LIVING SPACES
By Priscilla Willis | Photos by Chadwick Turner
For the Love of Mid-Century Modern
A restored Fayetteville home-turned-Airbnb takes its guests back in time
Today, the Richard and Alma Brothers House on Gray Avenue near the University of Arkansas is a premier example of mid-century modern organic architecture and design. Even more exciting for the legions of mid-century modern lovers is that it can be experienced by those who desire stylish accommodations when they travel to Fayetteville. Whether in town for a wedding, family gathering, Razorback game, U of A event, or to appreciate the beauty and longevity of the mid-century modern aesthetic, The Gray by Fay Jones awaits its guests.
Approaching the home, stepping along the flagstone path, one is struck by its low-slung silhouette, nestled into the sloping hillside and tucked against the forest of trees rising up behind it. A feeling of compression is achieved by the low-hanging eaves upon entrance, followed by awe at the magnificent native stone wall surrounding the stairwell down. However, exploring downstairs will have to wait as the wooded view from beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows pulls visitors into the main living area. The stunning cantilevered fireplace strikes onlookers, beckoning the eye to absorb every meticulous detail of the incredible room. In true Fay Jones style, the home becomes one with nature, effectively bringing the outside world in.
Respectful stewards such as Fayetteville architect David McKee are to thank for preserving The Gray and other iconic examples of mid-century modern design across the country. McKee worked with the renowned architect Jones for 18 years and is the fifth owner of The Gray. Preserving its legacy was a McKee family affair for decades before they purchased the home in 2021.
Constructed in 1956 and formerly known as the Richard and Alma Brothers House, The Gray is an early example of Jones’ architecture and reflects the undeniable influence of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian principles on his work. Jones, an apprentice of the legendary Wright, helped develop what is now called “Ozark Modern” style. The western red cedar siding and Arkansas fieldstone used in the Brothers House showcase his desire to connect with the Ozark vernacular.
Some of the main elements of Usonian design are natural, local materials as well as single-story structures with flat roofs and rows of windows. Interior elements include built-in furnishings, in-floor radiant heating and a sense of flow between rooms.
The seamless corners and alignment of facade elements at the Brothers House display the modernist attention to detail and geometry. At the same time, native stone and wood siding ground the home in local styles. The eaves and horizontal tongue-and-groove siding distinguish the facades. Other Jones hallmark features include the plan-rotated fireplace, low ceilings, an off-centered ridge beam and strict alignment of plan elements.
In 1968-69, the Brothers family added a downstairs mother-in-law unit in the area formerly used for storage. The dramatic Arkansas fieldstone flanking the stairwell is a magnificent sight. Additionally, the U-shaped kitchen was improved by removing a built-in seat, adding an overhanging bar, and bumping out the exterior wall to add cabinets and space for a refrigerator.
Being respectful stewards of this historic property included being caretakers of the Brothers home. McKee’s two sons and daughter lived at the house while they were attending the U of A. They battled water intrusion — addressed with retaining walls and diversions as part of the renovation — and raccoon infiltration, as evidenced by scratch marks preserved on the walls of the primary bedroom.
Restoring the home was a vast undertaking that McKee Properties in tackling in two phases while keeping the design elements as original as possible. The first order of business was building a diversion trench and water management system, replacing the roof, and fortifying and insulating the structure. The home’s forced-air system was updated; new duct work and all new mechanicals were installed.
McKee returned it to the original three-bedroom floor plan and updated the bathrooms, replacing red cedar with glass tile and sheetrock. The cork floors were replaced with Flooret luxury vinyl planks. In the kitchen, the original laminate countertop and the bullet-shaped light favored by Jones remain. McKee’s daughter, Marya, contributed her design sense and sourced much of the period mid-century modern furnishings from Los Angeles.
An abundance of light was added with new light fixtures, downlights, cove lighting and LED strips. The prevailing mustard color that defined the era was toned down with red accents, echoing the red tones of the scored concrete flooring downstairs and decorative dentil work along the fascia.
Phase two of The Gray buildout will add a cantilever deck to the downstairs terrace including a hot tub for guests’ enjoyment. Usonian organic architecture strives to bring the outside in with floor-to-ceiling windows and seamless corners. The home backs to peaceful, private woods, allowing guests to enjoy bird sounds, wildlife sightings, sunrises and sunsets from inside or outside on the secluded patios.
McKee Properties’ meticulous restoration of the Richard and Alma Brothers House, now known as The Gray, was recognized by the city of Fayetteville with the 2024 Historic Restoration Award.
For more details and to reserve a stay at The Gray, go to the Airbnb listing or follow “The Gray by Fay Jones” Facebook page and click on the link.
Home Pros Used:
Bathroom Tile/Plank Floors: Quality Tile and More
Carpentry: Russ Mavis; Johnny Ridgeway; David McKee; Tyler McKee
Electrical: Natural State Electric LLC
Exterior Doors: Jason Palmer
HVAC: Comfort Control Inc
Insulation: Angel’s Insulation LLC
Laminate Countertops: Andy Clifford
Masonry: Payton Easley
Metal Fabrication: Ironman Fabrication
Plumbing: Rhodes Plumbing
Roofing: NWA Roofing
Sheetrock/Painting: Jose Camarillo
