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Musings on Architecture To get the Quicktime plugin click here. |
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Occupy YOUR Street and stick it to "The Man"
Scott Jarson, 12/14/11
As a bone-fide child of the turbulent ’60’s I get protest. And I’m perplexed at those who can’t quite define the Occupy Movement. Anyone in this State that’s had a mortgage, or has tried to GET a mortgage, in the last few years should clearly feel the shared interest in the cause.
Seriously, (and certainly not trying to be flip here) I’ve been thinking about how one could make a statement that’s effective and get’s felt by the institutions (AKA: The Man) that we want to wake up. I’ve got one subtle idea. It’s really good...
If you can: buy a house with a conforming mortgage. Then make all your payments. Add a few bucks to the payment and pay it off early.
The Man will hate this. The Man does not like you to have 4% interest for thirty years. The Man wants you to rent. The Man wants you beholden’ to a variable loan rate, a Landlord, a lease term, ever increasing rents, debt, sameness, conformity and beige.
The Man wants you to get a low appraisal, gig you for points, wants your lock to expire, wants you to WAIT to buy a house. Why? Because interest rates will go up. The Man wants you to wait so that home prices will rise, which means higher fees. The Man’s exposure to risk will also lessen, and the return will be oh so much better for The Man.
It’s sort of a quiet protest. In a way, it’s opting out of the system and it’s gaming The Man. So those who can, should. It’s not hard to see the logic in the math. Then you can occupy YOUR street... Just a thought.
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Fall Pledge Drive
Scott Jarson, 11/5/10
I’ve been thinking that all of us who love architecture and design should do something to raise awareness. You know, like a race, or a raffle. But then, in the best tradition of fall, it’s time for... A PLEDGE DRIVE!
So that’s it. I’m officially kicking off the Fall Architecture Pledge drive for KJNJ and it goes like this:
“You’re listening to KJNJ and we are in the midst of our Fall Pledge drive to support design and architecture. Right now we have something for the first 100 callers... Ken, tell everyone about the challenge”
“That’s right Bob, If you’re one of the next 100 callers to show your support for design and architecture in Arizona, call now. And if you do, you’ll get not only the DUKE Scottsdale commemorative tote bag...
“Wow, excuse me Ken, but now there’s a collectors item that can be used all year long!”
“Right Bob, you’ll get the tote bag PLUS the full collection of Jarson & Jarson bumper stickers!”
“The whole lot?”
“That’s right Bob, slogans you know and love, like; ‘Save the Desert, Hire an Architect’, and ‘Life’s Better in a Beadle’ and my personal favorite, ‘Honk if you love Haver Houses’...”
“And the rest?”
“Sure even the rare ones like ‘Warning: this car brakes for great architecture’,
and ‘Buckminster Fuller was Right’, and the one we never see, ‘My other home is a Usonian Automatic’!”
“What does that mean, Ken”?
“Ha, ha, well Bob, I really have no idea, but I do know that everyone here at KJNJ LOVES great architecture and we know that you, our listeners, will love to support great design this month and all year long.”
“Ken, I can’t think of a better way to show support than one of those babies on the back of your Prius or my MINI! Now before we get back to the show, we are making the plea to all of you out there. If you love listening to ‘Arch-Talk’ on Saturday mornings, if you love the ‘Splendid Naguchi Table’ on Sundays, or if you are just a fan of great design, historic and modern architecture, then please, won’t you show your support?
“ Well said Bob, call in now and pledge your support for great architecture!”
Thankfully, there really isn’t a pledge drive (maybe in the Spring), but I will leave you with this thought. Our community has been hit hard economically and emotionally. Maybe it’s time we just take a moment and appreciate what we have, a great legacy of architects and designers, a small but wonderfully diverse collection of architect-designed houses that rivals most anywhere, and a geography and location that has inspired brilliant ideas. Go ahead, hug your architect, artist or designer, then tell a friend to tune into KJNJ where you can find us every day, 365, 24/7 at: www.azarchitecture.com, and no pledge drive either... and oh,
THANK YOU for listening!
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Free Architecture
Scott Jarson, 7/30/10
Counterintuitive as it may seem, free might be a bad thing.
We all know that free coffee tastes a little better. Free stuff is great. Cool finds along the side of the road.... superb! But maybe there is a limit. A tipping point that turns free into something less than desirable. A free subscription? Usually what it’s worth. Free haircut? Free dental work? Where’s the limit?
So what about free Architecture? I’m seeing far too much of it. Here’s what I mean:
For the last couple of years there has been an obvious trend to de-value all things real estate. Understood. But we have increasingly seen limits crossed that are affecting the future of design and preservation here in regards to unique properties.
Among others, appraisers seem to have a difficult time lately discerning good from bad, quality and thoughtful from common and low-cost. We’ve had a year of little to no added value from design and seriously, I don’t think that anyone really wants this to happen. It may make for a good buy as a purchaser, but this will eventually drive the interest in creating something lasting, something efficient, something beautiful, something improved, down to zero.
This nonsense is way beyond what really should be happening. I get that housing values have and will continue to adjust. But consider this analogy: one can buy a new base model Hyundai Accent for about $10K. A nice car: four wheels, two doors, gasoline engine. If you wanted something a little nicer you might choose a MINI Cooper S: four wheels, two doors, gasoline engine. The MINI would cost about $25K. Using current real estate logic shouldn’t they be worth the same? Er... no, unless you don’t care about the experience that comes with owning and driving each particular car... AND oh yes, re-sale values...
If all houses are now worth the same, and the same is equal to exactly the lowest possible recent sale, regardless of design, situation or condition, then we are unrealistically setting the bar too low. Value should be given for condition, design and desirability. Put simply, I love Formica as a material, but stainless steel plate makes a better counter in most applications. You should expect to pay for what you get, even if you are getting a discount.
If we continue to walk a path of all things are of the same values, then differentiation is lost. All creativity and care for design stops at some point. Think about it. No restored Haver-designed homes. Why bother? Why should I hire an architect to design a creative solution to enhance not only my life, but those who also experience and come in contact with it? No new designs that may help form sustainable solutions to living with our desert environment, no great civic places of pride.
I don’t think anyone wants to see a situation where there are no renovations beyond the basic. No high efficiency. No new landscape. Why choose one material over another. Standing seam steel instead of basic asphalt shingle? No. Why fix the roof at all? Why put in a tankless hot water heater or solar panel? And the biggest questions become what value design and architecture; what value preservation? This is how we lose iconic buildings. Or how we see the next wave of great architecture stay conceptual instead of realized.
