Fairwood Mid-Century Modern Homes

Fairwood: An Eichler Tract in Redwood City, 94061

Historical Context & Origins

The Fairwood Tract in Redwood City was developed during the early 1950s, a key period in which mid-century modern residential development was gaining momentum in the San Francisco Peninsula. Specifically, the tract was built in 1953and is often referred to in local parlance as the Lyons Street Eichlers. Eichler Homes For Sale+2eichlerforsale.com+2

The developer behind the project was Joseph Eichler’s company, part of his mission to bring modern architecture to the middle-class American home. Dwell+2Medley+2 Being among the early Eichler tracts in San Mateo County, Fairwood follows the earliest Eichler development in Redwood City (the Atherwood tract, completed in 1950) and precedes others such as Sequoia Meadow (circa 1954). eichlerforsale.com+1

The land for Fairwood was selected in a quiet residential area of Redwood City, with the block on Lyons Street chosen for its convenient access to city amenities and its suitability for modern tract development. The tract originally comprised 28 single-story homes arranged back-to-back along one uninterrupted block, with no cross streets interrupting the rhythm of the homes. Eichler Homes For Sale+1

Fairwood thus represents not just another subdivision, but a significant early example of Eichler’s model: high-design modern architecture delivered at tract scale, during a time when suburban housing was expanding rapidly. Its creation reflected a belief that modern living, in the mid-century sense, could be accessible and livable — not just reserved for custom homes. Medley+1

Architectural Style, Layout & Design Elements

The architectural DNA of Fairwood is deeply rooted in the mid-century modern movement, and in the particular design vocabulary advanced by Eichler Homes and its architect-partners.

1. Structural and spatial layout

• The homes predominantly employ post-and-beam construction, which allows for fewer interior load-bearing walls and maximises open floorplans and glazed expanses. This structural logic underpins the indoor-outdoor ethos characteristic of Eichler design. Eichler Homes For Sale+1

• The typical model in Fairwood is a single-story, three-bedroom, two-bath house, with an average living area just over 1,300 sq ft. eichlerforsale.com+1

• Roofs are flat or very low pitched, with wide eaves emphasising horizontality, sheltering glass walls, and linking the building visually to the ground plane rather than imposing vertically. From the street they appear low-profile and unpretentious, allowing the yard, garden, and landscape to play a prominent role. Eichler Homes For Sale+1

2. Materiality, glazing & indoor-outdoor flow

• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass walls and large picture windows are central: living rooms open directly onto patios or gardens, enabling a seamless transition between inside and outside. Many of these homes maintain original glass walls (or sympathetic replacements) and sliding doors. Eichler Homes For Sale+1

• Interior ceilings often feature exposed wood beams or open-beam designs, providing both visual warmth and a structural rhythm. Some homes retain original details such as Philippine mahogany paneling or built-in cabinetry typical of the era. Eichler Homes For Sale

• The front facades are intentionally understated: blank or simple garage/carport fronts, modest entry porches, subtle decorative elements (in some cases projecting concrete block screen walls) and minimal ornamentation. The “show” is reserved for the garden side, glass expanses, and outdoor connection. Eichler Homes For Sale

3. Lot orientation and landscape integration

• The lots in Fairwood are aligned so that rear gardens receive sunlight and offer privacy, while the front elevations face the street more quietly. This arrangement reflects a mid-century modern philosophy of integrating houses with landscape rather than isolating them. Eichler Homes For Sale

• Mature landscaping, tree canopies (especially along Lyons Street) and open yards contribute significantly to the neighbourhood’s character — the street itself enjoys a gracious “tree tunnel” effect, which enhances the sense of place and adds to home values. Eichler Homes For Sale

4. Modern amenities (for the time) and adaptability

• While Fairwood’s models precede some of the more dramatic atrium-models Eichler homes later offered, they nonetheless include advanced features for their era: slab radiant heating (in some houses), modern kitchens (for the 1950s), and built-in cabinetry. These details have allowed many owners to adapt the homes to 21st-century living without losing their original architectural integrity. Eichler Homes For Sale+1

• The relatively modest size of the homes (~1,300 sq ft) makes them highly adaptable: owners have expanded smartly, added functional spaces, or restored original details while staying respectful of the design language.

Architectural Significance & Legacy

The Fairwood Tract holds architectural significance on several levels:

• Early Eichler tract: As one of Eichler’s earliest developments in Redwood City and San Mateo County, it demonstrates the roll-out of modernist, tract-scale housing at a time when that was a somewhat novel idea. Eichler Homes For Sale+1

• Design quality in mass-housing: The homes deliver the aesthetic and structural hallmarks of high-modern design (open plan, post-and-beam, glass walls, indoor-outdoor flow) at a price point accessible to middle-class families. This equity of design is part of Eichler’s broader vision. Dwell+1

• Architectural continuity and integrity: The Fairwood homes continue to exhibit a high degree of authenticity—many retain original form, rooflines, windows, interior finishes, and context. This makes the tract not just historically interesting but also a living example of mid-century architecture done right. Eichler Homes For Sale

• Contextual relevance: The tract reinforces the narrative of post-war suburban expansion, modern lifestyle ideals, and California’s distinctive mid-century architecture — all within the everyday residential fabric of Redwood City rather than in a remote or ultra-luxury setting.

In practical terms, Fairwood acts as a case study for how 1950s modern residential developments can remain viable, desirable, and well-preserved in the 21st century. Its modest scale and strong identity give it a unique place in the Bay Area’s mid-century story.

