Historic Roots

Origins of the Eichlers and other mid-century modern homes

Eichler for the Weekends
Under a playful blanket of snow, the magical A-frame retreat makes a carefree connection with the ‘real you’
Wally Fields: Eichlerholic
Remembering the avid Eichler ambassador, his creative spirit and often-zany demeanor
Joe Loved Women for Grace and Strength
Despite his gruff demeanor, Joe appreciated women and enjoyed their grace and strength
Lords of the Lens
8 great architectural photographers—mid-century California was their domain
Cloned
How did a pair of all-steel X-100 'Eichlers' find their way to the Louisiana bayou?
Houseful of Halloween
Haunting mid-century traditions continue to inspire—and spook—new generations
The Re-uppers
For many raised 'modern' as children, no other house feels like home today
Hot Dog Express
When Oscar Mayer's awe-inspiring Wienermobile took mid-century America on the ride of their lives
Eichler’s Last Stand
Los Arboles Addition stays caring and connected in a planned mix of Palo Alto one- and two-story Eichlers
8 Great Modern Masters
Mid-century architects whose efforts gave Northern California its characteristic look and meaning
Protecting Fairglen’s Eichlers
‘Objective Design Standards’ would curb ‘inappropriate changes’ to San Jose tract
Road to Bohemia
From Sausalito to Big Sur—California's free-spirited artists of the mid-century created magical worlds on a troubled planet
On the Threshold of Discovery
When the aluminum sliding glass door made its groundbreaking debut—then ushered in the classic look of mid-century modern
Life on the Line
When Joe Eichler swayed starry-eyed Los Altos owners with a 'promise' of the national spotlight
Home Tour Season Arrives
Inviting lineup of houses set for upcoming ‘Silicon Valley Modern Home Tour’ May 17
Diamonds of the West
How modernist architecture of the mid-century impacted the look, openness and siting of California's big-league ballparks
Sunset Mag’s Former Offices
Will teardown, monster development doom Menlo Park campus designed by Cliff May?
When God Went Mod
Once despised, modern churches have thrived—designed by many of the same architects who shaped mid-century suburbia
Lauan's Lost Love
Eichler Homes' original walls of mahogany paneling—once glowing in every home—are hopelessly fading out of sight
Going Beyond the Bauhaus
S.F. exhibit on ‘American School’ architects considers a lively side of NorCal modernism