Buildings
Gene Leedy, a Florida modernist icon, delivered a long and exceptional architectural career that is widely celebrated for his pioneering use of exposed, precast concrete structural systems. Two of his most important buildings now serve as the foundation of the Double T organization.
The Gene Leedy House
1518 Drexel Ave NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Buildings
Gene Leedy, a Florida modernist icon, delivered a long and exceptional architectural career that is widely celebrated for his pioneering use of exposed, precast concrete structural systems. Two of his most important buildings now serve as the foundation of the Double T organization.
The Gene Leedy House
1518 Drexel Ave NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
The Gene Leedy Office
555 Ave G NW
Winter Haven, FL 33881
The Gene Leedy House
The Gene Leedy House was completed in 1956. Until an economic downtown hit, it was poised to be the model home for the largest modernist subdivision in the country. Ultimately only ten homes were built. Today, this collection of modest, mid-century residences is recognized as the Craney Spec Houses National Historic District.
The house served as Gene Leedy’s residence until his death in 2018. During those sixty years, the house demonstrated a remarkable flexibility to adapt to both the evolving needs of his growing family and also cultural norms. Leedy continuously used the house as an ongoing spatial laboratory without compromising the spirit of the original design. In 2019, after falling into a state of disrepair, efforts to restore the home were led by architect Max Strang. Restoration efforts are ongoing.
The Gene Leedy Office
The Gene Leedy Office was completed in 1961 immediately adjacent to a similar building that was completed a year prior. Taken together, their bold designs represent Leedy’s first use of his trademark “double-t” precast concrete elements. Assembled with a system of concrete columns and beams, these two buildings have been referenced as the first “entirely precast” office buildings in the world. Gene Leedy worked out of his building until his death in 2018.
The reception/lobby space is graced with soaring sliding glass windows that dramatically emphasize the concrete structural system. Prior to Leedy’s death in 2018, the building had fallen into disrepair. Architect Max Strang led efforts to restore the building which now serves as a creative outpost for his Miami-based firm. The adjacent 1960 structure has also been acquired and is now in the process of being folded into a new Masterplan for both properties.
Buildings