Triangle Modernist Houses

Compiled by George Smart, Jr.                                                          

SAUL EDELBAUM (1908-2003)

Edelbaum was a 1933 graduate of Yale University School of Architecture and worked in an international and Wrightian style.  He formed Edelbaum/Webster Architects in 1947.  In 1980 it merged with Weiss and Whelan to form Weiss Whelan Edelbaum and Webster.  In the mid-1990's, the firm broke up and Edelbaum practiced briefly with partner Giorgio Cavaglieri until 2001.  

1950 - The Eli and Sara Evans House, 1401 Forestview Street, the first modernist house in Durham.  Merchant Eli Evans, owner of Evans United Department Stores, was mayor of Durham for 12 years (1951-1963), and played an important improving race relations in the city. He helped Durham eventually desegregate its public accommodations, city agencies and schools. He also gave his time and energy to Jewish affairs, serving at least a decade in each of the following roles: president of the Beth El congregation in Durham, chairman of the statewide Bonds for Israel campaign and president of the statewide United Jewish Appeal.  Photo by George Smart.

The rambling modern split-level house, with Roman brick walls, originally occupied the entire block between Wells and Bivins streets.  On the rear, the house wraps around two sides of an original swimming pool, with an adjacent round, flat-roofed pool house and large terrace. The Evanses entertained here frequently in the pool and courtyard space.  Their house was often called the “Jewish Country Club” as the Jewish Evanses were not allowed in other Country Clubs at the time.  The house is now owned by William and Garrie Kingsbury. 

Photo:  The Evans Family in 1957:  Sara, sons Eli and Bob, and father Eli.