The dramatic curves, cement block structure and lack of right angles suggest that this house is very special, and indeed it is - but few could guess that this contemporary home was completed in 1935, at the very height of the Depression. According to local history, A.P. Nelson, owner of Spencer Cement Work, wanted to emulate an exhibit at the Chicago World's Fair (1932-33) where a house was constructed to show all the latest in design and technology…so in 1935 Nelson hired Des Moines architect, Owen Thomas, and built “House of Tomorrow” on Grand Avenue. 

Opened to the public in time for the opening of the Clay County Fair, the Grand Avenue house revealed the very best in ultra-modern-style architecture, interior furnishings and appliances. For example, the living room features two semi-circular walls; the exterior curved wall mirrors the interior wall in this unique room. The contemporary facade continues on the second story as the terrace above the living room sustains the same curve. 

Interior furnishings included the latest rubber and linoleum floor coverings, and bathrooms had the newest porcelain and chrome fixtures. The kitchen had the latest conveniences including an electric dishwasher and state-of-the-art refrigerator - plus the entire home was air conditioned. By the time the Grand Avenue exhibit closed, thousands of Northwest Iowans had visited the Grand Avenue House of Tomorrow with 1100 in a single day!

Fortunately, this fascinating house has stood the test of time. Few owners and few changes have assured that the House of Tomorrow remains one of the best examples of ultra-modern architecture in the state, and we are excited to share it with you today as we make it our own.