Lortondale

We live in Lortondale. It is a small neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma that was built in 1954 with typical mid-century modern homes. The homes were built in the tract trend of the day and were designed for affordable housing for the booming post-war economy.

While all the rage during its heyday, mid-century modern (MCM) type architecture fell out of favor for post-modernism and other types. As American families prospered and demanded bigger and more elaborate homes, MCM floorplans were replaced with larger and larger homes. With homebuyers seeking the latest and greatest, MCM homes and Lortondale became less attractive and began a slow decline.

aerial view of Lortondale circa mid-fifties

Like many thing (disco music, vinyl records, etc.) what is old comes back in vogue. During the last decade all thing MCM began to attract new fans. With people finally realizing that less is more and downscaling is a good thing, smaller MCM homes became popular again. The resurgence in interest MCM architecture and lifestyle began making homes in Lortondale sought after by a niche group of MCM enthusiast. The homes were cool, modern, right-sized and by comparison affordable. Lortondale homes are being bought by folks, like us, intent on restoring them to the mid-century splendor. 

Several homes have already been restored; some completely and some partially. Most, again like us, are striving to make the homes emanate that MCM flair that make them unique. This blog is dedicated to that effort. We will take you along for the ride as we complete crucial repairs, furnish, decorate and accent our home in a way that would make Ward Cleaver proud.