Visual Tour of Austin Modern Living

The other day I posted about modern architecture and modern homes.  If you're interested in learning more, check out this Sunday's article from the Austin American Statesman.  http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/statesmanhomes/03/23/0323modsquad.html

 The Statesman recently interviewed me as one of the sources for this piece, which talks about the modern trend in architecture around Austin, including some of the new Austin condo projects and other developments.

Austin, Texas is currently having a modern home and modern design trend boom.  And, I thought I would post this blog to see if other members in others US cities are seeing the same trend. 

What is "modern"?  Yeah, that's tricky.  Some will say it only MCM or Mid Century Modern, those are the die-hard with Eichler tattoos.  Others will tell you, and this is what's boomin in Austin, is that modern is sense of space and design that clean, sleek and sophisticated.  The use of hardwoods, bamboo, steele, concrete and glass seem to be staples of modern design.

In Austin, modern design demands huge premiums over 1930's bungalos or craftsman homes in the city core.  My question to other bloggers out there is: Why?  Don't get me wrong, I love modern, and I sell modern, see www.AustinModernLving.com , but I'm curious about what's going on in other US cities with modern home sales, prices and trends.

Here are a few links to modern info: www.Dwell.com and www.ModernDwelling.com  

The "City" of Bee Cave, located at the intersection of Highway 71, Bee Cave Road (2244) and Highway 620, boasts an estimated population of only 1,700 people as of 2004 (source www.beecavetexas.com).  But the Greater Bee Cave Area could arguably extend west towards the Hamilton Pool area and West Cypress Hills, east from Bee Cave to MoPac (including the eclectic and funky Cuernavaca Road neighborhood highlighted at www.CuernavacaPrices.com, the luxury homes of Seven Oaks, Rob Roy and Barton Creek, Senna Hills, Lake Point and others), North towards Lakeway on Highway 620, and Southeast along Highway 71 through Spanish Oaks and the  Southwest Parkway area.  Although the area offers something for everyone, the common theme along the Bee Cave Corridor is easy, Hill-country living.  These are neighborhoods characterized by large treed lots, varied and individual architectural styles, xeriscaped lawns and graceful living.  Many homes throughout the Bee Cave area have lake access, waterfront or hill country views and a Texas Hill Country feel to them.  With convenient access to downtown Austin via Bee Cave Road, residents of this area feel they have the best of country living and city lifestyle.  The ever-expanding shopping and dining scene, with the recent addition of the Hill Country Galleria, nearby shopping in Lakeway, Westlake Hills and Barton Creek Mall, make it easy to find whatever you want right in your backyard.  Area schools in Eanes and Lake Travis school districts are another important reason many residents choose to live in the Bee Cave area.

More info on Bee Cave and the area at: www.AustinModernLiving