For anyone that is interesting in learning about the unique mid-century modern architecture that exists in Fullerton, check out this exhibit at The City of Fullerton Museum

Forever Fullerton: Julius Shulman
Opening Reception: April 4, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Julius Shulman is one of the best known architectural photographers in the world. In the 1950s and 1960s, he did extensive work in Fullerton documenting houses and other buildings in town. The 35 images in this exhibition come from his massive portfolio, now housed at the Getty Reserach Library, and will include scenes from mid-century interiors and exteriors. To add another dimension to the exhibition, it will also include period pieces such as chairs by Eames, furniture by Herman Miller, and architectural pottery by California ceramic designers.

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wow, i’m going to have to get up there.  there was a great house for sale there last year, owned by a rocker that had been nicely renovated, but it was sold or withdrawn.

here is the pr
The exhibit, which runs from April 4 - July 19, will feature 35 of Shulman’s classic architectural images taken in Fullerton during the mid 1950s

For_Immediate_Release:

United States of America (Press Release) March 25, 2009—
Through its efforts to shed light on a tract of aging mid-century modern homes in Fullerton, once photographed by modern architectural photographer Julius Shulman, Silber Architects helped spearhead an exhibit featuring the historic images of the popular photographer at the Fullerton City Museum.

The exhibit titled “Forever Fullerton” takes its name from the “Forever House” tract of 1950s era modernist homes designed by famed architectural team A. Quincy Jones and Fredrick E. Emmons.

Considered the premier architectural photographer throughout the 50s and 60s, Shulman did extensive work in Fullerton documenting houses and various buildings. The Exhibit, which runs from April 4 - July 19, will feature 35 of these classic images, courtesy of the Getty Research Library. The exhibition will also include period pieces such as chairs by Eames, furniture by Herman Miller, and architectural pottery by California ceramic designers.

In addition to its roll in helping bring the exhibition to light, Silber Architects designed a temporary exhibition structure within the museum that provides a complete visual experience with a seamless transition between exhibit and show space.

source: FPR

“We are thrilled and honored to be part of this wonderful exhibit,” said John Silber of Silber Architects. “Shulman’s iconic imagery further validates the significance of these truly unique Fullerton homes.”

here is a real estate saleswoman who specializes in them (lives there in the forever community) and has lots of photos:

http://www.jenhallstrom.com/modern/forever_house_community.htm

In 1954, Eichler convinced architects A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons to appear on the “House that ‘Home’ Built” segment of the NBC Home television show that came on daily after the Today Show from 1954 to 1957. On the nationally syndicated show, Jones and Emmons offered to created house plans for any developer that came up with two hundred dollars. The local building firm of Pardee-Phillips took up the challenge and constructed three tracts containing a total of 286 Eichler-styled homes, called Fullerton Grove. These tracts, built over a span of 3 years between 1953 and 1956, are located west of Richman Avenue on several streets between Valencia Drive and Orangethorpe Avenue (the model homes were on the 500 block of W. Ash Avenue ). Advertised as the “Forever House,” the aluminum, glass, steel, and masonry residence sold for $13,000 to $15,000, that required a $1,250 down payment (with no down payment for veterans).

freedomCM - 27 March 2009 03:10 AM

wow, i’m going to have to get up there. there was a great house for sale there last year, owned by a rocker that had been nicely renovated, but it was sold or withdrawn.

My emotional side almost got the better of me as I was nearly the new owner of that house. It is a bitch-in house. Lucky I came to my senses and backed out of my offer.

freedomCM - 27 March 2009 03:15 AM

In 1954, Eichler convinced architects A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons to appear on the “House that ‘Home’ Built” segment of the NBC Home television show that came on daily after the Today Show from 1954 to 1957. On the nationally syndicated show, Jones and Emmons offered to created house plans for any developer that came up with two hundred dollars. The local building firm of Pardee-Phillips took up the challenge and constructed three tracts containing a total of 286 Eichler-styled homes, called Fullerton Grove. These tracts, built over a span of 3 years between 1953 and 1956, are located west of Richman Avenue on several streets between Valencia Drive and Orangethorpe Avenue (the model homes were on the 500 block of W. Ash Avenue ). Advertised as the “Forever House,” the aluminum, glass, steel, and masonry residence sold for $13,000 to $15,000, that required a $1,250 down payment (with no down payment for veterans).

This neighborhood has a lot of potential especially being right next to the downtown area. The houses remind me more of the Cliff May homes in Long Beach. Very few people know about this development. Not even people that are into Eichlers and modern homes. Hopefully, the neighborhood will become more trendy and get people to restore the homes in mass. I know there is a new modern home project proposed in this neighborhood but it’s most likely on hold now.

