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For homebuyers seeking a truly unique property in Phoenix, Arizona, a recently listed curvilinear home in the historic Cherry Lynn neighborhood represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of architectural art. Priced at $550,000, this 2,088-square-foot residence, designed by noted architect Michael Munninger, stands out for its postmodern and Mid-Century Modern influences, recent high-end renovations, and larger-than-average footprint for the area. Based on our experience assessment, this property's unique design and architectural pedigree offer significant value in a market where distinctive homes are scarce.
What Defines the Architectural Style of This Phoenix Home? The home's precise architectural style is a blend of influences that creates what the listing agent describes as "ultracontemporary." Key features include curved ceilings with a postmodern feel and clean lines complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows that are reminiscent of Mid-Century Modern design. Built in 1979, the home's exterior is faced with acid-dipped granite bricks, a process where bricks are dyed for varying durations to create a unique patina turquoise hue. Decorative steel bars curve over windows, and the roof is constructed from quarter-barrel copper. This combination of materials and forms makes the property architecturally significant and unlike any other in Cherry Lynn, where bungalows and Tudor revivals are more common.
How Have Recent Renovations Enhanced the Property's Value? The current owners invested approximately $200,000 in remodels and additions, consulting with the original architect, Michael Munninger, in 2009 to ensure a seamless integration of new and old. Major updates include a kitchen remodel with stainless-steel appliances, a glass backsplash, steel countertops, and espresso-finish cabinetry. The en suite bathrooms have been renovated, with the master bathroom featuring a floating, Euro-style vanity and a walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead. Additional valuable additions are a detached and expanded garage, a detached office space, and a pool area with water features, an oblong glassed-in fireplace, and ambient lighting from pendants hanging in a mesquite tree. These upgrades modernize the living experience while respecting the home's original architectural intent.
How Does This Home Compare to the Cherry Lynn Real Estate Market? This two-bedroom, three-bathroom home is significantly larger than the neighborhood average of 1,350 square feet, providing more living space. While it is at the higher end of the market for Cherry Lynn, the listing agent suggests that its uniqueness offers considerable value. The property lacks historic status, which can provide more flexibility for future owners. In more expensive Phoenix metro areas like Scottsdale or Paradise Valley, a home of similar architectural distinction could command a price well over $1,000,000. Therefore, this listing can be seen as an accessible entry point into owning a architecturally significant property in a established neighborhood.
What Are the Key Interior and Exterior Features? Inside, the home continues its unique aesthetic with exposed acid-dipped bricks, terrazzo floors, and a wood-burning fireplace with a floating concrete slab hearth. The open layout, enhanced by the floor-to-ceiling windows, creates a bright and spacious atmosphere. The outdoor living space is a major highlight, centered around the custom pool and its accompanying features. The combination of architectural integrity, high-quality materials, and thoughtful updates creates a cohesive and impressive living environment.
For buyers interested in a distinctive home, prioritizing properties with documented architectural pedigree and recent, architect-approved renovations is a sound strategy. The home's larger size and unique amenities, like the detached office and pool, add functional value beyond a standard property. Ultimately, this curvilinear home in Cherry Lynn demonstrates that unique architecture can be a compelling value proposition in Phoenix's diverse real estate market.
