 Welcome to cf3 |
About UsWho we Are - Brief History of cf3 One evening in 2004, around a kitchen table, Susan Rissover and Chris Magee founded cf3. They concluded they were not the only people in Cincinnati who loved modernism. As a result, they established the organization for people to share their interests in modernism and the desire to preserve local Mid Century Modern architecture. Since then, the group has grown in its education and preservation initiatives and support to include exhibits on modern Cincinnati, lectures, tours, coffee chats, collaborations with preservation groups, and assisting in preserving architectural artwork and features around the city. Examples include the Charley Harper “Spacewalk” mural at the Duke Energy Convention Center, an Edgar Tafur sculpture at the JCC. In 2020, cf3 became a friend organization to Docomomo USA. cf3 is a friend organization of Docomomo US, a national non-profit organization dedicated to the documentation preservation of the modern movement. Docomomo US has been dedicated to the mission for over 25 years as a chapter of Docomomo International. www.docomomo-us.org Contact us info@cf3.org |
The founders at a kick off party, 2006 |
Our Board
Lauren Young - President
Lauren Young grew up in Indiana, but spent 20 years in Boston as an arts administrator creating educational programs, classes and events for a variety of museums, arts organizations and an art college. Her love of history, art and all architecture fuels her constant curiosity to always learn something new -- and share that enthusiasm with others. A long time member of cf3, she and her husband live in Cincinnati in a modern home designed by Walter Sheblessy in 1954.
Lou Batsch - Treasurer
A native of Cincinnati, Lou Batsch is a licensed architect and partner in Benelli and Batsch Architects. Among his many projects are a number of historic preservation projects in Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and elsewhere. For almost 20 years, Lou lived in a MCM house that had its own Edgar Tarfur sculpture with his wife Diana. Recently they built a new home in Lebanon, OH. A longtime member of cf3, he currently serves as the treasurer.
Brian Pierson - Membership
Brian Pierson is a long time member of cf3, whose interest in MCM began with a childhood tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater in Pennsylvania. Since that day, his interest in modern has moved from architecture to interiors to eventually ‘all things modern.’ While he and his husband currently reside in a classic center hall Colonial home in Cincinnati, he is slowly swapping out the interior furnishings from classic to modern.
David SmithDavid Smith, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, has called Cincinnati home since 1983. Drawn to the city by the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning school, he received a degree in Interior Design. While working in design, he found himself increasingly drawn to mid century modern – especially furniture and decorative arts. For nearly 20 years, he owned and operated DesignSmith Gallery/DesignSmith Modern. An online pioneer, in 1998, he created one of the first websites for buying modern on-line. In 2016, David joined the cincinnatimodern real estate team where he applies his modern expertise today. A long community volunteer, he has served on several non-profit boards including cf3 for the last decade including terms as Vice President.
Susan Rissover
Susan Rissover is a co-founder of cf3, the founding member of the cincinnatimodern real estate team, and an architectural historian, having spent the past 40 years researching Cincinnati’s modernist architects. Susan and her husband Arlen have restored 5 modern homes, including The Pressler House, their ongoing project and residence of the last 26 years. A former cf3 board president, she has been a board member since the group’s inception.
James Keller
James Keller recognizes the importance of both logical and creative thinking. After graduating with a degree in Industrial Design, James spent several years as a toy sculptor for major toy companies, including Kenner Toys in Cincinnati. His appreciation for creative problem solving, and love of design fed his appreciation for midcentury architecture. James now practices real estate and civil law – merging creativity and analysis to assist his clients. Long time cf3 members, James and his wife, live in a MCM home in Turpin Hills in Cincinnati.
Bobby Reno
Born in Wilmington, OH, Bobby grew up in Denver, and moved to Cincinnati in 1986. He has always been interested in preserving history whether it be structures, furniture, housewares, automobiles, motorcycles, or stories. He is currently the owner/caretaker of a mostly original 1956 rambling ranch in Amberley Village full of mid-century items including some of the first furniture his parents purchased. He joined cf3 several years ago and his house has hosted a cf3 coffee chat and holiday party.
Carolyn Krause
Carolyn Krause spent her childhood overseas. There she experienced the diverse art and architecture of many cultures. She spent her career serving non-profit organizations, including the Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati. During her time there, she worked on several architecture exhibitions, most memorably, an exhibition featuring architects Carl Strauss and Ray Roush. She joined cf3 to pursue her enthusiasm for the region’s many mid century architectural gems, architects, artists, and designers. In 1980, she and her husband, artist Kim Krause, rehabbed an 1870s Italian in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Later, they took on an American four square, built in 1906, and recently they acquired LEED Gold certification by creating a special home in a 1938 auto garage in the Corryville neighborhood of Cincinnati.