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In the heart of Midland, Michigan, stands the Bergstein House, a striking embodiment of Bauhaus architecture designed by Robert Schwartz. Boasting clean lines and geometric precision, this home serves not just as a residence, but as a representation of modernist aesthetics. Robert E. Schwartz, a native of Midland, attended Midland High School and early on expressed an interest in design, specifically aeronautical engineering. He ultimately made the decision to study architecture and in 1950 at the age of 22 enrolled in the University of Michigan’s College of Architecture and Design. Most programs across the country had by this time moved away from the Beaux Arts system and adopted the Bauhaus approach to architectural education.
Robert Schwartz at the Bergstein House in the 1950s. Photos courtesy of the Bentley Historical Library.
The Bauhaus movement, founded in 1919 by Walter Gropius in Germany, is all about simplicity and functionality in design. Bauhaus design principles were brought from Germany to American soil, especially after World War II. Bauhaus buildings typically feature clean lines, geometric shapes, and industrial materials like glass and steel, which can create a striking contrast against natural landscapes. This deliberate distinction from nature is a hallmark of Bauhaus design, emphasizing functionality and modern aesthetics over blending in. While organic architecture, like that of Frank Lloyd Wright, seeks harmony with the environment, Bauhaus architecture proudly showcases its modernist principles, making a bold statement wherever it stands.
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After graduation, Schwartz returned to Midland and apprenticed in the offices of Bob Goodall and Glenn “Red” Beach for a few years before establishing his own practice. Both Beach and Goodall had previously worked for Alden B. Dow before leaving in the early 1950s to establish their own practices. By 1958, Schwartz had received his architectural license and took on several commissions on his own including the design of a residence for the Bergstein family. This house is more than a product of architectural collaboration; it stands as a testament to the lifelong friendship between Bergstein and Schwartz, who grew up just a few houses apart and remained close friends throughout their lives. The general contractor, Edw. Freidinger, began construction on January 2, 1959 for an estimated cost of $59,432.
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The exterior of the Bergstein House masterfully combines plaster, concrete, steel, and brick, showcasing the long horizontal lines characteristic of the Bauhaus movement. A circular driveway leads to a defined entrance with minimalist rails and steps, exuding understated elegance. Two balconies at either end of the home, with giant sliding windows, create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
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The light-filled entryway features a desk space where Mr. Bergstein would finish work in the evenings while watching his family in the Garden Room. This room, affectionately known as the “garden room” due to the prize rose garden that once flourished outside, is filled with cherished memories. Bergstein’s son fondly remembers his favorite spot in the house: “I know it’s a small detail, but under the desk in the front hallway is a storage cupboard, and that was my best place for ‘hide & go seek’!”
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The design’s functionality is evident in the smooth flow from one room to the next. Bergstein’s son once asked his mother how his parents managed to design and build a home with three young children and another on the way. She explained that they gave Schwartz free rein, with only a preference for built-ins in the bedrooms, leading to the inclusion of built-in desks, drawers, and storage around the headboards. Schwartz made all other decisions, resulting in a home that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
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The house has four bedrooms, two full baths, one lavatory, an incredible lower level and wonderful living spaces. Its restoration through the years maintained its original charm and functionality, making it a true architectural gem.
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The Bergstein House stands as a beautifully preserved example of Bauhaus architecture, showcasing Robert Schwartz's design prowess and his dedication to modernist principles. This home not only represents a significant architectural achievement but also embodies the personal history and lifelong friendship between Bergstein and Schwartz.
1200 N. Parkway, Midland MI 48640
$490,000
Listed by Travis Fader, Mid Mod Michigan by Modern Realty
FUN FACT (for those who read this far)
Photo courtesy of the Bentley Historical Library.
By the early 1960s, Schwartz partnered with Charles Blacklock to form the firm Blacklock & Schwartz Architects. The new firm received two significant commissions for buildings that would become longstanding landmarks in Midland. The first was for the United Church of Christ in 1961. The second project was a commission to design the Circle Community Drug Store which was owned by the Bergstein family. Blacklock & Schwartz would go on to design a series of commercial, institutional and government buildings over the next decade before eventually dissolving their partnership in 1974. In addition to a number of commercial, governmental and institutional projects, Robert Schwartz is credited with designing between 20 and 30 single family residences in Midland during his career as well as several others in association with Glen Beach during the 1950s and Charles Blacklock during the 1960s and 1970s.
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