‘Eichler Numbers’ Is Back! - Page 2

Eichler numbers are so iconic that they often show up in art, or affixed to non‐Eichler homes. Mid‐century modern architecture comes into its own when it makes a period‐appropriate statement; and a proper, minimalist address placard is a true mark of excellence.

In order to design an authentic, first‐rate product, Nicholls explored his own Eichler neighborhood, back in the 1990s, with pencil and paper in hand, creating actual rubbings of original house numbers, and then he tried out some castings.

"We simply wanted to replicate what we saw there," says Scot, "and we did it with plaster and wood, just like Mr. Eichler did." But since so many Eichler homes don't feature front overhangs, some house number sets weren't faring well after being exposed to the elements.

Nicholls, a general contractor by trade, accidentally stumbled upon an ideal, more durable material for creating his house numbers while on one of his contracting jobs.

"They had a specification for a Corian countertop with inlays," he recalls. "My subcontractor discovered you could cut the Corian and the inlay with a water jet, and it would turn out absolutely perfect. That's when a light went on in my head…Corian, an acrylic alloy made by Dupont, was the key to the whole thing."

The series that Theresa Lee now produces also uses sign‐grade expanded PVC designed for outdoor use for the backing plate, a strong adhesive to keep the two pieces together, and there are no moving parts, says Nicholls. A dramatic improvement, but "honestly, we'll never know how long they'll last," he says.

Lee markets her Eichler Numbers product as 'The Original Genuine Reproduction' at her 'EichlerNumbersShop' on Etsy. A website is in the works.

"We charge a flat fee of $149 for whatever the address number is," Lee says. "The average is four numbers. Mine is two numbers; that's common as well. I usually produce orders within one to three business days, and ship it quickly from there."

Eichler Numbers' original owners Scot and Carmen Nicholls are feeling happy about the transition. "I think it's a perfect blend, and they [Theresa and Dan] are both young enough that they can keep it going for a long time," says Scot. "I have no doubt that they'll be able to pull it off."

Tipping her hat to her predecessors, Theresa had the last word: "Being able to provide a genuine reproduction of what Joe Eichler originally intended is important—and so is carrying on the wonderful legacy of what the Nicholls' created."