Often we see appraisers (and lets be honest, more than few buyers) comparing the very best with the worst. The current climate seems to dictate that an unfinished home that sold as a short sale or foreclosure is the highest and best sale comparison for a restored or renovated home with new HVAC, solar panels, roof and landscape. Ridiculous, yet common. Not just apples and oranges. Apples with compared to a hollow shell of a cantaloupe left over from last spring’s harvest. How unfair is this? Well statistically about 18% of our market is distressed or foreclosure properties. So then should the remaining 72% be classified the same? The Lenders seem to think so...unless of course you are trying to modify YOUR loan or get them to accept a short sale on YOUR mortgage.
Buyers need help in understanding that they will still get an excellent value, and that well designed and detailed homes are deserving of a modest premium. Another auto analogy again: You’ve heard the story of the guy who answers an advertisement for a $100 Porsche to find an angry ex-spouse getting even. Awesome, he got an amazing deal off of someone’s misfortune. But that should not then set the price for each and every Porsche that’s for sale.
Appraisers, so cowed by Lenders, are bent on disproving value on any level when they should be focused on proving value. This approach has become so pandemic among appraisers, now typically ordered from “hands-off” pools that the come to appraise homes in areas that they have NO experience with, that the entire situation smacks of red-lining and conspiracy on the part of Lenders to FORCE higher equity positions for Buyers and to keep prices and values deflated. Why? Using only the lowest sales comparable effectively lowers the sales price below actual market values which lessens their risk...of course!
There needs to be some push back against this. And there is, albeit slowly. We are seeing a few Sellers, if they are in position to, say no to offers that don’t include some modest level of recognition to the effort and sometimes higher cost of good design. Many are abandoning the Market and deciding to stay. Many Buyers are now making slightly higher, more informed offers, or at least considering making up the down payment difference between a low appraisal and reasonable sales price.
The cap to this? There are signs are that the recession may be winding down, thankfully, and it will come faster than you think. Not today, sure, but our supply and demand will eventually resolve itself. We will wake up one day to find the era of short sales and distressed properties ended. Suddenly it will be too late to get free Architecture.
Yes, the era of free has descended. And you really can get amazing amounts of design and detail without premium. But not for long. Some will have had the insight to gain bragging rights for decades by acting with decisiveness. Others will have stories about what they COULD have bought but passed on. Along the way, we may have lost more than collective values. We may very well have lost a treasure of architectural legacies, both built and unbuilt. Sadly, because we forgot to add just a bit of extra value to creativity.
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Arizona’s Brand of Equality.
Scott Jarson, 5/1/10
Certainly this is about much more than Architecture. But then again there's a lot of Architecture in Arizona that was, and will be affected by recent events. I am posting this comment as a call to reason:
I was fortunate enough to tour the Carraro House today. We all know it as the Tovrea Castle, it’s just one of my favorite icons that is a perfect example of the optimism that only the desert can conjure.
It was not without pride that I could see our state flag flying proudly above. I love Arizona, I really do. The beautiful design of our flag inspires me, makes me feel like I’m home. I have always loved the independence, diversity, and frankly, the potential for a touch of true-believer-crazy that has, since inception, made up the fabric of this State.
This is why I cannot keep silent about the recent immigrant legislation that has been passed and signed into Law by our Governor. This Law is, and I challenge anyone to debate this with me, a short sighted, racially driven, abhorrent miscarriage of the true will of the people, born out of fear, malcontent, rage and frustration. It does not reflect the ethics of the majority of the good and thinking people of this State. It MUST be repealed.
Lets face it, if this is an illegal immigration law then just who is it that’s immigrating to our state? The answer is obvious of course. I can’t imaging a Canadian getting hassled under this law unless the Molson runs out at the bar and they get a bit verbal. This is the return to classic racism that rages against any relatively recent group of immigrant, from the Irish that did a lot of fighting and dying for the Republic in our Civil and Indian Wars, the Chinese who became persona non grata AFTER the Railroads were built, Italian Immigrants, like my Grandfather who altered his name because they weren't hiring Italians, Japanese Americans who were deemed unwelcome after December 7th, 1941? Who’d I miss? A big list I’m certain.
Don’t be fooled by rhetoric about Jobs or talk about taxes, services and crime. This Law will not fix any of that. I grew up in an agricultural family and worked with harvest crews in the lettuce, grape and melon fields. As a younger man I witnessed first hand as we relied on this labor force to pack the vegetables that fueled growth in this Valley for decades. Or the hard rock miners from Mexico that dug their fair share of Copper, or ranched side by side with the Anglo Cowboys.
We must not forget that the Mexican Border began just a few block south of us not much more than 150 years ago. Nor should we forget the vast amount of contributions, not just in labor, but culturally, that have been made on our behalf, those that we take for granted and enjoy.
Our office is in Downtown Scottsdale, where, in my childhood, there was a significant Mexican American populace who literally built this town, block by adobe block. Or the African-American Community, vibrant and important in leading civil rights changes that benefit us all. Or our beloved South Mountain Flower Gardens, now gone, but not forgotten, all cultivated by Nisei Japanese, many of which were relocated during the fear of WWII. Or every single Native American reference and moniker, ones that we parlay with ease but forget at what cost they came to the indigenous peoples that bare the burden of their use; or for that matter whose ancestors gave us our canals; the very bones of who we probably stand on unknowingly.
So let’s call this Law what it is; a racist tool that targets people of obvious ethnic decent that should not be tolerated anywhere, especially in the State that would be NOTHING but for the generous, imaginative, hard working, crazy desert visionaries that bought so much to the collective event that is today’s Arizona.
The Range-wars are over folks. General Pershing already fought Pancho Villa for his border incursion. You want to secure our border with Mexico, fine, that’s a different conversation with a different solution. I applaud a dialog and creative ideas that solve real Immigration problems, social and economic, that come with our current situation but turning our Civil Police into Border Patrol Officers is not the answer any more than singling out any obvious racial qualities of any person that would lead to inquiry and harassment. That's not Arizona in 2010, that’s Alabama in 1963.
We must speak up on this. We must not let OUR Great State be tarnished and divided by fear mongers, most by the way “Immigrants” themselves from other States. If you’re not certain about how you feel just think about it as you drive down Indian School Road, or look up at Piestewa Peak, or look up almost ANY street name in McCormick Ranch. We should be grateful for our diversity, we should celebrate the toil and effort of those who have helped shape it, and we should call out racism when we see it. To fail to do so will have us rewriting the fateful comments of Pastor Niemöller: First they came for the Mexicans, but I did not worry, because I was not Hispanic.... then they came for me, and there were no Proud Arizonan’s left to care.
