Historic Roots

Origins of the Eichlers and other mid-century modern homes

What's Become of the Holy Grail?
The first architect-designed Eichlers, Sunnyvale Manor Addition languishes today with no historic plaque or neighborhood connection
Fielder's Choice
When San Francisco Giants great Willie Mays ran into the 'color barrier'—then turned to Eichler for a stylish new home
Modern Living Goes to School
Stanford is an Eichler museum—homes from every phase of Joe Eichler’s career
Distinguished at Every Curve
AIA's first African-American, pioneer Paul R. Williams was the 'architect to the stars' who mastered mid-century modern
Intellectual Paradise
Stanford University’s eclectic blend of 100 Eichler homes appeals to academics of all persuasions
Breaking the Rules
Battling outmoded thinking, architect A. Quincy Jones sought superior design through progressive and even daring plans for 'total communities'
Eastward Ho
New York’s trio of bonafide Eichlers—an anomaly with something magical going on
Research Trumps Rumor
Why it matters that Steve Jobs' 'likeler' is no Eichler
Two with a View
Often misunderstood, Eichler’s original two-story homes are a rare breed that startle some, but surely please their owners
City on a Hill
Joe Eichler’s tower and co-op at San Francisco’s Laguna Heights are holding up well 50 years after their debut as model neighborhoods
Built to Blast
Friendly fallout of the Cold War, Blomberg’s ‘bomb-resistant’ concrete homes represent a colorful chapter of mid-century modern Sacramento
Cliff May's 'Hacienda Modern'
Hardly a mainstream modernist, Cliff May made rustic-looking homes as modern as they come
Saving the '60s
Preservationists embrace the Age of Aquarius as more and more mid-century modern architecture crosses the 50-year threshold
Kaufmann House
By saving Neutra's Kaufmann house, its owners helped to spur Palm Springs' modern revival
Swiss Misses
Amid mystery and misgivings, the chalet-like Swiss Miss homes have fans soaring with affection
Wexler's Palm Springs Steel
Dreaming in steel: Palm Springs' tiny enclave of seven modern steel homes is a desert landmark.
Jim San Jule: Tireless Crusader
Eichler Homes’ original marketing director worked hard and passionately so others could live well
The Body Beautiful
Two jewelry designers, their ‘wearable art from the heart’ and an ambitious show built on California mid-century modern
Desert Delights - Palm Springs
Stunning sights and rich legacy - climb aboard our grand tour of the best of Palm Springs modern
Green Fairway Estates - Palm Springs
An exotic, quirky hideaway, this Palm Springs tract recently rediscovered its Alexander roots