cf3 coffee chat: a becker modern in clifton (3 Oct 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In 1938 UC philosophy professor Van Meter Ames and his wife Betty had a vision: an International Style home for their family. They hired the firm Garriot and Becker to realize their dream. John Becker studied under Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius at Harvard and Becker is largely credited with bringing International Style to this region. (The Rauh house in Woodlawn is perhaps his most famous house.) Building began in 1938 and was completed 1940 — the house is nestled in a beautiful wooded setting with privacy from the street.

Natural light and nature views abound thanks to the many frameless windows — including a v-shaped one inspired by the window on the front of a street car. Plaster walls with gentle curves, a signature glass block window, multiple decks and built-ins show off the clean and cool International vernacular. In 1940, one of their first visitors to the house exclaimed, “It’s positively futurist!” This is a special opportunity to see a Becker house. The current owners have lovingly researched, restored — and where needed — renovated this special spot. Join us Saturday, October 3 for this coffee chat! Registration is required and open to cf3 members. Address and parking instructions will be sent upon confirmation of registration.

Please note: parking is on the street only; no driveway parking and requires walking to the site. Access to the house involves walking down a path with multiple steps. Open to cf3 members.

As always, if you’re unable to attend, please cancel your reservation as we often have a waiting list.

Brutalism, Recreation, and Resilience on Cincinnati's Riverfront (24 Oct 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Docomomo Tour Day 2026
Brutalism, Recreation, and Resilience on Cincinnati's Riverfront

Join us on October 24th for Docomomo Tour Day! This year’s theme is “Recreation and Play” -- focusing on modern architecture, landscapes, and public spaces designed for activity, leisure, and community gatherings. We’ve partnered with Cincinnati Parks for a walking tour of Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove, two landmark public spaces that transformed Cincinnati's relationship with the Ohio River. Through architecture, landscape design, public art, and recreational amenities, we'll explore how late twentieth-century planning reshaped the riverfront into a vibrant destination for recreation, community gathering, and civic life. Discover the durability and expressive character of Modernist and Brutalist designs in these spaces; and how they’ve evolved responding to community needs ensuring they remain relevant, functional, and welcoming for generations. We'll also discuss the challenges of designing within a flood-prone environment and the continuing development of this important urban landscape.

Guiding the tour are Chris Magee, Senior Architect and Andrew Campbell, Designer and Preservationist -- both with the Cincinnati Parks Division of Planning and Design. Together, they bring passion and expertise in architecture, preservation, and public space design. They're offering a behind-the-scenes look at how bold planning, civic vision, and riverfront resilience transformed Cincinnati’s waterfront into a recreational destination.

Please plan to park in the International Friendship Park parking lot. Meet near the riverfront walkway by the Montgomery Inn Boathouse. The tour will cover approximately 2 miles of walking, so please dress accordingly. Event will run rain or shine. Free and open to the public.

When: Saturday, October 24th 10:00-12:00

Don’t know Docomomo? Find out more here: https://www.docomomo-us.org

cf3 upcoming events

cf3 coffee chat: a becker modern in clifton (3 Oct 2026)

Brutalism, Recreation, and Resilience on Cincinnati's Riverfront (24 Oct 2026)