Baer Residence
7 Greenwood Common: Morley Baer Residence
Originally Gregory guest house remodeled by Architect Rudolph Schindler for Sasha Kaun, 1940s;
then Wurster Residence remodeled by Architect William Wurster, 1951;
then altered by Architect Henry Hill for Morley Baer, 1953
Landscape Architect: Lawrence Halprin
Following their 1953 move into the old Gregory house, the Wursters sold lot 7 to architectural photographer Morley Baer and his wife, Frances, also a photographer. The site drops steeply on three sides. This challenging topography, combined with reorienting the house to face the Common, resulted in significant remodeling on the east side. The first modifications for the Baers included replacing the existing kitchen with a large darkroom and creating an office facing the Common. In 1961, a third-story, built over the darkroom and containing a bedroom and bath, was added for the Baer’s son.
Halprin’s carport and enclosed garden, including decks, patios, and plantings, transformed the site.