2360 Sheffield Drive

Modernism for the Post-War Family

The inspiration for the design of the modernist house at 2360 Sheffield Drive was an article published in Parents Magazine. Robert and Maxene Godfrey had three small children in 1948, and wanted their next home to be able to handle the “punishment” that a young family was likely to dole out. When the family saw architectural plans for “expendable houses” featured in the magazine that met their aspirations, they obtained the plans and then hired a builder (Garrett Griffioen). The lot was part of Waite’s Addition. Built on the northwest corner of Winchell Avenue and Sheffield Drive, the home reflects many of the design elements that were associated with the International Style, which had become popular prior to WWII, and later continued into the 1950s. The horizontal orientation and two flat roofs signal their connection to modernist design principles, which generally reject verticality and excessive ornamentation. But, despite its boxy simplicity, the home is adorned with the texture of Indiana Limestone and a stylish red wood. The Godfrey’s replaced the concept of the ‘living room’ with that of a ‘family room’ when they spoke with the Kalamazoo Gazette shortly after the home was built. Other modernist features include large bedroom windows, built-in furniture, and the flexibility to add a third room onto the second floor, over the garage.