Caudle Overlook - Arkansas River overlook above the Russellville Lock and Dam

Here is a great hidden gem in Russellville, AR. This is the Caudle Overlook that sits above the Russellville Lock and Dam on the Arkansas River. It gives a nice shady spot for picnics and also provides much appreciated restrooms. It is located near the Caudle Overlook and Shepherd's Fields Bike Trail. The wooded area creates the perfect setting for this Modern gem. The gentle curve of the floating plane echos the work of Eero Saarinen  while the decorative textile blocks remind you of the work of E.D. Stone. The over-sized masonry wall at the rear of the restrooms helps to provide a sense of privacy the obviously private spaces behind it, while reinforcing the Modernist design aesthetics  The railing is an obvious recent addition but it does not distract too much from the lovely Modernism it is attached to. The building was constructed in the late 1960's but was not dedicated until 1971. It was dedicated to Mr. Reese Caudle due to his efforts and influence in the construction of the Arkansas River Lock and Dam system.

Daylight Donuts in North Little Rock, AR.

The Daylight Donuts located in the Lakehill Shopping Center in North Little Rock, AR is a great example of local, or vernacular, Modern architecture. This building was originally built as a bank in the 1950's but has since stopped handing out cash and started handing out delicious fried goodness. The modern lines of the building are very apparent. The clean, smooth horizontal plane, large expanse of glass, and exposed structural systems all point to its modernity. There are very clear influences of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in the polished granite exterior to the simplicity of form. These elements echos some of the design forms we see in Mie van der Rohe's highly acclaimed and widely admired Barcelona Pavilion in Barcelona, Spain. This is a highly overlooked building, even hundreds of people drive by it everyday. Given the difficulty I have had in finding any information on this building, it is safe to say that this once remarkable example of vernacular Modern architecture has slipped out of the public memory. If anyone has any information on the history of this building, I would appreciate hearing it.

Barcelona Pavilion by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Barcelona, Spain, 1929

New Blog!!!

Thanks for checking out my new blog. This blog will be showcasing various examples of early Modern through high Modern buildings around Arkansas. Thanks again.