As Realtors (and as humans) we seriously and prominently display the Equal Housing symbol because we recognize the sacrifice that went into what it stands for, and necessity for the reminder, still to this day, of how very fragile the foundations of Liberty it represents are. Join us in raising your voice about this Law.
Then we can all see that flag fly over such dream-inspired places like the Carraro House and think with pride how it does fly for ALL of us in Arizona. Speak out against the Law.
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Thoughts on Ma Bell...
Scott Jarson, 2/7/10
Recently, Allison King from ModernPhoenix.net asked me to comment on the destruction of the Al Beadle designed Mountain Bell Plaza building, or “Ma-Bell” as I’ll always think of it. Below are the thoughts I shared with her (check out modernphoenix.net for the rest of the story):
“What makes this tragedy sting so much is that the building had a shot at being economically viable. There was a top team of talent assembled to help this developer look at ideas. We came so close to having a Beadle mixed-use tower that the thought of it still pulls at my heart.
I recall meeting one of the finance people for the developer on-site one morning. We shared an overview of the Building and a history of Al Beadle. He looked confused. His comments? “ Frankly I don’t get it, it’s just another glass box high-rise, you see them all the time”.
Appalled I asked him to really think about it. You see buildings with a glass curtain wall but Modernist buildings of this proportion? Reality is they are few and far between, but that’s what killed this building. There is perception that these designs are common and infinitely replaceable. Of course they are not; and once lost the economics of design make it very hard to bring anything like them back.
We lost a significant work by a Modernist American Architect. We also lost the memory of a civic and corporate optimism that invested in the local community. “Ma Bell” was special, and worth the effort to save.”
So that’s the end of it. But I can’t stop thinking about this kind of loss because, especially now, what goes in behind it? What, if anything fills the void? Very possibly nothing for years.
We lost a great building. That’s huge. We are also missing the opportunity to create anew. To present us with an idea that could turn out Phoenicians to look at something big and beautiful, something significant that isn’t a sports venue or shopping mall. There’s a big gaping hole on 3rd Street now, another blank square in the urban fabric. At least this time it took someone from somewhere else to rip it down, to tear a strip from our collective memory. More often than not we do it to ourselves.
I am at heart a preservationist, but I’m a realist too. I know that you can’t freeze the world in place. But really, as I look back in Phoenix I am amazed at how often what replaces something that’s interesting, historic or significant is certainly less than any of those things.
It’s one thing to lose a piece of great architecture if the new design astounds us with a fresh vision, idea or use that captivates us, or motivates our social and civic connection, or for that matter, is simply great to look at. But so often it is, at the end of the day, a net loss.
So the gauntlet tossed down is simple. The developer that could conceivably demolish this building is the one that should access the best of our local talent to find the creative solution that weaves a new piece into the fabric.
So yes, rage against the dying of the day, but we should also demand that those who demolish, and this includes the City, be pressured to heal that wound with a design that is at least worthy of its predecessor. Or better yet...something truly better than before.
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How to sell your home in a challenging market.
Scott Jarson, 3/16/09
Debbie and I have been in the Real Estate business since the 1980’s. We made the decision to follow our passion and pursue Architecture as a specialty in 1990, but when all is said and done, there are some basic tools and practices that apply to all residential real estate. Pay attention class, I’m about to give away some valuable and helpful tips based upon considerable years of success and experience!
I’m confident enough to share this with anyone who wishes to read it (admittedly I’m holding a few things back), knowing that in helping others, success is shared. We’ve been through many changing market cycles and have had first-hand experience and results with this approach. It’s just as valid now as it was in the last Recession, maybe even more so today. Sellers, this is the starting point:
There are ten steps necessary to be successful in selling your home in a transitional market:
- Hire a seasoned or well trained professional who knows what they are doing.
- Partner with an Agent who can expose your home to the right Buyer.
- Price ahead of the market curve and price realistically.
- Make your home very easy to access and to show, AT ANY TIME!
- Make and keep your home perfect and appealing.
- Emphasize the best features of your home.
- Remove or anticipate all negatives for a Buyer.
- Reduce your price repeatedly and rapidly if necessary; consider all terms.
- Be prepared to accept an offer when you get one.
- Be cooperative and patient.
Simple enough? The list makes it look easy. Obviously there is much, much more to it. Let’s take these steps point by point and discuss them a bit further.
Choose a professional to partner with that can show you that they know what they are doing. Now more than ever, you need to expect to pay a full fee and need to learn to accept help. It takes a special skill-set to properly expose your home in this market and you need an agent who has them. You need someone who is full time, and will not give up on your listing. Give them a fair fee, allow them enough time and don’t sabotage their best efforts. But, if you’ve made a mistake, honor your commitments then move on with grace.
As to exposure; this is a key point. The Agent you hire MUST have a significant web-presence, and MUST be connected within the industry as well. They have to be willing to be a walking, talking billboard for your property. They will have to successfully use their network of connections to promote your home.
Price ahead of the market. It is essential that you obtain a professional opinion as to value and look hard at the realistic facts that make up the report. Unless you plan to only sell for cash, something in fairly short supply, then remember the Lender will look hard at these facts too. Appraisers are very critical at the moment and you will need comparable sales to back up your value. Buyers need to know that they are offering against a realistic price base. Do not assume that Buyers will just “make the offer”. If you are in the wrong price bracket they may never even know about your home. It won’t come up on a search and other Agents may never pull it up, or choose not to show it assuming you are serious about your asking price.
Don’t lose your sale by languishing too long at the wrong price. You will hold the psychological umbrella that will facilitate other homes similar to yours to slip under your inflated price. You will miss showings and you may never get the offer that could have come your way if you priced your home more aggressively. What’s worse, you may be chasing the market price for months, actually losing money against a rapid sale now.
This comes down to ability and desire as well. If you cannot, or are unwilling, to price a home in a transitional market properly, then in all honesty, you probably should consider not selling.
Be Available: your home should be very easy to show, no excuses. When you decide to sell, you need to accept the fact that life will be different. Dishes get cleaned, dogs secured, beds made, each and every day. You now live in a model-home. This means a lock box as well. If Buyers cannot get in your home when they wish to, they may never return.
