Although New Jersey never fully caught the midcentury modern bug like Philadelphia or Connecticut, the Garden State does have a handful of great, well-kept midcentury homes of its own. 56 Woodlawn Avenue in Clifton, a custom home designed by native Clifton architect, Arthur Rigolo, is one surviving example.
Built in 1952 as Rigolo’s own residence, the home has been respectfully updated over the years. Its split-level design provides three bedrooms and three baths in 2,700 sq.ft. of living space.
In typical midcentury fashion, wood custom built-ins of heartwood redwood and birch are found in nearly every room. Large windows afford lots of natural light, allowing the residents to feel at one with nature. Cork and brick flooring run throughout much of the home.
In the main living area, a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace featuring a cantilevered hearth is the centerpiece. A wall of built-in bookshelves creates a hard-to-define homeyness.
The kitchen is overflowing with original birch and wooden accents while also offering modern upgrades.
Outside, a half-acre lot is lushly landscaped creating that requisite midcentury connection with nature. A front carport fits the period of the home.
Arthur Rigolo’s career included a stint as an automotive designer for General Motors, an executive designer at Norman Bel-Geddes, as well as an architect at his own firm. He also served a 14-year term as chairman of Clifton’s Municipal Planning Board.
56 Woodlawn Avenue is offered for sale by John-Michael Young of Realty Executives. It’s asking $690,000.
Listing: 56 Woodlawn Ave [Trulia]
