Ailing Eames or sorry Saarinen?

Looking for someone locally who can repair your Mid-Century (or other era) furniture? I have two suggestions for you -- folks with whom I have worked directly in the past and can heartily recommend.

The patient: our silly Jetsons boomerang couch

Good with wood:

South Land Park Terrace neighbor David Sundquist aka Furniture Man works primarily with wood and mostly on-site. He repaired our sagging boomerang couch that had structural framework problems after being moved several times (pictured above). South Land Park neighbors will be pleased to hear David is familiar with modern furniture (has worked on Eames chairs) and specializes in precision repairs (for surface damage such as scratches/gouges). David can also do small upholstery and leather repairs. Cabinets, built-ins and millwork are other specialties, as well as antique restoration. You may reach David via his cell phone: 916.715.5216

Upholstery specialists:

Bill and Terri of B & T Upholstery and Repair have reupholstered several pieces in our house over the last 15 years. Including the giant purple biomorphic couch pictured above. The couch was quite a sight transported on its side in the back of their El Camino -- it looked like a purple Weinermobile! Be sure to visit their gallery of "before" and "after" pictures.

Blast from the past -- 1955 Arcadia Sliding Glass Doors/Eichler Homes Ad

House + Home, April 1955, Page 258.

"Joseph L. Eichler and his prize-winning architects, Jones and Emmons, A.I.A., know the important points of difference between Arcadia and other sliding glass doors.

That's why they specify Arcadia exclusively for Eichler Homes. For even a single point of difference may pay off with added profits on your present project. Spend five minutes with Arcadia's 1955 catalog -- and see!

There's more to Arcadia sliding glass doors than meets the eye!"

I can attest our original Arcadia doors are still operating beautifully in our 1955 Eichler Home here in Sacramento!

Another Custom Carter Sparks: Open house 11.15.09 2-4pm

Update: Fantastic pictures available regarding this home have been kindly posted by J of Modern Valley on his Flickr photostream. Don't miss them! They add incredible dimension and depth, as well as a detailed account of Mr. Sparks' incredible work!


Occasionally I find out about mid-century modern homes in the Sacramento region that are either for rent or for sale. I am not an agent nor am I affiliated with one. I am passing this information along as a public service to those who are interested and love MCM design and architecture as much as I do.

Today's fresh catch: Another gorgeous Carter Sparks custom home in Sacramento's Wilhaggin area near Fair Oaks Boulevard. This home was previously featured in a June 2005 "Inside Arden" article (via The Beam Guy).

Built in 1961; Three bedrooms and three baths; 3,143 square feet. See my previous post for a brief background on architect Carter Sparks.

Description:

"Carter Sparks designed with soaring main gallery that captivates breathtaking views of pool and garden. Sophisticated living space wrapped in massive brick & wood infrastructure crisply defined by sheer walls of butted glass. Dramatic Mid-Century Classic with Honduras mahogany paneling & bleach birch floors."

More directly from realtor.

December 10th Meeting Regarding Neighborhood Safety/Watch

The South Land Park Neighborhood Association announced on their Facebook page that there will be an area wide safety meeting on December 10, 2009 from 6:30 - 7:30PM at Belle Cooledge Library.

"Neighbors, the South Land Park Neighborhood Association, together with City Council Member Rob Fong, are hosting a Crime Meeting to discuss recent crimes, Neighborhood Watch activity and organization, and how we can all contribute to keeping our neighborhood safe.

The meeting will also be attended by Sacramento Police Department and Sacramento Neighborhood Services. We encourage all residents who are concerned about safety to attend, and we especially encourage those interested in coordinating a Neighborhood Watch to attend, as you will be provided with all the necessary tools and resources. The meeting will be from 6:30-7:30PM and will be at the Belle Cooledge Library. Save the date!"

I've mentioned the SPLNA before in a previous post and recommend joining and getting involved if you haven't done so already.

You look radiant!

Here in Sacramento, it is my understanding that most -- if not all -- of the original radiant heating systems with galvanized pipes are no longer operable. If you are one of the lucky neighbors that has a system that still works, I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below this post!