Development & Timeline

• Pre-development: Prior to the tract’s creation, the area along Lyons Street was transitioning from earlier residential uses; Eichler selected the site for its proximity to parklands, services, transit corridors (for the time) and for its suitability for modern tract planning.

• Construction & release: The 28 homes were constructed in 1953, marketed under the name Fairwood, and emphasized modern design features as key selling points. Eichler Homes For Sale+1

• Occupancy & evolution: Early buyers in Fairwood were young families, engineers, professionals, and businesspeople who appreciated the modern aesthetics and functional floorplans. Over time, as Redwood City evolved, so did the neighbourhood: some houses underwent sensitive remodels, others larger expansions, but a surprising number have retained their original footprint and character.

• Preservation & awareness: In recent years, the mid-century modern credentials of the tract have become more widely appreciated. While Fairwood does not (yet) have a formal historic district designation, homeowners and enthusiasts are increasingly recognising its heritage and architectural value.

Community & Neighbourhood Character

One of the striking features of Fairwood (Lyons Street) is the strong sense of community that emerges from its scale, design and setting. Because the tract is contained within essentially one residential block, residents often feel a stronger sense of neighbour familiarity than in larger subdivisions. Tree-lined streets, nearby greenspace (notably Red Morton Park), and human-scale architecture all contribute to this atmosphere.

The rhythm of daily life here is “neighbour-friendly”: parents walking children, informal get-togethers, block events, and shared interest in architectural legacy and home improvement. Owners often exchange tips on maintaining sliding-glass door systems, radiant-slab heating, and mid-century finishes. The mature canopy of trees along Lyons Street gives the tract a distinctive “quiet canopy” feel — almost like a hidden enclave, despite its proximity to downtown Redwood City. Eichler Homes For Sale

In this way, Fairwood offers more than just historic architecture: it offers a living, walkable neighbourhood where architectural identity and community identity reinforce each other.

Current Status, Real Estate Activity & Notable Sales

In the era of high-demand Bay Area real estate, Fairwood’s combination of location, architecture, and scale has led to strong market interest. A few themes stand out:

• Limited supply: With only ~28 homes originally in the tract and few coming to market at any given time, scarcity naturally drives competition. Homes in Fairwood are rarely available, and when they are, they often attract multiple offers. Eichler Homes For Sale

• Architectural premium: Houses in the tract that retain original design integrity — the glass walls, open plan, low-roof lines, good lot orientation — command a premium over more altered homes. Buyers who understand mid-century modern architecture are often willing to pay extra for authenticity.

• Upgrade vs. preservation: Many homes in Fairwood have been modernised—to better kitchens, open-plan expansions, maybe second-story additions—but those that respect the original architectural character seem to retain more value and appeal. For example, the listing at 1186 Lyons Street was significantly rebuilt yet emphasised preserving the mid-century modern spirit. Eric & Janelle Boyenga

• Appreciation trajectory: In the early 2000s, Eichler homes in Redwood City, including the Lyons Street tract, could be found for well under $1 million. By the mid-2010s, pricing moved into the $1.2–$1.5 million range. Today, many are transacting above $2 million. Eichler Homes For Sale+1

Illustrative example: A recent listing featured 4 bedrooms and ~1,800 sq ft at 1186 Lyons Street, honouring the tract’s architectural roots while offering expanded living space. Eric & Janelle Boyenga

For prospective buyers, the advice is: look at the roofline, original glass walls, floor plan integrity, lot orientation, and check how much of the original structure remains versus how much has been rebuilt. In Fairwood, preservation-minded alterations tend to pay off more than wholesale teardown-and-build.

Preservation & Future Outlook

While Fairwood does not currently possess formal historic district protection, the community interest and architectural importance suggest potential for more structured preservation efforts. Many homeowners in the tract are active in mid-century modern groups, maintain neighbourhood standards informally, and share knowledge on managing design-sensitive renovations.

Some of the key preservation challenges and opportunities include:

• Maintaining glazed walls and sliding doors in a way that respects the original while upgrading to better performance (thermal, sealing, etc.).

• Protecting the roofline profile and eave details which are critical to the modernist aesthetic, especially when owners wish to expand.

• Respecting lot orientation and landscape integration: yards and gardens remain an important part of the homes’ experience; large upward expansions or front-facing garages can break the visual integrity.

• Encouraging sympathetic additions: many owners find that modest expansions at the rear or side—if done with matching materials, height-respecting profiles and glass-to-garden orientation—help preserve character while adding value.

• Promoting community awareness: when residents recognise their tract as an architectural resource, that mindset helps protect against insensitive alterations.

Given the growing appreciation for mid-century modern architecture and the scarcity of intact examples in the Bay Area, Fairwood is well-positioned to continue as a sought-after enclave of authentic modernist homes.

Why Fairwood Matters: Summary

In summary, the Fairwood Tract in Redwood City stands out because it:

• Was an early example of tract-based mid-century modern housing, courtesy of Eichler Homes in the early 1950s.

• Demonstrates strong architectural continuity and integrity, making it a living example of post-war modern design.

• Combines design pedigree, accessible scale (~1,300 sq ft original homes), and a community-friendly residential setting.

• Has proven market resilience and is appreciated both by mid-century architecture enthusiasts and homeowners seeking distinctive character plus livability.

• Offers lessons in preservation, adaptation, and sustainable modernization of mid-century homes in a high-value region.

If one were to look for a “hidden gem” of mid-century modern tract housing on the Peninsula, Fairwood yields high marks: high-quality design, human scale, integrity, comparably reasonable physical size, and location. It may not have the fame of larger Eichler developments, but its coherence, charm, and neighbourhood rhythm make it special.

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