Discover the Stunning Midcentury Collector's Paradise in Upstate New York

In the world of collectors, Mark McDonald is often referred to as the godfather of midcentury modern design. He launched his first gallery, Fifty/50, in Manhattan in 1983, which highlighted the vintage works of renowned designers like Marcel Breuer, Alvar Aalto, and the Eameses. After two decades, McDonald moved to Hudson, New York, transforming a former department store into a showcase for modern design.

As the search for midcentury pieces became more challenging, McDonald and his partner Dwayne Resnick commissioned architect Steven Holl to create a new space behind their store. This house serves as an office, library, and a display area for their collection. Although they reside in nearby Hillsdale, this house is where they keep their most treasured pieces.

A Creative Collaboration

During the pandemic, McDonald realized that working from home was unproductive due to distractions. He reached out to Holl, who agreed to collaborate on this project, leading to a unique partnership between two perfectionists. Their shared admiration for the works of Rudolph Schindler and Frank Lloyd Wright influenced the design process.

The L-House, named for its distinctive shape, features a south-facing garden and a reflecting pool, complete with a salvaged lighting fixture from a Wright house. The exterior is clad in powder-coated aluminium, designed to be more cost-effective and maintenance-free than traditional materials. The interior is a blend of soft-toned birch ply and vibrant furniture, creating a harmonious living space.

Architectural Elegance

Holl's design is inspired by the Luminist paintings of the Hudson River School, allowing light to flood the interior while providing cross ventilation. The open-plan layout features a pine staircase leading to a mezzanine bedroom, with a catwalk that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The house includes playful geometric elements, like a powder room that projects from the inner angle of the ‘L’, serving as a divider between public and private spaces. This thoughtful design emphasizes the creativity and complexity that Holl is known for.

Holl's smaller projects, like the L-House, showcase his ability to innovate within constraints, making it a perfect example of modern architecture that respects its surroundings while embracing functionality.

For more insights, check out the April 2025 issue of Wallpaper*.