I ran across some information today via Ideal Bite (a blog devoted to "green living") that struck me as worth sharing here. Per Ideal Bite:

* ... Depending on the size of your house and how high your ceilings are, radiant heating can save 30% on your heating bills (and might help you snag a tax rebate).
* Since it doesn't involve vents, forced air, or ducts, radiant floor heating can reduce dust mites by 80% - good news if you or your fam have bad allergies.
* You'll get more-even heat distribution throughout rooms - so you won't have to hang out near vents to feel warm.

Go to Ideal Bite's post directly for further information and links.

If you are interested in exploring "green" options for replacing your original radiant heating system in your Eichler Home, I recommend consulting with Matthew Piner of Piner Works Architecture and Building Group here in town, located within the Green Living Center. Per my conversation with Mr. Piner, there are a number of viable solutions for Eichler Home owners. Mr. Piner would assess your particular needs and situation and route you to the very best solution and an installer. Per a recent Sacramento Press article, "radiant systems offered by the Green Living Center ... employ sunlight and other natural environmental features to provide comfortable home temperatures."

Joe Eichler: The builder's builder

In July 1955, an Eichler Home -- similar (if not identical) in style to some of those built here in Sacramento -- graced the cover of House + Home magazine. Inside the magazine was an effusive article regarding the evolution of Eichler Homes over the last (then) eight years plus marketing strategies ("built-in merchandising") used by Eichler to sell them. Full scans of the article in its entirety are posted here on Flickr.


A floor plan identical to that of JE-85 (one of the Sacramento models -- see here for a brochure with more plans) by Jones and Emmons is featured in the article, as well as photos of other new design characteristics featured in our neighborhood. The article was written right after the Grand Opening of Eichler Homes here in South Land Park Hills and even mentions the practice of using the garage of the model as a showroom.

Special mention/credit: Associate Emiel Becsky worked with Jones and Emmons on their designs.

Also of interest is the number of homes originally planned for our subdivision: 142! As those of you who live here know, not all 142 were built. The reasons for this are likely a combination of economics as well as demand. At any rate, check out the whole article. You will undoubtedly see many familiar sights!


For a further look at Eichler Homes that preceded those in our neighborhood, see also an older article from American Builder, August 1952 scanned by SLP Hills neighbor Dane Henas.

Happy Halloween!

My mom, October 1950

Wishing everyone a very safe and happy Halloween!

And for those of you in an Eichler home here in town, hope the ghosts and goblins are able to find your front door :)

Anniversaries

My grandparents, 1951

This week marks the one-year anniversary of our falling in love with our Eichler Home. I still remember the first time I walked into the middle of the estate sale and being overwhelmed with how wonderful it was. I only bought a $2 vase that day but the house haunted me and we made an offer on it a couple of days later.

This week also marks a sadder anniversary -- two years since my sweet grandmother passed away on November 1st. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday (one of my grandmother's favorites too) but when I light the pumpkin candles I now also light at yahrzeit candle in her memory.

My grandmother and me, 1965

My grandmother primarily raised me and made my childhood happier; we were very close. She and I shared many Halloweens together. She always made it a point to put together a special treat for the neighborhood children. This tradition continues at our house.

Hope all of you have a very happy Halloween!

Locally and family-owned appliance repair shop gets it done

Zajic (rhymes with magic) Appliance Sales and Service has earned another loyal customer after fixing our 49 year old TradeWind double oven at the wacky ranch. And they did so after several other companies said they couldn't, wouldn't, or that I should buy a new one. While I could buy a newer double oven I'm reluctant to send a fixable one to the landfill.

The technician, Richard, was prompt, pleasant and thoroughly competent. Went right to work on that old TradeWind without hesitation or complaint. I made a mental note that they also specialize in working on old Thermadors like the original ones installed in our Eichler Homes.

If you have an appliance in need of repair, I highly recommend them.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Part III

Even though we're not quite done, we celebrated our master bed/bath remodel at the wacky ranch last night. It feels great! Especially when I look at the "before" and "during" pix :)

Credits:
Interior architecture/custom cabinet design - Curtis Popp
Project construction - John DiDomenico Construction
Walnut paneling on cabinets and doors - Grass Cabinetry
Metal cabinet fabrication - Fusion Cor
Illumination - Sean Rollins, Lumens Light + Living
Interior/decor - us.