Best Mid-Century Modern Real Estate Markets in the Inland Northwest: Top Cities for Modernist Design
- MCG Official ✓ Fact Checked by For The Writers
- Feb 11
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 2
The Inland Northwest holds one of the country’s most overlooked troves of mid-century modern architecture, a legacy that’s rapidly gaining renewed attention. From Spokane and Coeur d’Alene to Missoula and beyond, this region became an unlikely yet fertile ground for the modernist movement, with homes and civic buildings that still reflect its defining principles: simplicity, functionality, and harmony with the natural world.
Emerging after World War II, mid-century modernism was rooted in a democratic ideal, characterized by design that was accessible, efficient, and forward-looking. Architects embraced new materials, open floor plans, and passive solar techniques to build homes that supported postwar family life while remaining deeply connected to the landscape. In the Inland Northwest, these ideals found powerful expression. Federal housing incentives, returning veterans, and suburban expansion created the perfect conditions for architectural innovation.
The result? A built environment that blends modernist restraint with regional character—low-slung ranch homes on wooded lots, clerestory windows framing mountain views, and civic structures that prioritize natural light and structural clarity. In Spokane, the influence of architects like Warren Heylman and Bruce Walker is still seen in schools, libraries, and custom homes. In Coeur d’Alene, lakeside residences built during the 1950s and ’60s embrace glass, steel, and the clean horizontality of the International Style.
Today, those homes are in high demand. According to recent market data, mid-century properties in the Inland Northwest have outpaced the broader market in appreciation, with some neighborhoods reporting 20–35% increases in value over the last five years. This momentum is fueled by both architectural scarcity and a generational shift: more buyers are seeking homes with design integrity, enduring materials, and livability over square footage.
Whether lovingly preserved in their original form or updated with sensitivity to their era, mid-century homes across the Inland Northwest continue to captivate buyers and stand as lasting testaments to one of the most influential design movements of the 20th century.
1. Spokane, Washington
A surge in post-war development and modernist influences drove Spokane’s architectural transformation in the mid-20th century. Local and national architects left their mark on Spokane, designing homes, commercial buildings, and public spaces that remain cornerstones of the city’s architectural identity.
Notable Mid-Century Neighborhoods and Buildings in Spokane
Spokane is home to a rich concentration of mid-century modern architecture that reflects both the city's postwar growth and the vision of pioneering local architects. From residential neighborhoods to civic landmarks, these locations offer a compelling snapshot of the Inland Northwest’s modernist legacy:
Manito-Cannon Hill and Rockwood
These adjacent neighborhoods showcase some of Spokane’s most exceptional mid-century residences. Designed in part by renowned architects like Bruce Walker and Warren Heylman, the homes here demonstrate refined modernist detailing, with dramatic rooflines, floor-to-ceiling glass, and careful site integration. The tree-lined streets and rolling terrain provide a striking backdrop to these architectural gems.
South Perry District
Known for its eclectic charm and community-driven spirit, South Perry offers a unique blend of architectural eras. Mid-century homes here are tucked among Craftsman bungalows and early 20th-century cottages, creating a dynamic streetscape that speaks to the neighborhood's layered history and evolving identity.
Cliff-Cannon
An architecturally diverse district that pairs early-century mansions with 1950s and 60s infill, Cliff-Cannon offers some of the best examples of how modernist design coexists with Spokane’s older architectural fabric. Look for post-and-beam construction, clerestory windows, and clean, horizontal lines amid the historic homes.
The Parkade (1967)
Designed by Warren Heylman, The Parkade is a brutalist parking structure that has become one of Spokane’s most recognizable mid-century commercial landmarks. With its dramatic vertical fins and cantilevered platforms, the structure is both functional and sculptural—a bold statement of mid-century civic design in the urban core.
Spokane International Airport Terminal (1965)
A collaboration between Warren Heylman and William Trogdon, the airport terminal is a textbook example of mid-century civic architecture. Sleek, functional, and expansive, it reflects the optimism and forward-thinking ethos of the Jet Age, complete with generous glazing and low-slung horizontal forms that welcome travelers with a distinctly modern flair.
Together, these neighborhoods and buildings capture the spirit of Spokane’s modernist era—one defined by innovation, elegance, and a belief in design as a force for better living.
2. Boise, Idaho
Boise’s mid-century identity was forged during the post-war housing boom, when returning veterans and a growing population fueled rapid suburban development. From the 1940s through the 1970s, entire neighborhoods were designed around modernist ideals: livability, simplicity, and a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors. Today, Boise is not only one of the most significant mid-century modern hubs in the Inland Northwest—it’s a city with a deeply engaged preservation community, a growing network of MCM-focused real estate professionals, and a design-conscious population driving renewed appreciation for these architectural gems.
The city is home to more than 11,000 mid-century homes, and its legacy continues to inspire architects, homeowners, and developers who value timeless design and human-centered spaces. Boise’s MCM homes are characterized by post-and-beam construction, clerestory windows, natural materials like stone and cedar, and passive solar strategies well-suited to Idaho’s high-desert climate.
