Click above images to enlarge Ball, Howard, House 1411 West St. Andrews, Midland - Midland County Other Names Howard Ball House Property Type cement block house Historic Use DOMESTIC/single dwelling Current Use DOMESTIC/single dwelling Style International Style Architect/Builder Alden B. Dow Narrative Description A split-level, unit block structure, the modestly sized Howard Ball House is dominated by several strongly geometric elements. Midland architect Alden Dow pieced together a series of interacting rectangular elements, each identifying a different function of that part of the house. The house, constructed in 1935, sits parallel to the street, revealing in full detail the interplay of the rectangular spaces. Projecting outward toward the street is the corner of the living room, a corner area dominated by tall windows with prominent wooden mullions. A trellis reaches out beyond the windows, carrying the framing elements of the house into the yard. Behind this corner detail on the front of the house is a broad and unbroken stucco wall. At the far end is another group of windows, though these sit well behind the plane of the facade. This is followed by the massive unit block chimney. The main level and strongly horizontal plane of the house is clearly defined by the wooden fascia, a detail that extends beyond the house in the trellis and in the carport that reaches to the separate garage. Though clearly different parts of the structure, they are tied together architecturally. Projecting above the main level and located at the rear of the house is a narrow course of windows, part of a 1953 addition. Statement of Significance The Howard Ball House, one of Alden Dow's modest unit block designs, is a good example of Dow's ability to condense his interpretation of the International Style and to design and interesting and individual building. Period of Significance 1931-1945 Significant Date(s) 1935-1936 Registry Type(s) 12/04/1989 National Register listed Site ID# P24212