Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1482853
OBSESSIONS. DECORATION. SALIENT FACTS. Future Forward C alling all disciples of architecture, modernism, and design: An upcoming lecture cracks open an important chapter in the alluring tale of mid-century modernism. On Wednesday, November 9, Houston Mod — the nonprofit devoted to preserving and educating about our city's mid-century architecture — presents a talk and book signing for Master of the Midcentury: The Architecture of William F. Cody (Monacelli, $60) at MATCH. Cody was an icon of Palm Springs' built environment at the mid-century; his prodigious output (1916- 1978) helped define the Southern California desert city as an oasis of cool. The architect designed Frank Sinatra's home in the Palm Springs suburb of Rancho Mirage in 1953, but the hospitality sector is where he excelled — swank country clubs, spas, and hotels that helped spread his renown. Key projects included the conversion of the Thunderbird Dude Ranch into the Thunderbird Country Club (1950), the Eldorado Country Club (1959), the Palm Springs Spa (1959), and the Palm Springs Spa Hotel (1963). This new and definitive volume on Cody's work was penned by L.A. curator, writer, and educator Jo Lauria; architectural historian/Cal Poly professor Dr. Don Choi; and the architect's daughter, Catherine Cody Nemirovsky, in from England. Cody Nemirovsky is the steward of her father's papers and co-curator of the exhibition "Fast Forward," organized on the centennial of his birth. Joining the trio is David Bucek, FAIA, Stern and Bucek Architects, and chair of the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission, who lends insights into the legacy of Cody in Texas. Houston Mod's VP, architect David Lidsky emcees, while architect Kathy Heard leads the Q&A with Cody Nemirovsky. Supporter Cynthia Toles steps up as a lead sponsor. Just in: Katie Nartonis, curator, filmmaker, and 20th-century art-and-design specialist substitutes on the podium on behalf of Lauria. Midcentury Modern Architecture of William F. Cody, presented by Houston Mod, reception, talk, book signing at MATCH, Wednesday, November 9; 6 pm cocktails, 7 pm lecture; Houston Mod members $10, nonmembers $15; tickets matchouston.org. Catherine D. Anspon Rediscovering Architect William F. Cody SHAMEL RESIDENCE AND ELDORADO COUNTRY CLUB BOTH JULIUS SHULMAN PHOTOGRAPHY ARCHIVE; © J. PAUL GETTY TRUST, GETTY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, LOS ANGELES. Jennings B. and Anna Shamel Residence, Indian Wells, California, 1963 Eldorado Country Club, Indian Wells, California, 1959 © MONACELLI, A PHAIDON COMPANY JAMES BUTCHART Desert Bel Air Estates, Indian Wells, California, 1961-1964