MMID-CENTURY MODERN MARVEL

Amongst Fresno’s many examples of Mid-Century Modern architecture, The Micka Residence stands out as one of the most exceptionally preserved private homes. The house, located in the Fig Garden Estates neighborhood off Fruit and Shaw Avenues, was designed in 1962 by Robin Gay McCline of Oakes and McCline for William “Bill” and Margaret “Peggy” Micka, who commissioned the architectural firm to design a modern home for them. The resulting structure is contained within a symmetrical footprint that creates a mirrored façade.

“The couple raised three children in the home and lived there until Bill’s passing in 2016,” recalls the current homeowner Mike Counts. “After the passing of Mr. Micka, the home was purchased by Eldon Daetweiler of Fresno Modern Real Estate. Eldon made many period-correct repairs and lived in the home until 2019, when he moved to Los Angeles,” which is when the Counts family bought the house, Mike and his wife Jess moving in with their son Lucas and Boston terrier Lucy.

To fully appreciate the context of The Micka Residence, one must know a bit about Mr. Micka. Mike explains, “Bill spent his career in Fresno City Schools as an art teacher at Roosevelt High School, where he was the sponsor of the class of 1954. He was also a principal at Irwin and Wawona Junior High Schools and a president of the Association of California School Administrators. Bill’s passion was art. He was an accomplished abstract oil painter, sculptor, and poet.” The home is still has some the original works by Micka, including a pair of Tiki-style hand-carved wood panels on the front doors.

Much remains of the original design despite the house having provided shelter to three families. “My family and I moved into the home in mid-2019 and we are proud to say that not much has changed since it was built in 1962! We feel this home is one of, if not the finest example of true unaltered Mid-Century Modern architecture in Fresno,” professes Mike with justifiable pride. The courtyard entry, expansive glass walls, numerous skylights, 9’ beamed ceilings, terrazzo floors, and original showers and countertops are just a few of the quintessential Mid-Century Modern features still standing.

The Mickas’ original taupe, white, and orange paint color scheme is still seen throughout the house. The carrot hue within was carried over to the double front doors by the Counts. Navy and teal blues indoors and out complement the vibrant shade splendidly. Whitewashed timber beams are just as timeless in the home now as they were when installed during construction. White walls and French grey paint around the home allow the family’s incredible collection of retro-inspired artwork, decorative objects, books, and vintage Mid-Century Modern furniture and fixtures to shine.

“Essential to the genre’s indoor/outdoor design, the home provides spectacular views of the courtyard, decks, pool, and landscapes,” says Mike. In the backyard, the slotted roof overhang was designed in a particular area to frame an olive tree that once stood from the Mickas’ landscape plan. Though the tree had to be removed due to rot and termites, its absence now lets tremendous natural light into the living room area. In its place stand two spotlighted geometric aluminum screens custom-made by Mike—the screens are also replicated out front. Raised wood decking flanks the southern side of the home at opposite ends, creating a natural border around the screens in the center.

Backyard renovations took approximately eight months. After stripping back the greenery, the pool was refinished first, followed by a new, smooth concrete decking, and, finally, a redesigned garden that includes a small lawn. The paisley-shaped pool was entirely redone while retaining its unique shape, and now dons a cantilever edge and aquamarine waterline tile. PebbleTec gives the surface an earthy, subtly textured, natural finish.

The original backyard garden, which featured numerous shrubberies and trees, was replaced by minimal yet sensible plants that now adorn the landscape design from front to back. Conscious use of ornamental rocks of varying sizes, shapes, and colors highlights a garden of drought-resistant palms, privet hedges, succulents, and cacti. A 60-year-old palm towers majestically at the western end of the backyard, visible even from the street front.

“Besides the excellent architecture, the home boasts several original works of art from the era by locally renowned ceramic artist Stan Bitters,” which Mike avidly collects and displays both in and outside the residence. The piece mounted in the entry courtyard was made in 1964 and shares space with a standing sculpture from the same year. Birdhouses and planters hang about the spaces, each unique in itself. Mike has even arranged and assembled a collection of tiles by the artist into a custom frame that now hangs just outside the kitchen door to the backyard.

Another major, yet thoughtful modernization at The Micka Residence is the addition of solar panels on the original roof. Since the home required a flat-roof installation and the family didn’t want the panels to be seen on the property or for the roof to be penetrated due to the installation, a ballast system was implemented. Racks for the solar panels are held in place under their own weight and with the help of ballast blocks. This system also minimizes the chance of roof leakage.

For a home of this architectural caliber to still be in such pristine condition after over six decades and three homeowners is amazing. “This piece of architectural art is truly a treasure and should be celebrated as the first contemporary Mid-Century Modern residential example on the Local Register of Historic Places!” argues Mike. His fervent wish came true when in January 2022, the “William Micka Residence” was named a Fresno County Historical Landmark.

The Micka Residence is indeed a magnificent illustration of period-correct Mid-Century Modern architecture and design. Yet what’s truly incredible about the abode is how it is maintaining its authenticity while simultaneously being genuinely “Mike and Jess.” The home feels like the couple. The home functions for their family. The Counts’ aesthetic within and around the existing structure beautifully embodies the harmonious marriage of old and new world styles and living. “He brings in the authentic elements, I bring the color and Boho vibe,” Jess confides. While Mike has been a Mid-Century enthusiast even before the couple met and married, Jess’s eye for design gives new life to her husband’s ever-evolving collection of vintage furniture—she loves styling the interior with the new (old) pieces he acquires. And in this way, the space is constantly developing. But one thing remains constant: family is at the heart of the Counts’ home—it remains a functional, pulsating home, and not just a lifeless museum piece.

Features Contributor Danielle Fischer, Owner & CEO of Magnolia’s Yarden and Owner of Flower Market Photographers DC Photography Studios, Magnolia’s Yarden and Outsiders Studio