Notable Mid-Century Neighborhoods and Buildings in Boise
The Bench
One of Boise’s most iconic mid-century districts, The Bench is home to a wide array of 1950s and ’60s ranch homes, many featuring breeze block screens, carports, original wood paneling, and clerestory windows. It remains a favorite for first-time mid-century buyers and preservation-focused remodelers.
The Highlands
Perched above downtown Boise with foothills views, the Highlands features larger mid-century homes on oversized lots, often with walkout basements, sloped rooflines, and expansive glass walls. The neighborhood reflects a slightly later wave of modernist development—marked by greater square footage and architectural refinement.
Explore The Highlands Real Estate in Boise: Mid-Century Modern Homes in the Boise Foothills to learn why this foothills enclave remains a favorite for architecture lovers, design-forward buyers, and preservation-minded sellers alike.
Winstead Park
Known for its grid of modest but well-crafted MCM homes, Winstead Park features some of the best-preserved original ranches in the city. With integrated carports, clean rooflines, and mature landscaping, this neighborhood is a go-to for mid-century enthusiasts looking for authenticity and community.
Hillcrest
Adjacent to the Hillcrest Country Club, this neighborhood includes larger, architect-designed homes from the 1950s and ’60s. Many feature dramatic indoor-outdoor transitions, original stone fireplaces, and thoughtful floor plans oriented toward golf course views.
Discover Hillcrest Real Estate in Boise: Mid-Century Modern Homes on the Boise Bench and explore a neighborhood where post-war design, mature trees, and golf-course views come together in timeless style.
South Boise Village
This lesser-known neighborhood features a concentration of post-war homes from the late 1940s through the mid-60s. Original fixtures, low-slung rooflines, and compact, efficient layouts make it a quiet but authentic pocket of Boise’s MCM story.
3. Missoula, Montana
Missoula’s mid-century modern identity emerged from the city’s post-war expansion, university-driven growth, and the region’s deep connection to the natural landscape. Between the 1940s and 1970s, the city saw a surge in modernist design led by local architects who favored function, clarity, and regional materials. The result is a unique blend of residential and civic architecture that reflects both the ideals of the modernist movement and the independent spirit of Western Montana.
Notable Mid-Century Neighborhoods and Buildings in Missoula
University District
Originally developed to accommodate professors and university staff, this neighborhood contains a rich mix of mid-century homes marked by low profiles, generous windows, and unadorned material palettes. These homes exemplify the era’s emphasis on simplicity and indoor-outdoor living, while remaining closely tied to the academic and cultural energy of the University of Montana.
South Hills
One of Missoula’s most scenic mid-century enclaves, the South Hills features a range of 1950s and 60s ranch and split-level homes perched above the city. Many properties here boast sweeping valley views, clerestory windows, and natural stonework that blends seamlessly into the mountainous terrain.
Missoula County Courthouse Annex (1950s)
Designed as a modernist complement to the original 1908 courthouse, this annex building showcases the restrained geometry and clean lines typical of mid-century civic architecture. Its functional form and durable materials reflect the era’s confidence in public infrastructure.
Mid-Century Commercial Buildings in Downtown Missoula
Scattered throughout downtown are surviving examples of mid-century commercial architecture, including banks, office buildings, and storefronts with minimalist façades, cantilevered canopies, and long bands of glass. Several have been sensitively repurposed, reinforcing Missoula’s commitment to architectural preservation and adaptive reuse.
Missoula’s mid-century legacy remains intact, not just in structures, but in the city’s continued embrace of thoughtful, place-based design. With renewed interest from preservationists and buyers alike, these neighborhoods are becoming sought-after enclaves for those drawn to the enduring beauty of modernism.
4. Yakima, Washington
While widely celebrated for its agricultural roots and central role in Washington’s wine country, Yakima also holds a lesser-known architectural gem: a robust and diverse stock of mid-century modern homes and buildings. Fueled by post–World War II economic expansion and population growth, the 1950s and ’60s saw Yakima embracing the clean lines, open plans, and indoor-outdoor ethos of modernist design—particularly in its residential neighborhoods and civic architecture.
Notable Mid-Century Neighborhoods, and Buildings in Yakima
Barge-Chestnut Neighborhood
This leafy, established neighborhood features a remarkable concentration of well-preserved mid-century homes. Look for hallmark design features like low-pitched roofs, expansive eaves, clerestory windows, and walls of glass that open to lush backyards—offering a seamless connection to nature and privacy without sacrificing style.
Terrace Heights
Located just east of downtown Yakima, Terrace Heights is a mid-century enclave known for its wide lots and an eclectic mix of ranch-style and contemporary modern homes. Many properties here were designed with Yakima’s natural light and arid climate in mind, incorporating breezeways, open courtyards, and generous living spaces that still feel current today.
Mid-Century Commercial Core
Throughout downtown Yakima, a number of banks, offices, and former retail buildings from the 1950s and 60s still stand. These buildings—often featuring curtain walls, stone façades, and cantilevered overhangs—speak to a period of commercial prosperity and architectural ambition. Some have been repurposed, while others retain their original function and detailing.