Keep your home detailed and make the obvious repairs that put-off Buyers and lessen the perceived value. Tune up the landscape. Get rid of personal items that detract Buyers from the core-goodness of your home. Emphasizing the high-points; make the best elements of your home stand out by staging, or rearranging, to draw the eye to what may not be obvious. Don’t be afraid to paint if necessary and de-clutter. Less is More in Architecture... home sales too!
Now look at your home as if you were going to buy it. What may hold you back? If you know that your carpet is trash, guess what, a buyer will see it too. Repair, upgrade, or install what needs to be done, and if it’s not in your budget, get actual bids for the work and adjust your price. Whatever the negatives may be, think ahead and have the answer.
If your home is not moving, or not getting showings, ninety percent of the time it’s probably price. Listen to what your agent may tell you and keep ahead of the market. Remain creative too. Depending on your finances you may be able to find alternative ways to help the Buyer and get the deal done.
There is an ancient adage that says “your first offer may be your best offer”. This may seem like fortune-cookie speak, but it is all too often true. Decide ahead of time what you may be willing to accept and talk to your Agent about it. Don’t hold back secrets; If you cannot trust your agent than maybe you need a different Agent! Or maybe you need to honestly examine your motives in selling. When the offer comes in get ready to act. Don’t play hard to get; respond appropriately and promptly.
Lastly, let your professional guide you and help you. Don’t create unnecessary barriers to the sale. Let patience be the rule. Normal markets in the past called for twelve month market times. You can imagine that it may take longer now, so allow for enough time to have the sale come your way.
A successful sale comes down to an agreement between a Buyer and a Seller. Successful Marketing takes much more. So try all these steps and see what happens, then repeat as necessary. Of course you MAY call on Jarson & Jarson anytime... best wishes and good luck!
Scott Jarson
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The Architecture of John Lautner
Scott Jarson, 9/8/08
Okay everyone, as the heat wanes it’s time to get refocused on Architecture and Design, and short trips and simple travels are always a great way to do it. One trip I highly recommend you take right now is a run over to Los Angeles to the Hammer Museum in Westwood to bask in the new exhibition. Between Earth and Heaven: The Architecture of John Lautner is on view now through October 12th and should not be missed.
We saw the show this summer and highly recommend viewing it! Lautner’s career is wonderfully presented with a wealth of drawings, slides, models and photographs. It’s great to track this Architects career from his youth and early days at Taliesin West, all the way through to the highly expressive designs that came later in his career.
We’ve had the good fortune to tour several of his homes and what a treat that was. This month and next, there are tours held in conjunction with this show that are available for you to attend so if you can sneak away, you should definitely go!
We loved the Reiner/Burchill Residence - also known as Silvertop. Having seen images before, I was expecting to be “wowed”. We were not expecting such a dynamic space or as interesting detail as we came to discover in this house in person. It’s a remarkable place, sweeping and intimate at the same time. We also enjoyed the geometric simplicity and thoughtful, née DEDICATED, restoration of the Harpel House It took current
owner Mark Haddawy two years to get it back to the architect's original design and we saw it about 80% complete. I found it a joy to look at the connections and construction methods, plus Lautner’s Chemosphere as a neighbor.
The MAK Center for Art and Architecture at the Schindler House is one of our favorite institutions and this year they have partnered the presentation of its 2008 Architecture Tours in with the Hammer Museum and the work of John Lautner. These tours always provide a rare chance to experience great architecture, but this year’s a remarkable opportunity.
Here’s the line up” Tour II: Sunday, September 14, 2008
includes The Jacobsen Residence (1947),
The Harvey Residence (1950),
and The Reiner/Burchill Residence – (a.k.a. “Silvertop” 1963). Tickets for Tour II are $145 per person, per tour.
Tickets include admission to the exhibition, shuttle service, and discounted parking at the Hammer.
To purchase tickets for Tour II, you must be a member of the Hammer Museum at the Contributor level or above. And as a special Lautner Tour benefit, when you sign up for Hammer membership you will automatically receive MAK Center Active-level friendship at no additional charge. Up to four (4) tickets can be purchased per tour, per membership. Not inexpensive, but well worth it!
Next month you can attend Tour IV: on Sunday, October 12, 2008. This features the Sheats/Goldstein House (1963) only. Tickets for Tour IV are $55 per person, and include admission to the exhibition, shuttle service, and discounted parking at the Hammer.
To purchase tickets for Tours IV, no membership is required, but you’ll want to become a member at least of the MAK Center, it’s a small fee with a big return! Have fun…
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ARCHITECTURE TERRORISTS?
Scott Jarson, 12/1/07
If I had my way the marketing caption to the photo next to this commentary should read something like this;
“Timeless Desert home by noted regional Architect, Bennie Gonzales: spacious four-bedroom home, 3700+ Sq.Ft. located in the Town of Paradise Valley; a sublime interpretation of a desert-regional vernacular with a modern influence typical to these wonderful designs. This home features recent updates and a landscape designed by Christy Ten Eyck. A rare example of Mr. Gonzales’ work, this home was crafted in 1966 from hand mortar-washed block modulated to give adobe-like mass to the walls; one of just a handful of homes designed by this influential architect that remain in Arizona.
But, where’s the house? Mostly in the landfill. We never got the chance to expose this home to someone who actually cared about any of that. What someone saw, as is often highly typical in the destruction of architectural homes, was a building lot in Paradise Valley at a price that made economic sense.
I saw this home get built. Prior to its construction, this area was our private desert playground. I was horrified I was to see a “development” go in. What changed my mind was seeing these houses by Mr. Gonzales. I fell in love with them. I enjoyed our new neighbors, and this particular house became home to a generous and lively family that we called friends.
So what made this home disposable? It was of reasonable size and very good condition, offered materiality of great quality, great functionality and importantly, one with a rich architectural history and pedigree. Just what made it a SCRAPER?
Greed? Well, absolutely at least a profit motive. A local penchant for massive homes of mediocre materials so large that they make an acre lot feel small? Sure.
I mostly think it’s a lack of education. Who celebrated Bennie Gonzales architecture? Who pointed this home in the right direction, to the buyer that possessed a keen sense for design and space? Who priced this home to reflect its irreplaceable nature? Unfortunately no one.
I’m a realist. Not every home and building can be saved or will last forever. But
this home was not obsolete in a functional sense. Any shortcomings that made this home less desirable could have been easily overcome.
