esrosedotblog

TEARDOWNS?

The market for architectural "gems" is down.

We just sold a conventional home for about as much as some of these are going in LA. Well, one that is mentioned.

Architectural Gems Languish in California Home Market

I have either walked or been dragged through a lot of this kind of place.

They are great to look at and have a lot of caché as stars in the design firmament but when you look closely at them it is very clear that they are a bastard to keep up.

A lot of them are aging now. And not all of them well.

A number weren't all that snug against the drafts and water in the first place.

I like the pictures though.

We have a lot of these classic mid-century homes in Palm Springs. I don't know how they are doing.

We live in a condo designed by a local, well appreciated and known, architect built in the 80s. It is holding up well but the HOA is engaged in constant maintenance.

Of course, no one is going to tear any of these houses down. Some of them are designated.

The trouble with designation is that the ones who designate aren't the ones to pay for the maintenance.

After two months, I can tell you that we are breathing a lot easier at having a 50 year old house out of the way and in someone else's hands. He will take care of it.

It has been a bit of a burden. If it had also been a landmark house, we would have been even more engaged in upkeep.

It is our time to relax. I wish the owners of these beauties well.

Labels: condo, culture, history, home