Yakima Valley Museum (1950s Addition)
The mid-century addition to this cultural institution reflects the civic confidence of the postwar period. Its straightforward geometry, use of concrete and steel, and honest material expression place it firmly within the architectural values of the era.
Yakima’s mid-century modern inventory might be one of the region’s best-kept secrets, making it a compelling destination for buyers and preservationists seeking affordability, authenticity, and architectural integrity in Central Washington.
5. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
While Coeur d’Alene is best known for its natural beauty and lakefront lifestyle, it also hosts a compelling collection of mid-century architecture that reflects the city’s postwar growth and evolving identity. From thoughtfully sited waterfront residences to understated commercial hubs, these areas showcase the modernist imprint on Idaho’s northern gem.
Notable Mid-Century Neighborhoods and Buildings in Coeur d'Alene
Mid-Century Waterfront Homes
Along the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, you’ll find mid-century residences designed to harmonize with the natural landscape. These homes often feature expansive glass walls, flat or gently pitched rooflines, and large overhangs—hallmarks of modernist architecture intended to blur the boundaries between indoors and out. Many were custom-built in the 1950s and 60s to take full advantage of the lake’s breathtaking views.
Downtown Commercial District
Coeur d’Alene’s downtown core includes a number of mid-century commercial buildings, from professional offices to retail storefronts. These structures, often characterized by minimalist facades, horizontal emphasis, and masonry or concrete block construction, have been increasingly preserved or adaptively reused—highlighting the city’s appreciation for architectural continuity.
Northwest Boulevard
This primary corridor is lined with modest, low-profile commercial buildings that reflect the mid-century expansion of Coeur d’Alene. Designed for functionality and ease of access, many retain original features like breezeblock walls, angled canopies, and ribbon windows. These structures help tell the story of the city’s shift toward automobile-oriented development in the postwar era.
Garden District Infill Homes
Though predominantly known for its early 20th-century Craftsman homes, the Garden District also includes several mid-century infill residences built during the 1950s and 60s. These homes are often single-story, ranch-style builds with modest footprints, generous windows, and clean, simple lines—providing a subtle but important contrast to the district’s older architectural stock.
Former DeArmond Mill Site Redevelopment
While the original mid-century industrial structures of the DeArmond Mill are no longer intact, the area’s recent redevelopment includes nods to its modernist past. The transformation of this site into North Idaho College and adjacent public spaces reflects the enduring influence of mid-century planning ideals—especially in terms of accessibility, open space integration, and mixed-use design.
Together, these neighborhoods and buildings illustrate how mid-century modernism helped shape Coeur d’Alene’s visual identity that continues to evolve while honoring the innovations of the past.
Preserving the Mid-Century Legacy of the Inland Northwest
The Inland Northwest is home to one of the most overlooked yet architecturally significant concentrations of mid-century modern design in the United States. From Spokane’s experimental civic structures to Boise’s postwar neighborhoods and Coeur d’Alene’s lakeside glass-walled retreats, this region tells the story of an American design movement that prioritized livability, innovation, and connection to the landscape.
Mid-century modern architecture—defined by its flat planes, clean lines, integration with nature, and honest materials—was more than an aesthetic; it was a cultural shift. It embodied post-World War II optimism, democratic ideals of homeownership, and the belief that good design should be both beautiful and functional. Between the 1940s and 1970s, cities across Eastern Washington, Idaho, and Western Montana saw explosive growth fueled by federal housing programs, economic expansion, and a wave of regional architects eager to bring modernism to the everyday American household.
Today, many of these homes and public buildings are reaching the 50- to 80-year mark, making them eligible for historic designation but also increasingly vulnerable to demolition, inappropriate remodeling, and development pressures. According to recent data, cities like Boise and Spokane have seen mid-century homes appreciate by 20–40% in the past five years, driven by scarcity, cultural cachet, and renewed interest in original, well-designed housing stock. And yet, many remain unprotected by preservation ordinances or overlooked in planning decisions.
Preserving these structures is, about honoring a movement that shaped the very fabric of the Inland Northwest. These homes were designed with purpose: to bring light deep into the interior, to frame natural views, and to reflect a lifestyle of openness, simplicity, and intention. When preserved thoughtfully, they continue to provide sustainable, livable spaces that stand in sharp contrast to the disposable architecture of today.
Grassroots preservation efforts, neighborhood surveys, and citywide awareness campaigns are slowly making a difference, but the work is far from done. From organizations like Mid Century Spokane and the Garden City Placemaking Fund to homeowners committed to sensitive restoration, the region is beginning to recognize the need for long-term stewardship of these architectural assets.
Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a preservation advocate, or simply someone who appreciates thoughtful design, the Inland Northwest offers a living archive of mid-century modernism worth exploring and protecting. Now is the time to ensure these spaces are not just remembered, but preserved, celebrated, and lived in for generations to come.
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