If you are interested in mid-century-modern homes, you should know the name of Joseph Eichler. He was a real estate developer working in California in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and was one of the primary builders making modern homes accessible to the masses. He changed the existing ideology of what was possible for middle-class suburban homes. Even though they were mass-produced, they have a feeling both industrial and organic with a connection to the landscape. Today Eichlers have come to epitomize an MCM style, and are considered by buyers to be works of art and architectural gems.
According to Audrey Ference in her article What are Eichler homes?…
A true Eichler will have these features: small windows facing the street and huge windows facing an outdoor space in the back; post and beam construction; center courtyard and roofed atrium; an abbreviated entry court; carport; and “front-to-back” planning that puts the living spaces in the rear of the home.
Although you would have to travel to California to find true Eichler built homes, the Twin Cities has some homes that were built based on that style. The one pictured below in an example that was built in 1960… designed by architect Thomas B. Hendrix who lived there with his family until it was sold to only the second owner in 2013. It was included in the Docomomo US/MN annual Minnesota Modern Tour Day in 2018. If you love seeing mid-century-moderns, be on the lookout for this very special tour day which traditionally takes place the second Saturday in October.
When I saw an article from Mid-Century home about an Eichler renovation it piqued my interest and I decided to share… thought there may be others with interest in MCM homes who might also enjoy it.
Read about the current owners’ renovation journey….
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com
