Small Towns with Stunning Modern Architecture

Modern architecture represents the design approaches used between the 1930s and 1960s and is predominantly known for functionality with style. Modernist architecture boasts an open interior, minimal ornamentation, and non-traditional forms. Even though US small towns have many modernist commercial and residential structures, they often blend older styles.

7 Small Towns with Impressive Modern Architecture

1. Cullman, Alabama

At Cullaman, you won’t see generic, cookie-cutter houses that are hard to tell apart from each other; each building from the warehouse district, historic regions, and downtown comes with its own story and intricate Southern accents, representing 21st-century architecture. From South’s famous salvaged wood wall to minimalistic modern flat roofing, the combination of both made picturesque constructions all over Cullman. The Leeth-Costos-Eidson-Bownes House and the Cullman County Courthouse are two specimens of timeless architectural wonders. Also, the Victorian-inspired houses, ranchers, and flat-roofed hoses from the modern architecture era are on multiple listing sites and neighborhoods.

Cullman’s five small bridges to carry downtown traffic turned it into a unique town where the residents or visitors can enjoy the greenery and historic downtowns. The trees separate 1st Avenue S.E. as the main street of one and 2nd Street S.W – giving the feeling of two separate entities from the past.

2. Guerneville, California

Even though Guerneville has been used as a lodging community since the 1800s, the town possesses beautiful riverside properties, portraying the facets of modernist design. The bungalows and ranches compliment the beauty of redwoods and Russian – creating an exquisite place that pleases the eye of visitors all year round. Every house has eccentric details, whether stenciled art or unique ornamented decor from the 20th century.

Guerneville screams vintage no matter which part of the town you visit. From 1960s-era wineries on beautiful buildings to regular businesses in colorful brick establishments, there is always something architecturally pleasant. The best part is that this jewel of a town is only a 90-minute drive from San Francisco and is quite the opposite of SF’s hustle and bustle.

3. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Lake Geneva’s building design is dominated by the beauty of the lake; every cottage, mansion, estate, and boathouse uses nautical elements to reflect the surroundings on the design principle. For instance, the  Steamship Vacation Boathouse resembles an old steamship nearby – designed by Michael S. Smith. Another piece of compositional brilliance has to be the palatial 15,000-square-foot lakefront mansion with modern lines and traditional details. The abundance of glass and outdoor living encapsulates everything Lake Geneva offers.

Besides the well-known structures, there are a plethora of mansions and estates for visitors and residents. The Wrigley estate, shopping hubs, and multiple properties on listings all hold relics of the bygone 1930-1960 era, known to have reached its peak for modern architecture.

4. Park City, Utah

Park City sets itself apart from other small US towns by its well-preserved buildings; these facades from the mid-twentieth century and before now accommodate an eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. Preserving the buildings and heritage has been a joint attempt of local commercial or residential property owners and business leaders. Hence, no matter where you are on Main Street, there is always something to display Park City’s illustrious past of sleek modernist creations.

Park City holds  Burtch Beall’s ingenious constructions, influenced by late modern architecture. The education buildings and Park City post office hold his signature design elements, such as flat roofs, geometric shapes, and minimalist exteriors.

5. Rutherfordton, North Carolina

Rutherfordton’s glory as a historic town shines through the presence of various construction styles: Victorian, Gothic Revival, Colonial, Classical Revival, Greek Revival, and Modernist Architecture after World War II. The commercial and residential establishments resonate the timeless jewels through public buildings (courthouses, office) along with the stunning antebellum houses from the 1847s. The U.S. Post Office (1931), the Norris Public Library (1933), and (former) Rutherford County Jail serve as the prime examples of contemporary modern architectural pieces.

The schools built during 1930-1950 are still functional and used as schools or other businesses. These buildings’ decor and functionality celebrate the best of past building composition practices.

6. Tarrytown, NY

Being one of the historic Hudson River towns, Tarrytown amazes visitors and residents with its historic sites full of architectural marvels. Considering the aesthetically pleasing structures of Main Street dating back to the 1930s, you might want to start living in Tarrytown with your loved ones, as even a regular coffee run or grocery shopping will feel like a walk down memory lane. As the village’s majority of structures blend various architectural styles (Tudor, Greek, Macedonian, Mid-century modern, etc.), even a regular house has magnificent neighborhood views.

Tarrytown’s historic architecture includes Lyndhurst and Washington Irving’s home, Warner Library with Neo-classical Revival Style, and parks designed in the 1930s with historic relics. If your interest lies on the spookier side, there is Sleepy Hollow cemetery and surrounding locations to appease you.

7. Telluride, Colorado

From wooden mountain cabins to lodges, condos, and brick buildings, Telluride has it all. This gorgeous mountain village has streets adorned with several false-front commercial buildings in front of the postcard-esque Rocky Mountain backdrop. The ornate trimmings, steep gables, and wide welcoming porches are trademarks of the area’s residential properties. Meanwhile, the lodges and rental retreats are the epitome of design blending with the surroundings; the striking colors make the best use of the gorgeous Rocky Mountain range.

Telluride’s free gondola gives the residents and visitors a plus in enjoying the magnificent structure. Aside from ski and biking enthusiasts, you can ride the gondola and enjoy unique mountain views and vibrant houses sticking out of the mountain from 10,500 feet high.

Outro

Small towns have their own charm and heritage, followed by striking visuals to compliment the commercial and residential establishments. Even though modern architectural pieces don’t stand out like a Victorian Mansion or Greek revival establishment, they are all around the US – hidden in plain sight as storefronts or residential properties.