As I write this, there’s a Gonzales on the market in the area and I fear for its continued existence. or what about the few remaining Al Beadle designs in PV? We regularly attend real estate meetings where someone routinely promotes a new listing as a “SCRAPER”. This translates into anything over twenty years old and smaller than 4000 square feet. Hmm. That’s about EVERY ranch-style or MCM home plus just about every Modern design prior to 1980.
As for Historic in P.V., forget it. What’s left, and there’s VERY little, will probably be gone in ten years. Within the last two years I saw a 1920’s adobe guest ranch go away. The photo-caption that accompanied the pile of rubble in the local newspaper was laughable; “local group looking for history of home”. A little late! There used to be an original homestead from 1914 just off of Mockingbird near Cheney. It too is now gone. They reused some of the adobe blocks in the landscape, or so I’m told.
I cringe at the thought of the architect-designed homes we have seen destroyed by this thinking. If this destruction continues what will we celebrate architecturally? A handful of public buildings and select post-war tract homes?
As a morality story this is an example of why we do what we do at J&J. This is why in 1990, we followed our shared passion to research, present and support architecture and design in a manner that is respectful and promotes the art.
These homes are a part of a cultural legacy that should endure. Thankfully, we have saved more than a few. We’ll work hard to save many more. Some owners don’t know what they have. Many buyers never find what’s available until it’s too late. We are here to help with that.
But the hard fact is builders still watch the MLS every day. And a slower market means people are hesitant to take risks on a home that’s less than mainstream. He who hesitates is lost, or he who hesitates on BUYING Architecture may watch it get lost.
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Heath Ceramics
Scott Jarson, 8/16/07
Finally, Heathware® and Heath Ceramicsis getting its due. Edith Heath, a pioneer ceramic artist and Modern Designer, has become noticed again and it’s about time, even if she is gone, at least some people with design vision have carried it on.
Heath Ceramics is a touchstone to my youth. One of my earliest design inquiries surrounded Heath as I remember asking my mother, “who made these plates?”
“Made by a small studio in California” I was told. Designed in 1947, a year before my parent’s marriage, they were ten years old by the time I got to them. My mom picked them out for their first apartment, pretty cool and ultra-hip for both the times and suburban Michigan.
Growing up with a set of Heath ”Coupe” plates and mugs, beautifully speckled stoneware brown with a robin’s egg blue interior that was like eating from a piece of the Arizona Sky. I ate countless bowls of cereal from them, drank gallons of percolated coffee from them and best of all, it was the plate of choice used for cooling off buttery sugary home-made chocolate fudge. So you see, I have a very strong and happy memory anchor tied to all things Heath.
Later, as the set slowly dwindled to a couple of mugs, and saucers, we bid farewell to the Heath as everyday design, but we kept the bits and pieces stashed, too good to say goodbye to. As a ceramic artist, the shape and glazes always intrigued me. Then, by shear luck Debbie and I found a complete early set of Heath “Coupe” in a shop in California. An early light-weight issue, the color combo, a matte green with opaque black interior, was told to me by Heath some time later was one of Edith Heath’s personal favorites. Fairly rare and unusual, she called it Black Olive. The name suits it perfectly.
DWR has picked up on the Heathware® line, so we’ll start seeing some around now and that’s a good thing. Edith Heath fought all odds to launch and successfully create a studio business based on two tough fields for women; design and ceramics. Personally, I find the shapes perfectly fitted to the hand. Form combining with the rich texture of the glazes and the visual compliment of color make them timeless, a perfect hallmark of design that is as functional today as it was in its 1940’s debut. Some restaurants have discovered it; notably The Slanted Door in San Francisco and even locally, we spotted some at Olive & Ivy.
I heard of the salvation of this iconic company a few years back and vowed to drop in next time we got a chance to get to the Bay Area. As if one needs any extra reasons to go to Sausalito, the Heath studio and store was amazing. A working ceramic studio combined with a humble shop that is firmly rooted in its funky artist/MCM past, the intact originality was comfort food for my soul. If you can, shop at the store just for the experience.
In addition to a full line of plates and dishes offered, there were a few one-of creations made by the shop artisans. The big secret, the one I’m almost hesitant to share, is the TILE. Incorporating Heath Tile into your life in any way is a visual luxury, the glaze textures and colors difficult to give justice to unless you actually touch them.
The visionary savior/new owners since 2003, Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey, have been getting some much deserved press on their endeavor and also on their own home, which was recently featured in Publication. I’m grateful that this line lives on; it’s like an Eames® chair for your table, I hope that these designs and colors are around for another 60 years!
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Summer In Seattle
Scott Jarson, 8/23/06
How ridiculous would it be to travel to Seattle to look at public libraries? Well I guess to most it would be the call of the wild salmon runs or something similar that would bring them to Seattle, but I just could not help but harbor a burning desire to take in first hand all the Modern Architecture I could find in Seattle in the shortest amount of time. Thus began what I call the “Great Library Run of ’06”.
Once properly ensconced in a superb small hotel in the Belltown area, we quickly realized this was a great location in which to walk to virtually everything on our agenda. Hotel Ändra was just the right balance of charming and hip and had a great little bistro attached, LOLA
, where we ended up fueling our bodies for the long walk more than once.
Where does the Modern Architecture lover begin in Seattle? Well, not having access to any private residences, (Bill Gates barred us after learning of my preference to Apple products), we had a short list that took three days to see all of! Seattle and Phoenix are in many ways sister cities in the way they support modern design in their Public library system. We began at the Mother of all Seattle libraries: The Rem Koolhas designed, Main Branch
This is a large structure and the design dominates the street, with overhangs that reach out over the sidewalks in an embrace that seemed perfectly fitting with the way the libraries here reach out into their respective communities.
I tagged on to a tour group that gave a good overview of the structure by a dedicated Docent: It became immediately apparent that this building met with some considerable local conflict and budget problems and local pride. Largely privately underwritten, this is the sort of structure that is not likely to be built in Phoenix. I cant’ imagine a civic atmosphere that would privately support a public building outside of a sports arena, Orpheum Theatre not withstanding.
What’s remarkable to me about this design is how it disappears in use; something that I think makes it successful. It is LARGE but very well used, full, even on a Tuesday morning. The light was well suited to the Seattle climate and one quickly adapted the volume of space. Sadly, safety concerns disposed of the more intimate nooks and crannies that I find comforting and human in a Public Library, but this structure offered uses far beyond what we typically see in our Libraries.
