3500 Meier Street

Gregory Ain, Architect | Modernique Homes, 1948. One of the more original of the fifty-two homes in this enclave by the pioneering modern architect, this special property has been cherished by the same family for many years, and is being offered for the first time in decades. On a large corner lot on the most desirable street in the community, surrounded by mature landscaping, this home provides a calm and serene sanctuary from big city life. Original clerestory windows, floor-to-ceiling glass, fireplace, built-ins, and hardware have been preserved, while floors and some other finishes have been updated over the years. The garage has been converted into a ceramic studio, with operable windows, concrete floor, laundry room, and additional storage plus a gas-fired kiln on the side yard. Originally the 3-block neighborhood was conceived as a combination of good design and low-cost postwar housing, Gregory Ain's successful attempt to bring modernist aesthetic sensibilities to the masses. By rotating the houses in different directions and alternating rectangular and square forms, the architect was able to create eight unique configurations, resulting in a variegated presence on the streets. Unifying the composition, Harvard-trained landscape architect Garrett Eckbo created a communal park-like setting for the homes, with continuous lawns and greenspace running the length of the streets, unbroken by fences or private boundaries. Today, the neighborhood remains a tight-knit community of like-minded architecture lovers who value the positive lifestyle benefits stimulated by good design. A rare opportunity to participate in the ongoing social experiment inspired by Ain and Eckbo's lofty vision. May be eligible for Mills Act tax benefits.