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.

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.