One of Mid Century Modern’s overlooked architects is John Edgar Barthel, who did most of his work in Dallas. Sadly, there is not a lot of information about Barthel and his works online, but today, we are shining a spotlight on him.
Early Life
John Barthel was born on December 16th, 1922, in Oak Park, Illinois. Growing up in Oak Park, he was surrounded by many stunning examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture. No doubt, Wright’s Oak Park homes would have been an influence on his creative imagination.
In 1942, he received the Allerton Traveling Fellowship while studying at the University of Illinois. World War II interrupted his studies, during which time he became an engineering officer in the Navy.
After the war ended, he returned to the University of Illinois, graduating with a Bachelor in Architecture. He then studied in Europe after winning the prestigious Paris Prize. After that, it was back to the University of Illinois to earn a second bachelor’s degree, this time in Architectural Engineering. He then studied with Eliel Saarinen (Eero Saarinen’s father) at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, earning a master’s in Architecture and City Planning.
A Career Spanning Illinois and Texas
Initially, Barthel worked in Chicago at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and Belli & Belli. In 1952, he moved to Dallas, where he worked with George Dahl. He then opened a firm of his own. He would work there until he retired in 1991.
Barthel was recognized among other Dallas MCM architects as a noteworthy designer. But today, it is difficult to find a list of all the projects he contributed to both there and in Chicago. Perhaps this is because he largely focused on residential rather than commercial architecture. It could also be because he focused on a narrow geographic locale. As a result, interest in his works was likely niche even at the time, and his career simply was not very well documented.
Famous Works
Pictured above is John Barthel’s most well-known work, his Origami House. This was the home he built for himself in Dallas. The house takes its name from the unique “folded” look of the roofline planes. The brick façade features varied colors for a textured look, while the dark green roof helps the house to blend in with its lightly wooded lot. An open floor plan with large windows brings natural light and views into the interior.
The home was listed for sale in March 2024 for a mere $1.015 million. Considering average home values these days, that’s a fairly modest price for such an iconic MCM dwelling.
Dallas residents will recognize the eye-catching 90-foot bell tower of the St. Pius X Catholic Church. This church building is the second most famous work by John Barthel. He served as lead designer, with collaboration from members of George Dahl’s firm. The church was designed as a modernist nod to the Spanish colonial mission style.
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like A 1957 Mid Century Marvel in Dallas, Texas and Eero Saarinen: A Truly Modern Man of the Era.
And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!
