Modern Architecture Survey, Burlington, Vermont

Brian Knight Research

Introduction: "The Burlington Modern Architecture Survey was conducted by Brian Knight Research (BKR). This survey consists of 141 buildings and structures. The survey was conducted during the summer and fall of 2010 to document mid‐ to late twentieth‐century residential, commercial and institutional buildings designed in the modernist idiom. The goal was to establish historic and architectural contexts for the modernist period. This report and survey advocates for the preservation of Vermont’s recent past resources. It also serves as an effective tool for decision‐makers to make consistent, informed evaluations of Burlington’s Modernist buildings and landscapes. This report assists in identifying, interpreting and evaluating Modernist properties. Surveyed properties were evaluated for their potential to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The survey and report provide links between various Burlington property types and major nationwide Modernist themes... The Burlington Modern Architecture Survey was conducted in order gain a better understanding of Burlington modern architectural resources. The report focused on highstyle buildings – resources designed by architects. Project goals included: a. Research and develop digital Vermont Division for Historic Preservation survey forms and photographs for Burlington’s modern architecture resources; b. Provide print versions of survey forms; c. Provide digital versions of photographs; d. Update Historic Context and Statement of Significance Statements e. Apply the National Register criteria to all resources identified in the survey; f. Provide recommendations for properties meeting the eligibility requirements for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places; g. Develop a List of Recommendations for future study. BKR surveyed 141 buildings for this project. This survey consisted of myriad of property types: modernized storefronts; commercial buildings; industrial buildings; religious structures; architect-designed single‐family houses; post‐war residential tract developments; residential apartment complexes; automobile‐oriented properties such as motels and service stations; elementary and secondary schools; and higher education resources such as libraries, dormitories, and academic buildings... This survey examines the extent of Modern and International Style architecture in the City of Burlington. In addition, this report identifies Modern Architectures’ “proponents, its practitioners, its articulation from commercial to institutional and residential, its social reception, its durability, its place in the greater modernist movement, and the likelihood for its longevity, vulnerability, and retention.” This project was limited to buildings that are associated with the “modern” aesthetic, including Streamlined Moderne, International Style, Formalism, Brutalism, Expressionism and Exaggerated Modern. The Craftsman and Prairie style buildings were not included in this survey as they “reflect an evolution of traditional style rather than emergence of a newly articulated architecture with experimentation in new building methods and materials." Funding was provided in part by a 2010 Historic Preservation Fund grant to the City of Burlington (project number VT-10-001) administered by the Vermont State Historic Preservation Office (grant number 50-10-21952) and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Burlington, Vermont is a Certified Local Government.

Modern Architecture Survey, Burlington, Vermont

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