John York House
Harlingen, Texas
2025 HISTORIC RESTORATION AWARD
This house was designed and built in 1951 and 1952 by Harlingen architect John G. York for his family. York was a pioneer of modernism in South Texas who once described his design philosophy as “expressing structure, simplifying details, omitting unessentials, and striving for economy by avoiding the use of too much ‘architecture.’”
York’s family home embodied that philosophy. With its exposed light steel frame, modular wall panels, and screened terrace, the house was an innovative response to the tropical climate of the Rio Grande Valley and a vision for modern living. It was also widely publicized in popular architectural magazines of the era.
Over the decades, however, the house endured serious neglect, suffering from insensitive additions, incompatible materials, and years of deferred maintenance. By the time it was purchased by its current owner, Matthew Nichols, in 2018, the house was badly in need of attention to save it.
Recognizing its significance, Nichols embarked on a meticulous restoration. The project began by removing later additions including a poorly built kitchen wing, a pitched roof added over the original flat carport, and an enclosed vestibule. Inside, all non-original finishes were removed, ceilings were re-opened to expose the original bar joists, and covered glass panels were re-exposed to flood the interiors with natural light.
Guided by local architect John Pearcy, the restoration team recreated the home’s historic color scheme, including the red bar joists, yellow corridor panels, and teal accents, using archival photos as their guide. A new kitchen was installed in the same location as the original, complete with custom cabinetry that pays tribute to York’s design. In addition, the old cork flooring which had long been removed was reinterpreted with new wood flooring in a similar tone. The remaining original floor tile was cleaned and preserved.
Outside, the grounds were replanted with a native plants and succulents, reinforcing the home’s relationship to its surroundings. Despite challenges, the project succeeded in restoring the integrity of one of South Texas’ great modernist houses. The result is a home that once again reflects John York’s bold and inventive design. Today, the house continues to serve as a private residence, but is also occasionally opened to the public for tours.
The award was presented at Preservation Texas’s 2025 Honor Award Ceremony in San Antonio on October 30, 2025.
Owner & Project Manager: Matthew Nichols
Architect: John Pearcy, Megamorphosis
Contractor: Chris Hamby, H20 Construction
Other Partners and Stakeholders: Rio Grande Valley Modern (Advocate)
