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Flooded Midland is midcentury architecture mecca

Many are worried about the damage to the city's distinctive buildings caused by flooding after dams were breached.
Credit: AP
Charles Mikkelsen, left, his son Stewart Mikkelson and wife, Linda Mikkelsen take a break from cleaning up their 1966 midcentury modern home in Midland, Michigan, on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Charles and Linda Mikkelsen moved to Midland from Dallas last November specifically because of the Central Michigan city's extensive midcentury architecture. Midcentury enthusiasts worry how many of the structures were damaged after torrential rains overwhelmed two dams and submerged much of the city. (AP Photo/Tammy Webber)

MIDLAND COUNTY, Michigan — The central Michigan city of Midland has more than 400 midcentury modern homes and other buildings, making it a mecca for enthusiasts of the architectural style that favors clean lines, repeating patterns and spaces connected to the outdoors. 

Now, though, many are worried about the damage to the city's distinctive buildings caused by flooding after dams were breached.

Craig McDonald is the director of the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, named for the architect who introduced modernism to Midland. 

He says some midcentury homes and other buildings were significantly damaged, but it's too soon to know if any were destroyed. 

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