I think the new project was 2 story townhouses.  and it is on hold last i heard.

Here is an example of a mid-century modern home in Fullerton.

another pic

Julius Shulman will be making a public appearance at the museum May 9 @ 2pm. He just turned 98 so it’s pretty cool he can make it out.

http://ocmodernhomes.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/modernrealtor
Jen@jenhallstrom.com
www.JenHallstrom.com
www.OCModernHomes.com

Met up with richard smith, fullerton museum curator and walked through he museum to see how the new Shulman galley exhibit is coming today. Noticed they’ve already included various modern items such as Eichler books, starburst lamp and other mid century gifts in museum gift shop.

Very cool. I will definitely be checking out this exhibit.

the only problem (and the huge problem) is that these homes are in Fullerton.  Not a bad town, but kind of out there, IMO.

hey Jen,

that is funny that I post a link to your website, and then a few days later you show up. 

Have you been stealthily reading along for a while, or do you use an awareness service for links to your website?

(which is a great resource, thanks, btw)

JLegend - 01 April 2009 11:46 PM

the only problem (and the huge problem) is that these homes are in Fullerton.  Not a bad town, but kind of out there, IMO.

I suppose if you drive to Irvine for work. However, the Golden Hills and Raymond Hills neighborhoods are both in walking distance to the train station which you can take to downtown LA or Irvine.

I think it is a good spot to settle in case you have to work in LA someday. I work in Cypress and most of my family is in the Cerritos and surrounding cities. So Irvine has always felt way out there for me.

Mcdonna1980 - 02 April 2009 01:21 AM

JLegend - 01 April 2009 11:46 PM

the only problem (and the huge problem) is that these homes are in Fullerton.  Not a bad town, but kind of out there, IMO.

I suppose if you drive to Irvine for work. However, the Golden Hills and Raymond Hills neighborhoods are both in walking distance to the train station which you can take to downtown LA or Irvine.

I think it is a good spot to settle in case you have to work in LA someday. I work in Cypress and most of my family is in the Cerritos and surrounding cities. So Irvine has always felt way out there for me.

True.  I grew up in the hood - Lakehood.  I much rather be in Paris.

JLegend - 02 April 2009 01:34 AM

Mcdonna1980 - 02 April 2009 01:21 AM

JLegend - 01 April 2009 11:46 PM

the only problem (and the huge problem) is that these homes are in Fullerton.  Not a bad town, but kind of out there, IMO.

I suppose if you drive to Irvine for work. However, the Golden Hills and Raymond Hills neighborhoods are both in walking distance to the train station which you can take to downtown LA or Irvine.

I think it is a good spot to settle in case you have to work in LA someday. I work in Cypress and most of my family is in the Cerritos and surrounding cities. So Irvine has always felt way out there for me.

True.  I grew up in the hood - Lakehood.  I much rather be in Paris.

We have Perris and home prices are very affordable. You can buy the homes on the entire street.

Just a reminder about the exhibit tonight from 6-9 pm. They added dinner and live entertainment to the event, too.

I went to the exhibit last night and was a little underwhelmed. The Schulman photos were great, but there weren’t as many as I hoped to see. The museum curator mentioned a couple times that they were working with a pretty small budget so they were definitely trying their best. I think normal admission is $4 and it is definitely a good value at that price.

I may go back on May 9th to see Julius Schulman. Since he is 98 that is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity.

I went as well. I agree with you. The exhibit left me wanting more. The atmosphere was nice, though. We drank wine and beer while listening to the jazz band. We also had fun rocking out in the Fender room.

I’ve never been out at night in downtown Fullerton. I was surprised at the night scene there.

So… I was always aware of the Eichlers in Orange and Tustin, but I didn’t know until not that there is some fantastic modern architecture in Fullerton. I saw some great picks in the commute to Pasadena thread, and it really peaked my interest. Would anyone be willing to head up architecture tour of Fullerton? Would this be a walking tour, or would it be a driving only tour? Seriously, I would be very interested, especially if we could get BK to join too.

I would love to do that. Anyone else interested?

I’m in! I can never get too much modern architecture.

I’d be there.

graphrix - 10 April 2009 07:42 AM

Would this be a walking tour, or would it be a driving only tour?

The homes are spread out. If we walked it, it would be a long walk. However, it is a beautiful neighborhood with lush foliage so the walk would be pleasant.

Seriously, I would be very interested, especially if we could get BK to join too.

Bk, would be a great resource for the outing. Any interest BK?

I’ll try to head out there this weekend and plot out a tour for us to take.

For your viewing pleasure, an MCM on steroids…

www.1019lomavista.com

Enjoy,
-IR2