Oh, how the retro world loves breeze blocks. That is: Decorative concrete blocks. No one can know for sure how many designs were made, but I bet that Jack LeVine‘s collection, displayed like art in the back yard of his lovely Las Vegas home — gives us the best count we have so far. How many breeze blocks are in his collection? He says: 34. When I visited his house as part of Nevada Preservation Foundation‘s Vintage Las Vegas Home & History Tour a few months ago, I tried to photograph them all. Finally: Here’s the stash to ogle — and covet. Get yer scrolling finger ready, set, go!
- Want to find ’em made new today? See this story.
Okay, so scrolling and counting, I think I get only 28. In any case: It’s WILD, isn’t it, how many of these designs were made!
Retro Renovation readers are kinda obsessed with breeze blocks; my stories on them are among the most popular in terms of search etc:
Jack LeVine was one of the first midmod-lovers I “met” when I started the blog. It was SO FANTASTIC to meet him in person before my remarks launching the tour. We hugged three times! Jack remains super active in the mid mod community in Las Vegas — in addition to being a realtor, he is on the Board of Directors of the Nevada Preservation Foundation.
Hugs, Jack!
More: Another recent story on Jack’s collection!
Where to buy breeze blocks today (May 2019 research update)
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Debbie says
OMG…I love the varied circled block!
Gregory McKinney says
There is a 1960s apartment building one street over from me that has its entire pool area surrounded by these. They look incredible en masse.
Scott says
Oh that starburst… gasp.
Adrienne says
I love them all…but can’t get the circles out of my head! (one of the first pics) I have a glass block that has bubbles in it, and I’m picturing it in a wall of the circle concrete, accented with the glass block bubbles…squeeeeeeeeee…
Tammara says
Love them!! I don’t understand why most of these designs are not still sold today, its a decorative touch missing from today’s standard design.
Pam Kueber says
26 designs available today here though!: https://retrorenovation.com/2010/04/26/where-to-buy-decorative-concrete-screen-blocks/
suzanne says
ive been hunting for some of these without luck until i found this amazing site@ THank you thankyou! i have no clue why they’re not more commonplace, theyre GREAT!
Patrick McNeal says
The last one, the rectangular block with the circle in the center, surrounded my back yard for the 21 years I lived in my last house. I miss them!
Nate says
I love it! How awesome is this!? Oh so very! Would love to have a backyard that displayed Mid-Century breeze blocks like a museum! Just brilliant!