Modern mid century decorative concrete blocks!

I know I'm not the only one who drives past the J.N. Pease Building at 2925 E. Independence Blvd. and marvels over the awesome decorative concrete blocks across the entire facade of the building. Either in landscape design or architecture, these stone screens add interest to any building or make an area of your yard private while still allowing light and welcoming breezes to pass through.

The shadows these walls can produce can be just as exciting as the decorative designs!  I sure would like to get my hands on a pallet or two of these fantastic blocks!  Good new is…..you can still buy them! 

The best source for mid century modern screen block is A-1 Block Corp. Established in 1952, A-1 Block Corp has been making these fantastic screen blocks ever since their doors opened. Without question the best source in the USA for screen blocks.  They are also very easy to deal with.  You can purchase & pick up block at their address in Orlando Florida.  If you are located in a different state: please note that they do not ship block outside Florida but you can arrange pick up through your own freight company.  Here are  just a few examples of the decorative blocks they make.

Decorative patterned concrete walls can be seen all over the US - so keep your eyes open for them!  Here are just a few examples I ran across on my search.  The diversity is just unbelievable!

Decorative cinder blocks, Pecos, TX

Mid century modern apartment complex - Gaston Avenue, Dallas, Texas USA

 Restaurant & aqua bricks - Farmington, New Mexico USA

 

 First Security Bank Building in Beaumont, Texas, 1963, by architect Llewellyn Pitts. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing property in the Beaumont Commercial Historic District, 2008.

OK...you all know that I have to throw in some retro images to finish things off!  Check out these FAB 1950's architectural exteriors!

The Wilson House

Here's something for all  the laminate lovers out there! The interiors of The Wilson House feature extensive use of decorative plastic laminates and stands as one of the best residential examples of the mid century modern style in the state of Texas.

This amazing house is a statement of the many founding principals that remain intact even today - innovation, design excellence and a commitment to the continuous development  of interior surfacing products that, literally, become the fabric of our everyday lives. Wilsonart founder, Ralph Wilson, used this home to test his company's products. Click HERE to watch the video about this fantastic historical home and HERE to see a slide show!

This houses provides a repository for Wilsonart history. In July 1998, The Wilson House was awarded National Landmark status by the Texas Historical Commission and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a significant architectural structure. On the national level, it was recognized for the extraordinary design of the interior which had an impact on the design of subsequent structures; and the employment of cutting edge laminate technology. Tour hours are Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm. Tours are by appt. only and must be scheduled one week in advance. Located at 1714 S. 61st Street. For more information, please contact 254-207-2207 or click HERE to visit them online!