This is a signature building; its design makes a statement. Its mass and scale are perfectly suited to its bustling civic and business location, surrounded by many older buildings that can hold down its mass. Anywhere else, it would be an Imposing monolith, as it was; I was unable to take in the complete elevation. As interesting as it is, I found two other Libraries much more human-scaled, interesting intimate and enjoyable.
James Cutler is an architect whose work I highly admire, so I had to search out the Capitol Hill Library .Here’s a work that’s as quiet and unassuming as the Koolhas design is bold. Ensconced in an older residential setting, it was designed with a very tight budget constraint. This building could easily be overlooked, covered as it was is a grid that will allow a network of vines to encase the tumbled brick and trowel finished exterior. This design quietly reflected the local environment and respected its location. A much smaller Library, it is again well used and brings a community together to a center gathering spot. The light was soft and delightful and the detailing no less special for the budget.
Breaking from the Library search, I planned a double treat just for me: Combining my guitar-passion and architecture-addiction into a single destination, the EMC brings them together under one undulating roof! Frank Geary’s building was a blast to look at and while a little on the playful side, it’s completely successful in setting the stage for what the Experience houses. One attendee offered the perfect compliment: Unaware of any high-brow architecture ideals, I noticed one visitor looking around in wide-wonder at the explosion of texture and form, exclaiming in excitement, “Dude, this building is SO completely cool”
Now if you like music and guitars, this is a spot you need to plan some time for. They house a wonderful little collection of all the significant guitars that evolved into the modern electric, some great video and photos, plus a hands-on center where you can actually play, mix and record. All this and the Hendrix display to boot. I am now experienced! Debbie had to drag me out, displaying extreme patience with me offering guitar-tolerance that I love her for.
Taking a drive to out to nearby Ballard capped the Library search. The Ballard Branch designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson is green as green can be, with a plethora of energy saving designs and details incorporated into the building, including a sod and grass covered roof. Read this link for the details.
It offers an abundance of small surprises that seem completely appropriate given the nature of the users: a good many were children, completely enjoying themselves in this unique space, all taking a turn to view the hidden periscope view of the grass covered roof. I love the civic pride these buildings represent: everyone knows they are enjoying something unique, even if the don’t quite know why. Remarkably, this branch also spilled out into the public elements of the surrounding space as if to say: We the people of Seattle, care about this place too”. This branch was recently completed and won a much deserved AIA award. I only regret that we did not have more time to explore Ballard, as we saw lot of interesting shops, galleries and restaurants that we did not have time to explore: maybe next time.
Several other building stood out, Steven Holls’ beautiful Chapel of St. Ignatius at Seattle University is beautiful, spiritual and serene: check out the movie posted here. Offering a scale that humbles and softness to the interior that marries modern design with the spiritual, it is as good as it comes and well worth the quite time spent there.
If you know me you know the penchant I have for coffee and books. Seattle was no less for either. I recommend top-pot doughnuts for both a superb cup of coffee, but damn fine doughnuts and as much walking as we did, I could justify three visits! What’s more, the building in Belltown was as interesting as some of what we can here to see.
Fellow architecture Junkies must go and visit Peter at Peter Miller Architecture and design books. A delightful man, he offered a great selection of architecture books and select design items, plus a generous nature that took time to discuss local eats, architecture and all things interesting. If you are sincere and humble, he might offer you a handout on local architecture worth its weight in the books you will no doubt take home with you!
Most everything we looked at was located in a reasonable walk or Bus ride (free Downtown), and all in a physical space not much larger than Phoenix’s own Copper Square. It was loaded with life and pedestrians, small shops and cafes, boutiques and hotels, most of which are local and one of a kind, in contrast to our lack of all of the above (but I have hope for us I really do!)
Here’s something that I have to reflect on. Seattleites seemed to bring cars to work with them downtown just like we do. As evidenced by a fair amount of parking structures. But I am certain that the City Codes must not fixate on available parking as we love to do in Phoenix. Every street has some available parallel parking and there was no apparent requirement for a restaurateur to “park” his table count. In addition Valet parking was not all that common. So why the car fixation for Downtown Phoenix? Are you listening city planners?
While Seattle has us beat in library worship and user dedication (Each and every branch was PACKED!) I still feel that we have them beat in unique infill development. In that regard all I saw was interesting and “loft-like” developments but it was still a bit too apartment/condo in design. I think of The Vale and others here and still marvel at what has been created in little-old Arizona.
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Real Estate Market 101- Summer School
Scott Jarson, 6/14/06
The Truth about Real Estate: (or why the house pictured next to this won't go down in long term value...)
EDITORS NOTE; WHILE THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN OVER ONE YEAR AGO, IT STILL RINGS TRUE, EVEN IN THE ADJUSTED MARKET WE ARE IN TODAY. MANY OF THE PROJECTS THAT ARE DISCUSSED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MARKET THEN HAVE COMPLETED, SOME HAVE GONE ON TO NOT EVEN BEING BUILT. TODAY, A GOOD PROJECT IS A GOOD PROJECT... THE CREATION OF NEW GREAT ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN ARE SIGNIFICANTLY CHALLENGED BY CURRENT MARKET CONDITIONS. IF YOU WANT UNIQUE, THEY ARE STILL NOT MAKE MUCH MORE OF IT :)
Recent articles in the Arizona Republic, reporter Catherine Reagor (whom I like and respect a great deal) picked up on an item that no doubt came across her desk as a press release.
The headline read: “high-end condos’ low opening bid signal glut”. It went on to cover an auction of four condos in Optima Biltmore and three at The Vale in Tempe. I have to quote a part of it so as to be in context: “Here’s a sure sign that too many high-end condominiums are going up in metropolitan Phoenix: Units at two pricey new developments are being auctioned off, and the minimum bids are half of what the homes originally cost.”
The coverage was really misleading in my opinion and it’s typical of what is being fed to the public almost daily. I am going to include most of what I sent to Ms. Reagor in reaction and will single out The Vale as an example…So here goes my big rant of the year concerning this article and the general state of real estate:
For the record, while there are a number of Luxury condo towers going up in the Valley, I feel it’s a misleading to consider The Vale as one of them and that this auction is an indication of a drastic change in the market. I may agree that we have A LOT of luxury condos, what we do not have is A LOT of condos with unique architecture. And Luxury Condos do not a complete real estate market make.
Visitors to this website will know that The Vale is a Diverse Mixed-use project. Units sizes ranged from 622 sq ft studios to 3 bedroom loft units over 2200 sq ft. They are well appointed, but I would classify the project as “Near Luxury”. None of the units sold new for more than $600K. The Studio units sold in the mid to high $100’s. There are still re-sale units ranging from the high $200’s and right now there is a wonderful 2 bedroom+den that you could buy today at $399K (subject to prior sale of course!).
