In a significant development for preservation of mid-20th century Modernist architecture, the Booth House in Bedford, New York—a 1946 residential design by Philip Johnson—has been acquired by a new team intent on restoring the structure after more than a decade of neglect. The property, a weekend retreat originally built for Richard and Olga Booth, represents Johnson’s first residential commission and predates his more renowned Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut.

Constructed primarily of concrete block—an unconventional choice Johnson himself described as “the world’s most unsympathetic material”—the Booth House features key design elements that would later characterize Johnson’s signature style, including a simple rectangular shape, a brick fireplace anchoring an open floor plan, and thoughtful integration with the surrounding landscape. Despite its architectural significance, the house fell into disrepair following its sale in 1955 to architectural photographer Robert Damora and architect Sirkka Damora. After Robert Damora’s passing in 2009, the Damora family sought buyers for several years, but the challenging condition of the home deterred potential purchasers.

The property changed hands most recently in April, when Drew Lang, founder of Lang Architecture, and builder Ravi Arps, founder of the design-build firm Plane, purchased the Booth House and two adjacent lots through their newly formed firm R & D for $900,000. The duo plans a comprehensive restoration estimated at $2.5 million, with completion targeted for summer 2027. Their approach emphasizes a “curatorial restoration” focused on fidelity to Johnson’s original design, including reconstructing the home’s footprint and facade to mirror the initial construction. The renovation will also incorporate new elements, such as an underground addition doubling the home’s size from roughly 1,632 to 3,200 square feet, along with a courtyard, carport, and enclosed outdoor storage.

Lang and Arps have utilized archival materials from the Avery Library at Columbia University to guide their work, though some original architectural plans are incomplete. They intend to seek listing of the Booth House on the National Register of Historic Places to afford it some degree of protection, though experts note that safeguarding private residences remains challenging without legal easements or local preservation agreements.

Kirsten Reoch, executive director of the nearby Glass House museum, welcomed the restoration effort, underscoring the rarity of such undertakings given the poor condition of many Modernist homes. She emphasized that responsible stewardship is crucial for the long-term survival of these properties, noting that owners who acquire well-preserved Modernist houses often maintain them diligently. Preservation advocates highlight the broader context of dwindling Modernist architectural heritage—New Canaan itself has seen a reduction from 120 to 87 notable Modernist houses over recent decades.

Real estate agent Melissa Marcogliese of Compass, who handled the home’s marketing, described the Booth House as a unique offering. She suggested the restored property could command a sale price exceeding $3 million, reflecting both its architectural pedigree and scarcity. However, Arps stressed that financial gain is a secondary motive for R & D, characterizing the project as rooted in careful scholarship and patience rather than quick profit.

The restoration of the Booth House joins ongoing efforts nationwide by specialists to preserve architectural landmarks through sensitive renovation. Industry professionals caution against imposing contemporary design sensibilities onto these historically significant homes, advocating for minimal intervention that respects the original architect’s vision. As the Booth House moves through its transformation, its new stewards hope to secure a future owner equally committed to maintaining its architectural legacy.