After an appointment in San Diego, and a phone call to my big brother for directions, we headed to where I spent my first nine years in the neighborhood of Clairemont.
In 1950, two enterprising men combined their engineering and construction skills to develop what became San Diego’s largest and most innovative post-war subdivision. Lou Burgener and Carlos Tavares called their community Clairemont after Tavares’ wife, Claire. Its design represented a new concept in community living because the developers were unwilling to impose the traditional grid system of uniform blocks and streets, but, rather, hired engineers to create a plan of gently winding streets and scenic view lots to take advantage of the deep canyons (which us kids practically lived in) and lofty bluffs overlooking Mission Bay.
Local architects, Harold Abrams, Benson Eschenbach and Richard George Wheeler, designed 20 floor plans for the first development of 500 homes. Built in South Clairemont, these deluxe houses ranged in price from $13,000 to $20,000, featured spacious floorplans, large view windows, fireplaces, tiled bathrooms, paneling and latest kitchen built-ins. After years of housing shortages, San Diegans rushed in to buy these modern homes.
Okay, this is beyond "It's a Small World". Benson Eschenbach, as it turns out, is the grandpa of one of my daughter-in-laws. I am blown away by that fact. Wow.
Within a few years, several thousand houses had been constructed, including single family homes, duplexes and apartments. Since Clairemont was somewhat removed from the city proper, commercial business and retail shopping, schools, libraries and other city amenities were designed into the overall plan. Although the concept of suburban living seems commonplace today, this approach was considered novel and Tavares’ vision for Clairemont had far-reaching implications for San Diego as it stretched the city limits outward and began the now familiar pattern of migration from city to suburb.
We moved into our new home in Clairemont in 1963. Note the stick of a tree planted in the front yard.
And here it is 54 years older.
The house had a very heavy Asian influence, inside and out. None of the homes have the original accents remaining. It's kind of sad.
Check out my groovy sister-in-law and our Chevy Malibu (circa 1960s).
History and connections are found everywhere. Who knew I'd find them on this little street in San Diego. Wild.
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1 comments:
I'm laughing at you running into someone's front yard to take a photo. And thanks for pointing out the stick of a tree because I NEVER would have seen that!
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