So honestly, this project should really be considered one of the most obtainable in the Valley. The re-sale prices are running well under $350/sq ft, which is WAY below what the other re-sale and new urban projects are getting. Our average price was in the $300’s so in what way can this project be considered in the same light as the Luxury towers along Camelback? It’s flattering, but inaccurate.
Nor is it new. All units are sold save one remaining commercial office condo space. The project has been completed since September 2005. The clear majority of Buyers are owner occupants that are now happily enjoying a creative urban lifestyle and superb architecture on a daily basis. Most of the die-hards reserved originally and waited, with great patience, for the project to complete.
Most of the units in this “auction” are owned by a sole investor and I am certain that there is a reserve on the units, much higher than the minimum bid. As the sales agents for this project, I am obviously familiar with the ownership on these units. Basically, I suspect this is a creative marketing idea, designed to grab exposure and create an expectation that there might be some advantage to a buyer in this sort of sales setting. I feel that it is very misleading to the public to indicate that the “opening bid” is what these homes will actually sell for. If there is a reserve, it should be stated.
These units had been offered conventionally through MLS. I do not expect this owner will consider any bid that does not return his expectation of profit. This is what is really happening in the market: Sellers continue to expect a return that may be out of step with the reality of available inventory, mostly seen in new construction. In fact, in most cases prices have not gone down, they just fail to sell for what many investors wish to achieve in sales price. If patience and reasonable pricing is exercised, there are still buyers for virtually any home. And a fair return for sellers. We advise buyers and sellers every day. When our seasoned advice is taken, it almost always results in a happy transaction for both buyer and seller. We do not have to result to trickery in an auction setting.
It’s my opinion that considering this auction as an indication that the values of these homes are dropping, or that there is an air of market desperation is completely inaccurate. What I believe is really happening is a real estate firm taking advantage of an opportunity to capitalize on negative press, so as to create a sense of urgency in Buyers. It is no more a marker of true market conditions then a broker open house. It is a method of marketing, no more. The low opening bid does not signal a “glut”, it signals a sales tactic.
I received many an inquiry about the project these last few weeks. A handful of misled persons were under the impression that you could buy at the Vale for less than its market value, which I cannot even remotely see happening. The Vale remains one of the most affordable urban in-fill projects in the area. It has world-class architecture, innovative floor-plans, diverse unit types, and superb location being just 8/10ths of a mile from ASU and Tempe Town Lake. It is still priced considerably less than new construction along the Mill Avenue corridor. I spent the weekend there and had a delightful time; the spaces are fantastic, the light wonderful and the neighbors friendly. Another recent article categorized this project as “empty” or something similar. It is not, and even if it was, they are all sold. Just wait until fall, people return after the summer.
Which goes to show that if buyers want real values they don’t need to attend an auction to do it: they need look no further than their seasoned real estate professional that can show them MLS inventory representing a majority of reasonable sellers offering quality homes at sensible prices.
All of this adds up to my big prediction: Anyone who wishes to buy a unique home, and can, should do so now. There will not be a better time. I am basing this opinion on lots of information and a fair amount of experience…
Consider the following:
• Steel, plastic and concrete: We are still facing increasing costs of materials and these is still world-wide demand for some construction materials that has not decreased, nor is likely to in the next 24 months. I have two thoughts: New Orleans and China.
• Bullets and bombs use a lot of copper. So do hybrid cars, plumbing systems and electrical wiring.
• Oil: not cheap. Gas not cheaper…
• Construction Plastics such as Carpet, paint, insulation, PVC are all made from oil…
• The cost of these materials will keep new construction costs from going down.
• Nationally, interest rates are still historically very low but are likely to go higher rather than lower.
• Large amounts of people are still moving here. Even if the number slows for 2006, it’s still staggering.
• Outlying suburban neighborhoods have historically been the most affected value-wise in a real estate market slowdown. If you want a stucco tract home in Pinal County, you can find several….that acre lot in Paradise Valley? How many are there left without tearing an existing home down?
• In the worst real estate recession since the great depression, home values in Paradise Valley went down about 6%. When they rebounded, they went up about 10%.
• Building permits are down, which means eventually inventory will drop.
• The economy is good and employment rate is about as high as it gets.
• There is finally an actual inventory of unique architecture being developed and constructed. Celebrate this fact!
• If the market does actually soften, there will not be any new ones being developed for a while. That would be very sad.
• They are not making any more in-fill land, mid-century modern classics, Ralph Haver houses or Al Beadle homes.
• They are not making any more in-fill land, mid-century modern classics, Ralph Haver houses or Al Beadle homes (just in case you missed that last point…)
• ASU Downtown and the Light Rail have not even been built yet. Just you wait…
• Connecting Tempe with Phoenix via light Rail in going to create an urban powerhouse never seen here.
The same machine that delighted in covering increasing real estate frenzy will no doubt cover any possible negative effects of same, to their great profit. They are almost at the point where they are creating, or at the very least, spinning real estate issues to support an assumption that they hold about the market. It is interesting that we take information form the same source that sells real estate advertising as gospel. Consider this simple equation that even I can follow: Slower market = more advertising $.
Buyers are being frightened by stupid press. There's some amazing misinformation out there right now. We see a lot of buyers who feel that things will come down further, but realistically, this won't happen on anything they want to live in. Interest rates are probably going to rise so what will happen is that they will miss the window of opportunity to buy at a fair price and at a great rate!
Truthfully, the current market could be an amazing opportunity. Most Sellers who are sincere are pricing accordingly. Always remember that good Architecture in housing is a scare commodity. Way-cool houses are selling just like normal. Remember, much of what we represent cannot be duplicated, either because of talent or cost of building. If it’s unique architecture you’re after: there’s only so much after all…
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LA 1: Schindler and Hollywood...
Scott Jarson, 2/28/06
Southern California was made for architecture, I’m convinced of it. Large, diverse and sprawling, you can fill your days searching out fine examples. A great place to start is West Hollywood, a location that offers designs by Frank Lloyd Wright, Lloyd Wright, Neutra , Gill, Lautner, Gehry, a variety of lesser known names, but in particular, R. M. Schindler.
Last fall I spent a few days there immersing myself in LA Architecture. I attended a UCLA extension class that focused on adding value to real estate through architecture. Who ever heard of such a thing? It’s gratifying to know there are others out there in like mind.
