director with the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, Michael Houser, Architectural Historian with the state Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation, and Todd Scott, Preservation Architect with the King County Historic Preservation Program, will be on hand to highlight interesting examples of modern design, discuss the tear-down trend, and explore strategies for preserving and honoring Mercer Island’s built environment. If you grew up or presently live in a mid-century house, work in the real estate profession, or are simply interested in the architectural heritage of Mercer Island, please join us at 1:00 pm on Monday, September 21 at the Mercer Island Community Center.  The Mercer Island Community Center is located at 8236 SE 24^th Street on Mercer Island.  For more information about the discussion, please contact Chris Moore at cmoore@preservewa.org.