Architect Noland Blass in Little Rock's Wingate Neighborhood

Architect Noland Blass, the Brown House in Little Rock

Noland Blass Jr., an architect with the firm Erhart, Eichenbaum, Rauch, and Blass (EERB), worked at the firm during in the mid-twentieth century. Blass began working for the firm in 1946, brought in to help modernize the firm. During Blass’s time there, EERB became one of the most prominent architecture firms in Little Rock. Blass was also known as one of the most prolific designers of Mid-Century Modern–style residential architecture in Little Rock. His obituary in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette noted that Blass was “one of Arkansas’ most respected architects,” and was also a “mentor to most of the fine architects in the city.”

Blass began his architecture caree in Little Rock in 1946, starting out as a draftsman with the firm of Erhart, Eichenbaum, and Rauch-the firm that Blass would later become a partner in. The firm of Erhart and Eichenbaum was founded in 1930 by Frank Erhart and Howard Eichenbaum, who, like Blass, were natives of Arkansas who had degrees from architecture schools outside the state. Blass would remain with the firm for his entire professional career, eventually becoming principal designing architect. Although the firm had completed limited work on Moderne-style architecture before Blass was hired, it was Blass’s influence that caused the firm to look more toward Mid-Century Modern as a design inspiration.

One of the homes that Blass designed in Little Rock was for the Brown Family. Stephen and Virginia Brown purchased an irregularly shaped plot in the Windgate neighborhood in 1964 and commissioned the firm of Erhart, Eichenbaum, Rauch & Blass to design them a new house. As Noland Blass was the senior designer at the firm during that period, he was given the task of the creating a design for the Brown's new home. The scenic nature of the site that the Browns had purchased was also the source of some of the most difficult conditions of the project. The lot was somewhat pie-shaped and sloped dramatically from one side to the other. However, it backed up to a large natural, wooded area. Blass saw all of these features as opportunities to create something special. For the Brown commission, Blass drew inspiration from works by Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer, specifically their designs in the late 1930s and 1940s. Blass used native stone foundation walls to create a level base for the house while also providing an open area for the drainage from the site to flow. He then curved the facade of the house to mimic the curving streets of the neighborhood. After the front curve, Blass decided to repeat the element, creating an essentially triangular plan. The entire plan of the house was centered on a glass enclosed atrium space that not only allowed in more natural light but also created an ever-changing axis and focal point for the house. 

The home was a pride of Blass's, being featured in the Architectural Record publication of October 1966. The article makes note that "the program required a stimulating living environment for a young couple without children and the provision of large, flexible, entertaining space." The Browns were particularly social, and loved entertaining friends and family. As seen in the above diagram drawing of the home, the living spaces each break off from the central atrium, or "hexagonal 'doughnut hole'" as written in the Architectural Record. In true fashion of a mid-century modern home design, the front of the house has only the slim windows by the front door. This provides an abundance of privacy, while other elements of the home invite in natural light and views of the wooded lot. Both bedrooms and the living area have their own secluded decks, to further immerse the design in the natural setting. 

Blass’s long and varied career also brought him many accolades. Blass was a two-term president of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and also served on the University of Arkansas School of Architecture Professional Advisory Board and the advisory council of the Cornell University College of Architecture, Art and Planning. Blass was named a Fellow of the AIA in 1968, and his career of outstanding work was awarded the Gold Medal of the Arkansas Chapter of the AIA in 1989.

The Brown's lived in the home until their deaths, having loved and cared for the property as its sole owners until 2021. In 2022, the property was released at auction and purchased by its current owner, Leila King. Much of the original furniture remains in the house. On the QQA's tour of the property, Leila shared her love for the home and the feeling of being a caretaker and steward of such a beautifully designed home. While the Browns did not have children, they loved their cats dearly. Leila shared that scrapbooks with many photos of the cats came included with the home. At this time, the property is not included in an historic district, but it is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. A National Register individual listing will be sought out by the current owner in the near future. National register listing of historic properties provides access to Historic Tax Credits. These tax credits are important tools that can assist in the repair, upkeep, restoration, and rehabilitation of historic homes. Contact the QQA for more information about the Arkansas Historic Tax Credits, or general questions about older home care. 

For additional information:
“Arkansas Construction Hall of Fame Blass.” Arkansas Business, April 2, 2001, pp. 2–3.

Ault, Larry. “Architect Helped Shape the Look of Central Arkansas for 50 Years.” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, July 23, 1998, p. 6B.

LeMaster, Carolyn Gray. A Corner of the Tapestry: A History of the Jewish Experience in Arkansas, 1820s-1990s. Fayetteville: University of Arkansas Press, 1994.

Mason Toms, history of Brown House. 

Architectural Record, October 1966, https://www.architecturalrecord.com/ext/resources/archives/backissues/1966-10.pdf?-102628800 

Encyclopedia of Arkansas, https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/noland-blass-15104/