gvlMOD Homes Tour puts mid-century modern in the spotlight

It’s a Mad Men world, a vibe, a sleek blend of style and nature – mid-century modern is an enduring style that is gloriously captured in homes, furniture, textiles and more. And at the gvlMOD Tour, fans of the era can immerse themselves in this classic design -- at homes built both then and now. 

The 2024 tour is Sunday, April 28, and participants are invited to spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon getting more than just a peek inside beautiful homes.  

“What we’ve tried to do is engage with the local design community more and more to get them into the conversation,” says Evan Mann, architect and board president for gvlMOD. “That taps into local interior designers, architects, artists, because it's not just about the houses. Last year, we partnered with Oyé Studios. They created a scavenger hunt for their art through the homes.” 

Mann says that the home tour guide, which lists the addresses and provides some information about each home, also included a QR code to look up fact sheets for each home and scavenger-hunt information. As visitors walked through a home, they could also look for art from Oyé Studios, he says. 

This year, the tour starts at the offices of Wilson Associates Real Estate, the collection sponsor, where participants can pick up admission wristbands.  

“They'll have a variety of routes to see these homes – drive yourself over there, park in the neighborhood and walk about,” Mann says.  

On the gvlMOD Tour:Breathtaking views at Kent and Peggy Ambler's Paris Mountain home

In some cases, homeowners will be on site to answer questions and welcome guests.  

“If we have the design professional associated with that house, we'd like those people there as well,” Mann says. “Oftentimes, with the mid-century modern homes, that's not possible.” 

But there will be resources and experts on hand, including architects, designers, volunteers and students from the Fine Arts Center’s architecture program. Clemson University students are scheduled to serve as docents this year, too.  

The goals of the tour include creating awareness, providing education, and working toward the preservation of significant structures from the mid-century era. That mission is carried forward through proceeds from the tour. In 2023, gvlMOD donated to the architecture program at the Fine Arts Center to help with field trip costs.  

For tour guests, the passion of organizers, designers and homeowners can be contagious, inspiring the mid-century aesthetic in new places and spaces. It’s a chance to dream of what’s possible.  

From TALK Greenville:Mid-century modern home in Greenville was "love at first sight."

“If someone's coming just to enjoy the homes, then it's very easy to walk, make notes and then contact us about any questions or information they may have,” says Mann.  

You Can Go

gvlMOD is held in conjunction with AIA Greenville and Wilson Associates Real Estate. For ticket information and tour details, visit gvlmod.com. The site also includes details about past tours, including design features and notable details about the homes that have been featured.