This thoughtful mid-century renovation of a 1954 Kansas City home brings its award-winning design into the present day, blending history with modern living. Originally designed by Linscott, Kiene, and Haylett, the home was celebrated for its innovative T-shaped split-level plan, offering a spacious, two-story bedroom wing—a rare and forward-thinking layout for its time.
The architectural firm behind the design is known for shaping Kansas City’s civic, religious, and educational buildings throughout the mid-20th century. This particular home was a local icon, voted the most popular house in the 1954 Parade of Homes by the Kansas City Star, and later honored by House and Home magazine in 1956 for its contribution to housing progress.
Nearly 70 years later, Forward Design | Architecture, led by Principal Architect Chris Fein, undertook the renovation. The goal: respect the home’s Mid-century roots while making it functional for contemporary life.
When asked what makes Mid-century American design so enduring, Fein points to its “informality, interconnected yet defined spaces, and the deep connection to the outdoors”- qualities that many modern homes still struggle to capture today.
One of the main challenges was crafting a flexible, open space that could handle various aspects of daily living while retaining a feeling of distinct zones. Fein and his team used the existing brick double-sided fireplace as a visual anchor, while overhead planes, cabinetry, and a kitchen island helped define individual “rooms” without disrupting the flow of the space or limiting the abundant natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows.
According to Fein, the most important factor for anyone considering a mid-century home is “the quality of the design.” And this home proves that point: nearly seven decades after its construction, it continues to serve as a model for enduring, thoughtful architecture.
This Kansas City mid-century renovation doesn’t just preserve a piece of history – it shows how timeless design can evolve without compromise.
Photos by Bob Greenspan
