A George Nelson CSS Unit Lives On

Our friends Amy and Arnaud recently bought their first home, an Eichler in the Terra Linda neighborhood of San Rafael. We have enjoyed following their progress on various home restoration projects. Since moving in last year, they have hit the ground running, installing new VCT Flooring, restoring the fireplace to original CMU, and sanding/refinishing several walls of Luan paneling. Did I mention they just had a second child too?! I recently helped them redesign the Kids/Guest bathroom and Laundry Area, which once fully completed, can't wait to share!

I posted this photo on Instagram a few months back, of their newly restored Fireplace. If you didn't see the before, just imagine mirrors, ledges, and lots of granite covering the original fireplace. With a new gas insert and beautiful original CMU blocks exposed, it's now one of the best lounge spots in the house!

I recently stopped in and had to share photos and a special story about this gorgeous 1967 George Nelson CSS Unit, which they installed with the help of Amy's father Gary.

This particular shelving unit came from Amy's Grandparents' Home, in the iconic Lake Point Tower in Chicago:

Lake Point Tower under construction in the 1960s, via Lake Point Tower Condominium Association website.

Her Grandparents moved into the 24th floor apartment even before the building was topped off. Amy shared, "Normally these units weren't found in residences unless you had a designer, which she had. They were mostly modular office units." 

I love that this piece will continue to live on with the family for another generation. Some of my favorite elements of this George Nelson CSS Unit include the black doors, paired with walnut. Such a classic combination. I have another mid-century project I'm working on that you may see this same pairing! 

Thank you Amy and Arnaud for sharing this special story with us and we continue to be inspired by your ongoing efforts to bring back the details of your beautiful mid-century modern home!