A modernist residential gem, the Werner Knoop House exemplifies Art Moderne design in 1930s Arkansas through its bold geometric forms, steel-frame windows, and streamlined brick exterior.
At a glance
This two-story L-shaped residence, completed in 1936–37, represents a rare expression of Art Moderne architecture in Little Rock’s domestic building stock. Designed by the local architectural firm Brueggeman, Swaim & Allen, the house combines modernist principles with materials and craftsmanship suited to its regional context.
History
Werner Knoop, owner of a local construction company, commissioned this residence during the height of the Art Moderne movement in American architecture. The house was designed by Brueggeman, Swaim & Allen, a firm active in Little Rock’s architectural development. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, recognition of its architectural significance and rarity within the city’s built heritage.
What you see
The exterior showcases white painted brick with flush mortar joints—a hallmark of modernist precision. Steel-frame windows of varying sizes and shapes are arranged asymmetrically across the façades, creating visual rhythm and breaking from traditional symmetrical design. A projecting two-car garage anchors one side of the L-shaped plan. The recessed entrance is framed in stone, positioned immediately right of the garage, emphasizing the building’s geometric and functional logic.
Cultural significance
The Werner Knoop House stands as one of Little Rock’s finest examples of Art Moderne residential design. Its sophisticated modernist aesthetic—including the flush mortar joints, asymmetrical fenestration, and streamlined massing—demonstrates how avant-garde architectural ideas circulated to mid-sized American cities in the 1930s.
Key facts
- Location: 6 Ozark Point, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
- Coordinates: 34.75555556, -92.305
- Date: 1936–37
- Architect: Brueggeman, Swaim & Allen
- Style: Art Moderne
- National Register: Listed 1990
Practical information & getting there
The Werner Knoop House is a private residence and not open to the public. It can be appreciated from the street at 6 Ozark Point in Little Rock. For architectural study or research, consult local archives or the National Register of Historic Places documentation.
Sources & resources
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