The Mari and Hendrick Oscam House received approval for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in January 2024, a designation celebrated during the Edina Planning Commission's May 14 meeting. The recognition comes during Historic Preservation Month and follows the city's own heritage landmark designation of the property in 2015.

The home stands as one of the Twin Cities' finest examples of international modernist architecture. Elizabeth Close, one of Minnesota's first female architects, designed the residence using a distinctive approach that prioritized client needs through detailed questionnaires while incorporating European modernist principles. The design features practical materials, easy maintenance, and non-traditional floor plans.

Homeowner Mari Oscam noted the European influences that shaped the home's character. "We were familiar with it in the Netherlands because you had the stale movement," Oscam said, referencing the Dutch design tradition that informed the house's aesthetic. The Oscams, who emigrated from the Netherlands, worked with Close to incorporate elements reflecting their heritage.

The Heritage Preservation Commission emphasized the broader significance of protecting mid-century modernist homes, which officials described as endangered. "Our role is to just make sure that these community assets are not only preserved but also celebrated and that people are aware of them and how they've contributed to the history of the community," a commission representative said.

Commission members expressed hope that the Oscam House designation would inspire other owners of architecturally significant homes to pursue similar protections. The listing recognizes both the home's architectural merit and Close's pioneering role in Minnesota's design history.