OMG! I am thrilled to know there is a Lustron home in Asheville and it just came on the market today. According to Sandra Brooks, it is one of two existing here. What is a Lustron home?
After World War II, The US Government had an interest in creating new housing for returning servicemen. Carl Strandlund obtained a government loan to produce homes of steel with porcelain coated exterior panels, steel framing and steel interior walls and ceiling. He founded the Lustron Corporation and built approximately 2,498 Lustron Homes in a former aircraft plant in Columbus OHIO.
The Lustron homes were designed to be maintenance free, cost approximately $7,000, and were produced in 1949 and 1950. These homes were considered to be three times stronger than a traditional stick built home and were advertised as being rodent proof, fire proof , lightening proof, and rustproof.
Tomorrow, I am touring this charming home. It is located in one of my favorite neighborhoods, Beverly Hills, and listed for $150,000. I hope to encourage a fan to buy and preserve this unique home.
Here is how the listing agent describes it. “Retro fans – this is the one for you! RARE Lustron home, only two in Asheville. This is a post WW II cottage, steel construction with porcelain enamel covering steel tiles. Talk about sustainable! No air ducts so it’s perfect for those with allergies; heated by radiant ceiling. Lustron homes are fading from American neighborhoods and it’s hard to find one in the original condition, but this one has original builtins and floorplan!”
Want to know more about Lustron homes go to www.lustronconnection.org
Just a quick follow up to say that the tour was great. The house is 99% intact. Thanks to Sandra for bringing to the publics attention and hosting people from the Historic Preservationists. I so wish I could live here and write more on Modern Asheville.
great post, troy! two in greensboro…enjoy the tour….and happy new year.
Yes. I remember those two. Very sweet. Happy New Year!
Great meeting at the house yesterday with modern enthusiasts.
love it!!!!!