Modern House Numbers

Local Business Creates Cool Addresses for the World

By Valerie Vinyard

You might not think twice about the address numbers that adorn the front of a home or business.

But maybe you should.

“Even if you have a house that’s not that interesting or exciting, our numbers can make a big impact on any home or building,” said Modern House Numbers Co-Owner Rick McClain. “It can help express the modern style that a customer may aspire to.”

The Tucson company, tucked away in a strip mall on East Speedway, caters to home and business owners who want their addresses and signage to create a statement. 

The shop isn’t for browsing, however. It’s where a team of about 25 employees create every number, letter, directional sign, decal and logo before shipping them to customers around the world.

Most customers browse the website, modernhousenumbers.com, and choose their letters and numbers in five sizes, 4 to 15 inches, seven fonts and five finishes. The fonts include Palm Springs, Soho and South Beach, and the finishes include brushed aluminum, matte black, white or dark bronze. Custom sizes and fonts are also available.

Modern House Numbers just celebrated its 16th anniversary in October. The business started as a side hustle in McClain’s shop, Repp + McClain Design and Construction, but eventually grew too large and moved to the Speedway location about 10 years ago.

Though the business is mainly online, co-owner Brandy McClain uses her University of Arizona degrees in architecture and urban planning, along with her artistic eye, to consult, to help guide customers.

“I think the most important thing to consider is visibility,” McClain said. “The other thing is to create contrast.”

The McClains, both 43, met as UA architecture students in 1999. They’ve been married for 19 years and have three children.

In 2008, they couldn’t find house numbers they liked while renovating their Tucson home, so they decided to make their own. Modern House Numbers was born. 

As the company’s website states: “Our numbers were everything we had envisioned: stylish, modern and durable. After we put them up, lots of people knocked on our door to ask us about our new numbers. We jumped at the opportunity to help people just like you create your own head-turning, modern curb appeal.”

Brandy estimates that 75% of their orders are for residences. In addition to houses and apartments, Modern House Numbers supplies its wares to hotels, condos, malls and corporations around the world. 

And the testimonials couldn’t be more glowing. On a variety of sites, customers tout the “incredible customer service” and “beautifully hand-crafted numbers.”

Numbers and letters start at $24.50. Every order comes with an installation template that makes for a professional final product. Customers can flush mount the numbers and letters or use the provided spacers. 

“The bang that I think you get with the upgrade in quality is inexpensive,” Brandy said.

She is proud of the eco-friendly products and processes they use, including a local waterjet cutting company that doesn’t use chemicals or oils.

Employee Michele Borowski, who has an architecture degree from the University of Illinois, has worked in production for about 4½ years. Her duties include photography, videography and managing inventory. 

“I started in archeology and went into education for about 20 years,” Borowski said. “Now I’m back working with great designers. What I love about the numbers is that they’re a modern touch to any house.”

Pictured above – Brandy & Rick McClain, Co-Owners, Modern House Numbers.