Bringing modernist architecture to the masses.
Fullerton in the 1950s looking north on what was originally called Spadra Boulevard and is now Harbor Boulevard. The cross street is Commonwealth.
In the heart of Fullerton, California, the Fullerton Groves Forever Houses stand as a shining example of mid-century modern neighborhood design—where affordability, smart architecture, and California living came together in perfect harmony. Built in the mid-1950s during a time of post-war optimism and rapid population growth, these homes were created to meet the demand for accessible, thoughtfully designed housing for a new generation of homeowners.
Taken outside 534 W. Maplewood shortly after construction was complete, looking northeast (towards downtown). Presumed to be two new mothers of babies that will be retired now.
The Forever Houses were born from the idea that great design shouldn’t be reserved for the wealthy. Visionary architects A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons—who would later become famous for their work with developer Joseph Eichler—crafted home plans that delivered sleek modernist architecture at a price that middle-class families could afford. Local builder Pardee-Phillips brought these designs to life in Fullerton, constructing nearly 300 homes that balanced style, function, and accessibility.
At prices ranging from just $12,950 to $19,500, these homes were attainable for the average family, with favorable financing options available—especially for veterans. But despite their affordability, the homes didn’t skimp on design. They featured post-and-beam construction, floor-to-ceiling glass, color-coordinated kitchens, and the kind of open, airy floor plans that are still celebrated today. The post and beam mid-century houses were as beautiful as they were practical.
There were several different floor plans, offering three or four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each home embodied the principles of mid-century modern design: clean lines, low-slung or flat roofs, clerestory windows, sliding glass doors, and open spaces that seamlessly connected indoors and outdoors. Most models featured a carport, symbolic of the car as a status symbol in 1950s America.
As a nod to Fullerton’s orange growing heritage, every house came with an orange tree, sometimes in both front and backyards, blending the area’s past with its modern future. These homes became part of a broader movement to make affordable homes similar to Eichlers accessible to families who wanted more than cookie-cutter housing.
The Fullerton Groves Forever Houses helped define what it meant to live the California dream: stylish yet approachable homes that emphasized openness, nature, and ease of living. They offered a refreshing alternative to the traditional ranch homes and set the stage for the widespread appeal of mid-century neighborhoods in SoCal.
While some homes have been altered over the decades, a growing wave of enthusiasts is dedicated to preserving and restoring these architectural treasures. With their timeless design and undeniable charm, the Forever Houses continue to attract those who appreciate both their history and their place in the modern world.
For anyone seeking affordable mid-century modern houses that capture the spirit of California’s golden era, the Fullerton Groves Forever Houses remain a standout example of how good design can be both beautiful and accessible.
Good design, after all, is forever.