Triangle Modernist Houses

Compiled by George Smart, Jr.                                                          

Born in Raleigh, Thomas Cooper was self-taught in architecture and engineering.  He worked for James Salter from 1914-1917, left to work for the Newport News Shipbuilding Company, then returned to the firm now called Salter and Nelson.  When Salter left, Cooper became a partner.  He designed the State Agriculture Building in Raleigh and many traditional homes in Raleigh's Hayes Barton area.  In 1944, he partnered with Ross Shumaker.  Towards the end of his career,  Cooper partnered with Albert Haskins and Richard Rice to form Cooper Haskins and Rice.  Cooper designed the Beth Meyer Synagogue on St. Mary’s Street in 1951, one of the first local modernist houses of worship.  He was President of the AIANC in 1952.

107 King William Rd, Raleigh. 1.32 acres.  For this his personal home, he was decidedly less traditional and more modernist.

1953 - The Leon Agnew Residence, 400 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh.  Owned by Peter and Charlotte Floyd.