What was interesting is that class coincided with the anniversary of R M Schindler’s birthday. I had planned to visit his original LA residence on Kings in West Hollywood. I arrived the day before class (and Schindler’s birthday) and went right to the house since the light was good and the skies clear. The house is easy to find and parking is not too bad. There were just a handful of visitors.
The approach to the home is very modest and a small plaque plus an historical sign marked the spot. A hedge of mature Giant Bamboo lined a gravel path to the MAK Center and entry to the home. One pays a modest entry fee and has the run of a self guided tour.
Schindler designed and constructed this home in 1929 in a plan that would essentially be considered a duplex. Schindlers work under Frank Lloyd Wright certainly is evident in the home, yet there are clear indications of this man’s future work and expression reflected here as well.
There is a large amount of compression at the entry (read extreme) which allows significant relief upon entry. This makes the remaining spaces feel huge in comparison. This effect belies the actually very modest ceiling heights in the rest of the structure. The scale and serenity and comfort that come from this very human scale are remarkable. One tends to forget what joy smaller spaces can be spatially.
Materials are predominantly wood and cast tilt-up concrete panels. Exterior wall panels are often very thin and translucent, Shoji-like in nature. The home certainly represents a place, time and climate that allowed for successful experimentation architecturally. With current building and seismic codes nothing even close to the lightness of being this home has could be constructed today.
The home’s compact physical size is easy to relate to. It’s not unlike the later Usonian Houses by FLLW. The term "ship" like came to mind often. There is a wonderful rich patina about the place, amazing, since the cast concrete is beautiful, but had at one time been painted. Stripping the paint was a major expense in the restoration of these twin homes.
Indoor/outdoor relationships are superb as only they can be within fifty miles of coastal Southern California microclimates (and in Arizona for about six months of the year!). The light is serene and comforting, and the grounds conjure up visions of a tea ceremony.
It was interesting to see who was there: a few Austrians on an architectural heritage mission and a local high school group enjoying a field trip sketch fest first class. The MAK CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHITECTURE LA maintains the property and needs support. On-site there is a nice selection of architecture books. Admission is a modest $7.00 and if you come on Schindler’s birthday, admission is free AND there is a book discount too, so plan on next October 10th!
Since you’ll be in West Hollywood, you should take the time to check out and enjoy the plethora of nearby design sensitive shops on Melrose Avenue. The home is a short walk to one of our favorites: Fitsu Society for all your design item needs, and almost next door is Denmark 50,which is self explanatory and a must see if you like mid century modern and Scandinavian-designed furniture.
Superb coffee, amazing desserts and healthy, fresh food can be had down the street at Urth caffé, a small local chain that I’d love to see here (anyone who knows me well is aware of my coffee and pie problem). If tea is your thing, check out e.lix.r Tonics and Teas where if you have the time, you can be offered up a pot of Jasmine Pearl green tea, served in the simple and serene garden courtyard that belies the fact that you are in one of the largest metro-city complexes in the United States. Might be a nice time to relax and read that architecture book you just bought at R.M.’s house…
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Architecture & Summer in San Diego
Scott Jarson, 8/16/05
August, 2005: What I did on my summer vacation. In my opinion, there’s TRAVEL and there’s VACATION. Travel involves something new and a lot of activity, but for me to have a vacation; it must include down-time, books and water, preferably a beach. For years, like most of Arizona, our family descends upon San Diego County for a summer respite. We have a favorite North County haunt that we no longer share with others because, frankly as it’s been said; “I vant to be alone!”.
As I leave the day-to-day of work behind, inevitably, I ‘m drawn back to Architecture. Obviously, exploring architecture is never work for me and this year, I thought that I’d share some of what we love here with others.
Much like Phoenix, San Diego has architectural roots that are often overlooked by those who have not spent much time here. There is a wealth of diverse and remarkable buildings, including some really remarkable examples of Spanish Colonial Revival (Let’s not forget Balboa Park and the Pan-American Exposition, that did more to spread red tile roofs in Arizona and California than Father Kino), and the entire covenant portion of Ranch Santa Fe is superb and remarkable, thank you Pioneer American Architect Lillian Rice.
The Post-War boom hit here too, so there’s great examples of Modern Architecture and a solid Modern ethic that remains to this day. There are several Neutra houses, great designs by case-study names and of course Louis Kahn’s Salk Institute is really a magic place.
If you make it this far north, keep going and check out the Solana Beach Train Station, by Rob Wellington Quigley (www.robquigley.com). Check out the movie… It’s a superb work that is completely modern, yet plays well and echoes the Quonset hut roots of the nearby Cedros Design District. Check out Susan Street Fine Art located in same and include a stop at Zinc Café on Cedros.
If Phoenix really goes for Transit Centers this nice, we all in for a treat and might find people actually will ride the train into Downtown.
I love a real bookstore and you can do no better than BOOKWORKS in Solana Beach/Del Mar. They have a great selection of Design and Architecture books, and the owner lays in some nice vintage jewelry, art and object finds too. PANNIKIN COFFEE & TEA is right next door for coffee. (Both located in the Flower Hill Mall, 2670 Via de la Valle) What more could I ask for?
I especially like what is happening in Little Italy. Maybe the locals may not like all the attention and construction, but it has been a remarkable transformation. I love to spend time there and highly recommend Architectural Salvage for everything eclectic and Boomerang for Modern is the real deal for sure. Zuccaro has the best Cannoli I have ever had (“leave the gun, take the Cannoli”)! All are on India Street .
The dynamic aspect of this is that we are in line for something similar for Downtown Phoenix. If you want a nice preview of our potential future, spend a day down here and you get a glimpse of what could happen at home if we decide to get it right.
Housing options in this area are superb and innovative with designs from a great group of architectural talent, notably, Smith and Others .
Jonathan Segal .
and Rob Quigley. Get a look at the LIND project , one of the first developments in Little Italy that spearheaded the transformation, . This project includes a collection of several buildings and open public spaces. I’m partial to Ted Smith’s Merrimac Building , I think for me it’s the light inside and the play of materials (see the other photo posted).
You can buy a loft-like condo in this area and compared to La Jolla, it’s down right affordable. Considering the ease to the harbor (oh, the Star of India!), the Airport (You can’t miss it with the Jets screaming overhead!), and a short drive to some of the best beaches this side if the Riviera, not a bad deal. Compare the prices to anything here and now you get what is driving our Market!
Hope you had a great summer; see you back in the heat! Scott Jarson
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