Celebrate Michigan’s Architectural Heritage with Peter Forguson’s New Book

Michigan, often overlooked in discussions of architectural brilliance, is taking center stage in Peter Forguson’s latest book, *Contemporary Michigan: Iconic Houses at the Epicenter of Modernism*.

This follow-up to his 2022 bestseller, *Detroit Modern: 1935-1985*, offers a comprehensive exploration of Michigan’s modernist residential architecture from 1910 to the present day.

Forguson, a landscape designer based in metropolitan Detroit, has dedicated his career to documenting the state’s modern architectural treasures. His fascination with these homes led to *Detroit Modern*, which sold out within nine months.

Encouraged by its success, Forguson expanded his focus to include residences across the lower peninsula.

The journey to compile *Contemporary Michigan* was extensive. Forguson scoured archives, consulted scholars, and even explored Michigan’s coastlines and university towns in search of architectural marvels.

Michigan’s Architectural Heritage

In *Contemporary Michigan*, Forguson highlights over 100 homes, including the Alden B. Dow Home & Studio in Midland, Frank Lloyd Wright’s visionary Broadacre Community homes, and a lakeside vacation retreat commissioned by the Briggs family.

Each home is paired with vintage automobiles, allowing readers to trace the evolution of auto design alongside modernist architecture.

Forguson’s attention to detail is supported by photographer Jason Grube and graphic designer Marla Meltzer, who helped bring the book to life despite challenges such as coordinating shoots across hundreds of miles.

Modern Masters in Michigan

Forguson is adamant that Michigan is an architectural powerhouse. *What outsiders have yet to discover is that Michigan’s contributions to the modern aesthetic are unparalleled*, he said.

*Institutions like Cranbrook, the University of Michigan and Lawrence Tech have fostered world-renowned architects and designers, from Eliel and Eero Saarinen to Charles and Ray Eames*.

Forguson emphasizes that Michigan’s heritage extends beyond architecture, encompassing industrial design, decorative arts, and even boat building.

*In this book, you will see houses situated in a host of different settings, such as: located in a long-standing densely populated neighborhood of revival-style houses, growing from a hillside overlooking a stream in the suburbs, nestled into a postwar subdivision in a university town, or projecting from a bluff suspended high above Lake Michigan*, Forguson said.

*All of these scenarios have come to life thanks to the vision of intrepid clients and architects who collaborated to challenge traditionalists and create unique masterpieces of modern domestic design.*

Celebrating Michigan’s Architectural Diversity

The book is dedicated to Don Paul Young, a Frank Lloyd Wright disciple and prolific Michigan architect who died in 2024 at 97.

Forguson describes Young as a *treasure* whose work brought the Prairie Style full circle in Michigan.

*Throughout his seven-decade career, Don created modernist spaces that stood the test of time while honoring his deep roots in the organic nature of the Prairie School*, Forguson said.

Both of Forguson’s books are available at peterforguson.com. For those who have long admired Michigan’s unique contributions to modernism — or are just discovering its architectural riches — *Contemporary Michigan* promises to be a visual and historical feast.

*I hope readers will gain an appreciation for how lives are enriched through architecture by taking full advantage of the seamlessly unlimited natural splendor of the state of Michigan*, Forguson said.

Key Highlights from *Contemporary Michigan*

Forguson’s book offers a detailed look at Michigan’s architectural landscape. Here are some key highlights:

• Alden B. Dow Home & Studio: Located in Midland, this home is a testament to Dow’s innovative design and integration with nature.
• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Broadacre Community: A visionary project that showcases Wright’s forward-thinking approach to community planning and residential design.
• Briggs Family Lakeside Retreat: This vacation home exemplifies the seamless blend of modernist architecture with Michigan’s natural beauty.

Challenges in Documenting Michigan’s Modernism

Compiling *Contemporary Michigan* was no small feat. Forguson scoured archives, consulted scholars, and explored Michigan’s coastlines and university towns in search of architectural marvels. Coordinating photo shoots across hundreds of miles presented its own set of challenges.

However, with the support of photographer Jason Grube and graphic designer Marla Meltzer, Forguson was able to bring his vision to life. The result is a book that not only showcases the architectural brilliance of Michigan but also highlights the evolution of auto design alongside modernist architecture.

Michigan’s Architectural Institutions

Michigan’s contributions to modern architecture are unparalleled, thanks to institutions like Cranbrook, the University of Michigan, and Lawrence Tech.

These institutions have fostered world-renowned architects and designers, from Eliel and Eero Saarinen to Charles and Ray Eames.

Forguson emphasizes that Michigan’s heritage extends beyond architecture, encompassing industrial design, decorative arts, and even boat building.

This rich heritage is evident in the diverse settings of the homes featured in *Contemporary Michigan*, from densely populated neighborhoods to postwar subdivisions and lakeside retreats.

The Legacy of Don Paul Young

The book is dedicated to Don Paul Young, a Frank Lloyd Wright disciple and prolific Michigan architect who passed away in 2024 at the age of 97.

Young’s work brought the Prairie Style full circle in Michigan, creating modernist spaces that honored the organic nature of the Prairie School. Forguson describes Young as a *treasure* whose contributions to Michigan’s architectural landscape are invaluable. Young’s legacy lives on through the homes he designed, which continue to stand the test of time.

Conclusion

Peter Forguson’s *Contemporary Michigan: Iconic Houses at the Epicenter of Modernism* is a must-read for anyone interested in the architectural heritage of Michigan.

The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the state’s modernist residential architecture, highlighting the contributions of renowned architects and designers.

With its detailed descriptions, stunning photography, and historical context, *Contemporary Michigan* is a visual and historical feast that celebrates the architectural brilliance of Michigan.

For more information, visit The Oakland Press.