NCModernist Architecture You Love

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Glenn Allen
Jefferson BuffFAIA

(1927–2007)

Buff was born in Newton NC and served in the US Navy between 1944 and 1948. He was a graduate of the NCSU School of Design in 1955 and worked for the Raleigh School Board. From 1953-1955 he worked on experimental geodesic domes with Buckminster Fuller. In 1955, he moved to Florida as the Head of the Design Department with Robert M. Little & Associates.

A member of the AIA National Board of Directors, he received the Anthony L. Pullora Memorial Award, the South Florida AIA Silver Metal, the Florida AIA Gold Metal for Outstanding Design & Service to the AIA, and the Upjohn Fellow from the AIA.

His notable projects include buildings at the University of Miami and Miami International Airport, including Terminal E and MIA's massive Post Office facility. He moved to Panama City FL in 2000. Buff practiced as Glenn Buff and Partners in both Miami and Panama City.

Glenn Allen Jefferson Buff
1954

The L. H. and Lizzy Jobe House

2205 Garden Place, Raleigh NC

Plans still exist dated 5/20/54. Their daughter recalls the builder was E. H. Roberts and the original cost was $56,000. The house was built shortly before Hurricane Hazel and lost many windows. The Jobes willed the house to their daughter Liv Hilbourn who sold it in 1989 to flight attendant Barbara Creech. Sold in 1995 to John (Nick) and Julia Ann Barkhurst Fountain. Sold in 1998 to Robert V. and Joy A. Hamlin who still owned it as of 2012. Deeded in 2021 to Keri Hamlin. For sale in 2026. Bottom two photos by Danial Rowe.

The L. H. and Lizzy Jobe House The L. H. and Lizzy Jobe House The L. H. and Lizzy Jobe House
Late 1950s

The Rosenman Residence

Coconut Grove FL

The area off of Key Biscayne was called Stiltsvillle for the type of houses built on stilts out in the water. There were originally about 27 houses, this one was built over a rock pit. Destroyed.

The Rosenman Residence
1964

The Developer's Theme House

South Miami FL

Featured in Health and Home Magazine. Won an AIAFL award. Do you know where it is?

The Developer's Theme House
About 1965

Houses in Nassau

The Bahamas

Do you know where it is?

Houses in Nassau
About 1975

The Bauer House

Islamorada FL

Do you know where it is?

The Bauer House
1980s

Restoration to a traditional 1920's house owned by the City of Coral Gables

FL

Won a AIAFL Honor Award. Do you know where it is?

Restoration to a traditional 1920's house owned by the City of Coral Gables
Year Unknown

House on stilts at Sugar Loaf Key

FL

Do you know where it is?

House on stilts at Sugar Loaf Key

Sources include: Danial Rowe; Kent Forest Lawn; his daughter Debra Buff Farr; wife Joyce Buff; Jobe's daughter Barbara Jobe Michos; former employees Charles Alayeto and Juan Alcala.